WordPress is undeniably one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) in the digital realm. It offers users myriad features, ensuring everyone, from seasoned developers to blogging newbies, can easily design and manage their sites. But sometimes, as with all software, you might bump into certain restrictions. One common hiccup users face is the WordPress upload limit. If you’ve ever tried uploading large files or media and received an error message like “The uploaded file exceeds the upload_max_filesize directive in php.ini,” you’ve encountered this file size limit.
Before you throw your hands up in frustration, take a deep breath. Addressing this issue is more straightforward than it seems. Whether you’re a seasoned webmaster or just someone looking to share their latest vacation video, this guide is designed for you. Let’s learn how to fix the WordPress upload limit!
How to Check Your Current Upload Limit
Before you try to fix the WordPress upload limit, it’s important to first check the current upload size restriction on your website. This will help you understand how much headroom you have and by how much you need to increase the WordPress upload limit.
Here are a few easy ways to do that:
Check via the WordPress Admin Dashboard
The simplest way to check your WordPress upload limit is directly from your dashboard.
- Go to your WordPress Admin Dashboard.
- Click on Media ⟶ Add New.
- Just below the upload area, you’ll see a message like:
“Maximum upload file size: 8 MB.”
This shows your current upload_max_filesize limit set by the server. If you’re trying to upload a file larger than this, WordPress will stop you right here.
Use the Site Health Info Tool
WordPress has a built-in tool called Site Health that provides technical details about your website’s configuration, including PHP settings like upload limits.
To access it:
- Head to Tools ⟶ Site Health ⟶ Info.
- Scroll down and click on the Server section.
- Look for entries like: upload_max_filesize or post_max_size
These values control how large a file you can upload. If they’re too low, you’ll need to modify them to increase your upload capacity.
This method is ideal if you want a more detailed overview of your WordPress hosting environment without installing extra plugins.
Don’t Let Upload Limits Hold You Back
We can handle the tech, the tweaks, the updates, even the weird errors, so your website always runs like a dream.
Best Methods to Increase Media File Upload Size in WordPress
Here are top methods to quickly increase the maximum media file upload size, ensuring smoother website management and richer content delivery.
Update Through the Media Uploader
When you’re in the WordPress admin dashboard and navigate to the media uploader, you might notice an “upload limit” mentioned. If it’s too small, here’s what to do:
Adjust from WordPress Dashboard: Sometimes, there’s an option right within the Media → Add New section in your dashboard. If available, you can increase the maximum file upload size directly there.
Related: Fix “An Error Occurred in The Upload…” in WordPress
Tweak the php.ini File
The php.ini file is a configuration file for PHP settings.
- Access your website via FTP or your hosting panel.
- Look for the php.ini file. If it’s not there, create one.
- Add or modify the following lines:
upload_max_filesize = 64M
post_max_size = 64M
max_execution_time = 300
- Save and close the file.
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Contact Your Hosting Provider for Help
If you encounter issues with your WordPress website, reaching out to your hosting provider is often the best course of action. First, gather essential information: account details, domain name, and error messages. Log into your hosting account and navigate to the “Support” or “Help” section. Providers typically offer support channels like live chat, ticket systems, or even phone support. Clearly describe your problem; the more specific you are, the better assistance you’ll receive. Response times may vary, but the support team can quickly address your concerns with accurate information.
Read: How to Update WordPress PHP Version
Change PHP Options via cPanel
Managing your website’s backend might seem daunting, but with tools like cPanel, it’s more intuitive than you think. If your hosting provider equips you with cPanel, you can effortlessly tweak your PHP settings, including the maximum file size upload limit. Let’s delve into how:
- Access cPanel: Log in to your hosting account and navigate to the cPanel dashboard.
- Select PHP Version: You’ll find the ‘Select PHP Version’ option under the’ Software’ section. This is your gateway to changing PHP settings.
- Navigate to PHP Options: Inside the PHP Version interface, there’s an ‘Options’ link in the navigation menu. Click on it to reach the PHP Options panel.
- Modify PHP Directives: As you scroll, you’ll spot directives like upload_max_filesize, post_max_size, memory_limit, max_execution_time, and max_input_time. You can tweak these as per your requirements. Remember, the maximum values you can input here depend on your hosting plan.
- Save Changes: Modern cPanel dashboards are smart and save changes instantaneously. However, if you’re on an older version, remember to hit the ‘Save Changes’ button.
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Use a WordPress Plugin
If you need help with diving into code, WordPress plugins offer a more straightforward solution. The WP Maximum Upload File Size plugin is a top choice for adjusting file size limits.
Steps to Use the Plugin:
- Install and Activate: Find ‘WP Max Upload Size’ in your WordPress dashboard under ‘Plugins.’ Install and activate it.
- Adjust Settings: Navigate to the plugin’s settings. You’ll see upload limits set by WordPress and your hosting provider.
- Set Desired Limit: Use the dropdown to increase the WordPress file upload limit, provided it doesn’t exceed your hosting provider’s limit.
Remember, to go beyond your host’s set limit, you must contact them directly.]
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Upload Files via FTP/SFTP
FTP/SFTP is a reliable way to upload large files when traditional methods falter.
Quick Steps:
- FTP/SFTP: Use these protocols to transfer large files directly to your server. Consider our tutorial on bulk uploading to the WordPress media library if you are unfamiliar with it.
- WordPress Recognition: WordPress might not detect FTP/SFTP uploads. The solution? The free Add From Server plugin imports these files into WordPress.
- WP-CLI: For those versed in the command line, the wp media import command in WP-CLI lets you attach files from local sources or URLs.
This method ensures your files reach your website without the standard size restrictions.
Read: How to Fix The 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress
Add Code to Your .htaccess File
When you want to adjust server settings like the max upload file size, the .htaccess file in your WordPress setup is handy. Before diving in, remember to back up your current .htaccess files. Access the file in your website’s root directory using an FTP client or your hosting cPanel’s File Manager. To modify upload limits, append the file with code like:
php_value upload_max_filesize 64M
php_value post_max_size 64MAdjust the values as needed, then save and close. After making changes, check your WordPress site to ensure they take effect. If in doubt, consider reaching out to a web expert.
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Conclusion
Managing your WordPress site requires a mix of simple tools and more technical tweaks. Whether using plugins for straightforward changes or diving into server settings, each approach has its place. It’s always a good idea to back up before making changes and feel free to seek help if you need clarification. You can ensure your site runs smoothly with the proper knowledge and resources.
FAQs
How to increase the WordPress upload limit unlimited extension?
There are plugins that help increase the max upload size without touching code. Some claim to give unlimited upload size, but the actual limit will still depend on your hosting server’s global PHP settings. While these tools adjust upload settings, your server resources must still support the increase in the upload file size limit
How to change post max size?
To change the post max size, which affects how much data can be submitted through a single request, you’ll need to edit your php.ini or wp-config.php file. You can also check your web server settings or contact your WordPress hosting provider to modify this value. This is especially important when uploading large files via the WordPress admin panel or handling big file uploads like video or audio files.
How do I upload large files to WordPress?
To upload large files to WordPress, you first need to increase the maximum upload file size through server-side changes. If the file is still too large, you can upload large files via FTP to the wp-content/uploads folder in your WordPress root directory. You may also need a plugin that helps WordPress recognize files uploaded through other methods.
What is the upload limit for WordPress?
The default limit varies by host but is often between 2MB and 64MB. You can find the current max upload size in the Media upload section of the WordPress admin panel. If you’re on a WordPress multisite, check the network admin dashboard and network settings, as size in WordPress multisite installs can be controlled differently.
Is 1MB maximum upload size in WordPress?
Yes, in some WordPress setups the default limit may be as low as 1MB. This small upload size for WordPress makes it hard to upload media-rich content. You’ll need to increase the upload size by editing server files or contacting your hosting provider to boost the maximum upload size limit.
Does WordPress have a limit?
Yes, WordPress does have limits for file uploads, memory, and post data. These limits are controlled by server settings and can be increased. If you’re tired of WordPress upload restrictions stopping admin users from uploading large theme files or custom code, it’s time to increase the max upload size by adjusting the settings in your site’s root directory. This will also help your site handle gigabytes, traffic spikes, and performance-heavy content more effectively
How do I increase the upload limit in WordPress?
To increase the maximum upload limit in WordPress, you can make changes to your server’s configuration. This might include editing the php.ini file, functions.php file, .htaccess, or the wp-config.php file, depending on what your WordPress hosting provider allows. These changes will help increase the max upload size so you can handle larger files easily.
