How to Increase the Maximum File Upload Size in WordPress

Understanding File Upload Limits in WordPress

WordPress, by default, imposes limits on the size of files you can upload through the media library. This restriction is in place to prevent server overload, security vulnerabilities, and to ensure optimal performance. However, there are times when you need to upload larger files, such as high-resolution images, videos, or themes. Fortunately, there are several methods you can employ to increase the maximum file upload size in WordPress.

Before delving into the specific methods, it’s essential to understand the factors that influence this limit. Primarily, it’s determined by your web hosting environment, specifically the PHP settings configured on your server. These settings control resource allocation, including the maximum size of uploaded files and the amount of memory available to PHP scripts. Modifying these settings, either directly or through WordPress plugins, is the key to increasing the upload limit.

Checking Your Current Upload Limit

The first step is to determine your current upload limit. This will give you a baseline and help you verify if your changes are successful.

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to Media > Add New.
3. Look for the message below the upload box. It typically reads something like “Maximum upload file size: 8 MB.” This indicates your current upload limit.

Modifying PHP Settings via .htaccess

The .htaccess file is a powerful configuration file used by Apache web servers. It allows you to make changes to your server’s settings without directly accessing the server configuration files. This method is relatively simple and often effective, but its success depends on your hosting provider’s configuration.

Steps:

1. Access your website’s files using an FTP client (like FileZilla) or the file manager provided by your hosting control panel (cPanel, Plesk, etc.).
2. Locate the .htaccess file in your WordPress root directory (the same directory where you find wp-config.php). If you don’t see it, make sure your FTP client or file manager is configured to show hidden files.
3. Edit the .htaccess file. You can download it, edit it locally, and then re-upload it, or you can use the file manager’s built-in editor.
4. Add the following code to the end of the file:

   php_value upload_max_filesize 64M
   php_value post_max_size 64M
   php_value memory_limit 256M
   php_value max_execution_time 300
   php_value max_input_time 300
   

   Replace 64M with the desired upload limit in megabytes (e.g., 128M for 128MB). The memory_limit should be larger than upload_max_filesize and post_max_size. max_execution_time and max_input_time increase the time allowed for script execution.

5. Save the changes and upload the file (if you downloaded it).
6. Check your upload limit in the WordPress media library to confirm the changes.

Important Considerations:

• Not all hosting providers allow modification of PHP settings through .htaccess. If this method doesn’t work, proceed to the next options.
• Always create a backup of your .htaccess file before making any changes. If something goes wrong, you can easily revert to the original version.
• Incorrect .htaccess configurations can cause website errors (e.g., a 500 Internal Server Error). If you encounter problems, restore the original file.

Modifying PHP Settings via php.ini

The php.ini file is the primary configuration file for PHP. Editing this file allows you to directly modify PHP settings. However, access to this file depends on your hosting environment. Shared hosting plans often restrict direct access to php.ini.

Steps:

1. Check if you have access to the php.ini file. You can often find it in your hosting account’s file manager or through FTP. The location varies depending on your hosting provider.
2. If you can’t find the php.ini file, you can try creating one in your WordPress root directory. However, this might not work on all hosting environments.
3. Edit the php.ini file and add or modify the following lines:

   upload_max_filesize = 64M
   post_max_size = 64M
   memory_limit = 256M
   max_execution_time = 300
   max_input_time = 300
   

   As before, adjust the values according to your needs.

4. Save the changes.
5. Restart your web server. This is crucial for the changes to take effect. The method for restarting the server varies. Some hosting providers offer a restart option in the control panel. If not, you might need to contact their support team.
6. Check your upload limit in the WordPress media library.

Important Considerations:

• Shared hosting environments often restrict access to php.ini.
• If you create a php.ini file in your WordPress root, it might not override the server’s main php.ini.
• Always restart the web server after making changes to php.ini.

Modifying PHP Settings via wp-config.php

The wp-config.php file contains essential configuration settings for your WordPress installation. While not the primary file for PHP settings, you can sometimes use it to increase the upload limit. This method is less reliable than modifying .htaccess or php.ini, but it’s worth trying if the other methods fail.

Steps:

1. Access your website’s files using FTP or the file manager.
2. Locate the wp-config.php file in your WordPress root directory.
3. Edit the wp-config.php file.
4. Add the following code to the end of the file, before the line that says /* That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */:

   define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
   define('WP_MAX_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
   define('WP_POST_MAX_SIZE', '64M');
   define('WP_UPLOAD_MAX_SIZE', '64M');
   

   Adjust the values as needed.

5. Save the changes.
6. Check your upload limit in the WordPress media library.

Important Considerations:

• This method might not work on all hosting environments.
• The WP_MEMORY_LIMIT and WP_MAX_MEMORY_LIMIT constants control the amount of memory allocated to WordPress.

Using a WordPress Plugin

Several WordPress plugins can help you increase the upload limit without manually editing files. These plugins provide a user-friendly interface for modifying PHP settings.

Example Plugins:

• Increase Maximum Upload File Size
• WP Maximum Upload File Size
• Big File Uploads

Steps:

1. Install and activate the chosen plugin from the WordPress plugin repository.
2. Navigate to the plugin’s settings page (usually found under Settings or a dedicated menu item).
3. Follow the plugin’s instructions to increase the maximum upload file size. The plugin typically provides a dropdown menu or a text field where you can specify the desired limit.
4. Save the changes.
5. Check your upload limit in the WordPress media library.

Important Considerations:

• Choose a reputable plugin with good reviews and a high number of active installations.
• Some plugins might not be compatible with all hosting environments. If a plugin doesn’t work, try a different one.

Contacting Your Hosting Provider

If none of the above methods work, the best course of action is to contact your hosting provider’s support team. They have direct access to the server configuration and can assist you in increasing the upload limit. Explain that you need to upload larger files and request them to adjust the PHP settings accordingly. Be sure to tell them what you have tried already.

When contacting your hosting provider, provide the following information:

• Your website’s domain name.
• The desired upload limit.
• The methods you have already tried.
• Any error messages you have encountered.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even after implementing these methods, you might still encounter problems uploading large files. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

Issue: “The uploaded file exceeds the upload_max_filesize directive in php.ini.”

Solution: This indicates that the upload_max_filesize setting is still too low. Double-check all the methods you have tried and ensure that the setting is correctly configured. If you’re using a plugin, make sure it’s properly configured and compatible with your hosting environment.

Issue: “The uploaded file exceeds the MAX_FILE_SIZE directive that was specified in the HTML form.”

Solution: This error is less common. It suggests that the HTML form used for uploading files has a built-in size limit. This is rarely the case with the standard WordPress media uploader. However, if you’re using a custom form, check its code to ensure that the MAX_FILE_SIZE directive is not restricting the upload size.

Issue: “HTTP error” or “Failed to write file to disk.”

Solution: These errors can be caused by various factors, including server issues, file permissions, or insufficient disk space. Contact your hosting provider for assistance.

Issue: Changes aren’t reflected in WordPress after modifying files.

Solution: Ensure you’ve saved the files correctly, cleared your browser cache and any website caching plugins you’re using. Restart your server if you’re able to do so.

Conclusion

Increasing the maximum file upload size in WordPress is a common task that can be accomplished through various methods. By understanding the underlying PHP settings and following the steps outlined in this article, you can overcome upload limitations and efficiently manage your media files. Remember to back up your files before making any changes and to consult your hosting provider if you encounter any difficulties. With a little patience and persistence, you can successfully increase the upload limit and enhance your WordPress experience.