How to Make All-in-One WordPress Migration Upload more than 128 MB

Ever hit a roadblock while migrating a WordPress website using the All-in-One WP Migration plugin? You’re not alone. Picture this: you’ve successfully built a stunning website on your local server, and it’s finally time to go live. But then—bam!—you encounter the dreaded 128 MB file upload limit, stopping your migration in its tracks. Frustrating, right?

Here’s the reality: this size restriction is a common pain point for developers, often requiring an upgrade to the premium version to go beyond it. But what if we told you there’s a smarter way to break free from this limitation without spending a dime? In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to bypass the upload limit by tweaking a few files—giving you the freedom to migrate large sites effortlessly. Ready to take control of your WordPress migrations? Let’s dive in!

Why Is There a Limit on All-in-One WP Migration?

The file size limit in the All-in-One WP Migration plugin isn’t arbitrary; it’s intentionally designed to strike a balance between functionality and server performance. Let’s break it down:

Why the Size Limit Exists

The primary reason for the size restriction is to prevent excessive strain on hosting servers. Importing large files requires significant server resources, such as memory, processing power, and disk space. Without a cap, the import process could lead to timeouts, server crashes, or degraded performance for other websites hosted on the same server. This is especially critical for shared hosting environments, where multiple users share resources.

Read: Shared Hosting Vs WordPress Hosting

The Developer’s Perspective: A Double-Edged Sword

While this restriction is beneficial for servers, it often creates hurdles for developers. Building feature-rich websites with high-resolution images, plugins, and media files can easily push the export size beyond the default limit. Imagine working tirelessly on a client’s website only to realize you’re unable to migrate it due to a 128 MB or 512 MB cap. This can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially for developers managing larger projects.

How the Limits Vary (128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB)

The All-in-One WP Migration plugin’s size limit varies depending on the hosting environment or the plugin version. Here’s what you might encounter:

• 128 MB: Commonly seen in older versions of the plugin or on entry-level hosting plans.
• 256 MB: Slightly higher limit, but still restrictive for websites with media-heavy content.
• 512 MB: Found in newer versions, but often requires a paid upgrade to unlock higher limits.

While these caps aim to safeguard servers, they can feel restrictive for developers needing to migrate larger WordPress websites. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome this challenge without compromising server performance or breaking the bank.

Before You Begin: Essential Preparations

Before diving into the solutions to bypass the file size limits in the All-in-One WP Migration plugin, it’s crucial to lay the groundwork. A few essential preparations can save you from headaches later and ensure a smooth process. Here’s what you need to do:

Backup First!

Creating a backup of your WordPress site is a must-do before making any changes. Why? Because even small tweaks to files like .htaccess or constants.php can cause unexpected issues, from breaking your website to losing important data. With a recent backup, you’ll always have a safety net to restore your site if something goes wrong.

Pro Tip: Use a reliable backup plugin like Blogvault, or manually back up your files and database via your hosting panel.

Access Needed

To make the necessary changes, you’ll need access to critical WordPress files. Ensure you have permission and tools to access the following:

• Root Directory: Where the .htaccess file is located.
• Plugin Files: Specifically, the constants.php file within the All-in-One WP Migration plugin folder.

Tools to Have on Hand

To edit these files and bypass the size restrictions, gather the following tools:

• FTP Client (e.g., FileZilla): For accessing and managing your website’s files on the server.
• Text Editor (e.g., Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code): To edit .htaccess or constants.php with ease.
• WordPress Plugin Editor: A built-in option in WordPress for directly editing plugin files (ensure you have admin access).

Methods to Increase All-in-One WP Migration Upload Limit

If you’ve hit the upload limit in All-in-One WP Migration, don’t worry—there are effective ways to bypass this restriction and migrate your WordPress site hassle-free. Here are three methods to increase the upload limit, each tailored to your needs and technical expertise.

Using the .htaccess File

The .htaccess file in your website’s root directory allows you to configure server-level settings, including upload limits. Here’s how you can tweak it:

Step-by-Step Guide

Access the Root Directory:

• Use an FTP client like FileZilla or your hosting provider’s file manager to access your WordPress site’s root directory.
• Locate the .htaccess file (ensure hidden files are visible).

Create a Backup: Before editing, create a backup of the .htaccess file to avoid losing important configurations.

Edit the File: Open .htaccess with a text editor (e.g., Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code).

Add the following code snippet to increase the upload limits:

php_value upload_max_filesize 2048M  

php_value post_max_size 2048M  

php_value memory_limit 4096M  

php_value max_execution_time 0  

php_value max_input_time 0

Save and Upload: Save the changes and upload the updated .htaccess file to the server.

Refresh the Import Page: Reload the All-in-One WP Migration import page in WordPress to see the updated limit (e.g., 2 GB).

Potential Pitfalls:

• If changes don’t reflect immediately, clear your browser cache or check with your hosting provider to ensure .htaccess overrides are allowed.
• On some servers, incorrect configurations in .htaccess may cause a 500 Internal Server Error. Revert to the backup if this happens.

Editing the constants.php File (Recommended)

This method directly modifies the plugin’s settings, offering a more reliable and efficient way to bypass the size limit.

Why This Method is Better: Unlike .htaccess tweaks, this method eliminates the risk of server-side conflicts and ensures seamless compatibility with the plugin’s functionality.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Access the Plugin Editor: Log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Appearance > Plugin Editor. Then, select the All-in-One WP Migration plugin from the dropdown menu.

Locate the constants.php File: Find the constants.php file in the plugin folder and click on it to edit.

Edit the Max File Size: 

• Search for the following line of code:

define( 'AI1WM_MAX_FILE_SIZE', 2 << 28 );  

• Modify the value to increase the file size limit:

For 1 GB:

define( 'AI1WM_MAX_FILE_SIZE', 1073741824 );

For 5 GB:

define( 'AI1WM_MAX_FILE_SIZE', 5368709120 );  

• Save Changes: Click on “Update File” to save your changes.

Refresh the Import Page: Reload the All-in-One WP Migration import page to see the updated file size limit.

Compatibility Tip: This method is tested to work best with version 6.77 of the All-in-One WP Migration plugin. If you’re using a newer version, check the plugin documentation for updates.

Alternative: Upgrading to the Premium Version

If the above methods feel too technical or if you’re managing multiple large-scale migrations, upgrading to the premium version of All-in-One WP Migration is a practical solution.

When to Consider Upgrading

• Ease of Use: No need to edit files or access the server.
• Higher Limits: Import files up to unlimited sizes without manual tweaks.
• Additional Features: Unlock advanced features like cloud storage integrations (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) and priority support.

While the premium version is a paid option, it’s a hassle-free way to overcome limitations and streamline your migration process—especially for non-tech-savvy users or agencies managing multiple clients.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best preparations and methods, you may run into a few hurdles when bypassing the upload limit in All-in-One WP Migration. Here are some common issues and quick fixes to help you troubleshoot effectively:

The Import Gets Stuck at 100%

When the import progress bar reaches 100% but doesn’t complete, it can be frustrating. Here’s what to do:

• Clear the Browser Cache: Sometimes, the browser cache causes display issues. Clear the cache and refresh the page.
• Increase PHP Execution Time: The import might be timing out. Edit your .htaccess file or PHP settings to set max_execution_time to 0 (unlimited).
  php_value max_execution_time 0  
• Check Server Resources: Ensure your hosting plan has sufficient memory and CPU power. Contact your hosting provider if necessary to increase these limits temporarily.
• Retry with Smaller Files: Break your migration file into smaller chunks if possible. The premium version of the plugin allows partial imports.

Changes in .htaccess or constants.php Don’t Work

If the changes you made don’t reflect, here’s what to check:

• File Permissions: Ensure the .htaccess or constants.php file has the correct permissions (usually 644). Adjust them via your FTP client if needed.
• Server Overrides: Some hosting providers restrict .htaccess overrides. Contact your host to confirm if custom configurations are allowed.
• Plugin Caching: Some WordPress plugins or server caching mechanisms might be interfering. Clear all caches and disable caching plugins temporarily.
• Restart Services: If changes still don’t reflect, restart your web server (if you have access to it) to apply the new configurations.

You Encounter Permissions Issues When Editing Files

If you’re unable to edit .htaccess or constants.php due to permissions issues, try the following:

• Switch File Permissions Temporarily: Change the file’s permission to 666 for editing, and revert it to 644 after saving changes. Use an FTP client for this.
• Access Through cPanel: If FTP doesn’t work, log in to your hosting provider’s cPanel and use the file manager to edit the files.
• Use a Plugin for File Access: Install a plugin like WP File Manager, which lets you edit files directly from your WordPress dashboard.
• Contact Your Hosting Provider: If permissions are locked by the host, request them to grant temporary access or make the required changes on your behalf.

Conclusion: No More Limits, Just Smooth Migrations!

Hitting a file size limit during WordPress migrations can feel like a roadblock, but as you’ve seen, it doesn’t have to stop you in your tracks. With the methods outlined—editing the .htaccess file, tweaking the constants.php file, or opting for the premium version of All-in-One WP Migration—you now have the tools to bypass these restrictions effortlessly.

No matter the size of your WordPress website, these solutions ensure smooth, hassle-free migrations, saving you time, frustration, and unnecessary expenses. So, the next time you’re faced with the dreaded 128 MB or 512 MB cap, you’ll know exactly what to do.