How to Increase File Upload Size in WordPress

How-To
How To Increase File Upload Size In Wordpress

When running a WordPress website, you may encounter a limit on the size of files you can upload. This limit can be frustrating when you need to upload large files, such as media, themes, or plugins. Fortunately, there are several ways to increase the file upload size in WordPress, depending on your hosting environment and server configuration.

In this guide, we’ll cover multiple methods to increase the WordPress file upload size, helping you avoid upload restrictions and improve site functionality.

Why Increase the File Upload Size in WordPress?

By default, WordPress limits the size of files you can upload through the Media Library, which may range from 2MB to 128MB, depending on your hosting provider. Increasing this limit can be essential for several reasons:

  • Uploading large media files: Videos, high-resolution images, or audio files often exceed default upload limits.
  • Installing large themes or plugins: Some themes and plugins can be too large to upload within the default limit.
  • Uploading database backups: In some cases, you may need to upload large backups for site migration or restoration.

Method 1: Modify the PHP Configuration

One of the most common ways to increase the file upload size is by modifying the PHP configuration. This can be done through the php.ini file, which controls server-side settings for PHP scripts.

Steps to Modify php.ini:

  1. Access your server: Use an FTP client (like FileZilla) or access your hosting control panel to locate the php.ini file. If you’re on a shared hosting environment, you may need to contact your host for access.
  2. Edit php.ini: Open the php.ini file and look for the following settings (or add them if they don’t exist):
    upload_max_filesize = 64M
    post_max_size = 64M max_execution_time = 300
    • upload_max_filesize: This is the maximum file size you can upload.
    • post_max_size: This controls the maximum size for all POST requests, which affects file uploads.
    • max_execution_time: This defines how long a script can run. Increasing this can help with larger uploads.
  3. Save and upload the modified php.ini file back to your server.
  4. Restart your web server if necessary to apply the changes.

Method 2: Edit the .htaccess File

If you don’t have access to the php.ini file or are using shared hosting, you can modify the .htaccess file to increase the file upload size. The .htaccess file is commonly found in the root directory of your WordPress installation and controls server behavior for Apache-based servers.

Steps to Modify .htaccess:

  1. Access the .htaccess file: Use an FTP client or access your hosting control panel to open the .htaccess file in your WordPress root directory.
  2. Add the following code:
    php_value upload_max_filesize 64M
    php_value post_max_size 64M
    php_value max_execution_time 300
    php_value max_input_time 300
  3. Save the file and upload it back to your server.
  4. Check if the changes have taken effect by attempting to upload a file in WordPress.

Method 3: Update the wp-config.php File

Another way to increase the WordPress file upload size is by modifying the wp-config.php file. This file is located in the root directory of your WordPress installation and controls various configurations for your website.

Steps to Edit wp-config.php:

  1. Access wp-config.php: Use an FTP client or your hosting control panel to locate and open the wp-config.php file.
  2. Add the following line before the /* That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */ line:@ini_set( 'upload_max_size' , '64M' ); @ini_set( 'post_max_size', '64M'); @ini_set( 'max_execution_time', '300' );
  3. Save and upload the file back to your server.

This method may not always work depending on your hosting setup, but it’s a useful approach if you can’t modify server files directly.

Method 4: Contact Your Hosting Provider

If you are on a shared hosting plan and do not have access to the server configuration files, your hosting provider may have set a default limit on file uploads. In this case, you can contact your hosting provider and request them to increase the file upload size limit for your website.

Most hosting providers are able to accommodate this request, especially if you’re running into issues uploading large files or themes. When contacting support, provide the specific file upload size you need.

Method 5: Use a WordPress Plugin

For those who are not comfortable editing server or configuration files, you can use a WordPress plugin to increase the upload limit. Plugins like “Increase Max Upload File Size” or “WP Increase Upload Filesize” allow you to change the upload limit from the WordPress dashboard without touching any code.

Steps to Use a Plugin:

  1. Install a plugin: Go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins > Add New, and search for “Increase Max Upload File Size” or similar plugins.
  2. Activate the plugin and follow the on-screen instructions to increase the file upload size.
  3. Configure the settings: Once activated, go to the plugin’s settings page and enter your desired upload limit (e.g., 64MB).

Using a plugin is a simple, non-technical solution that’s ideal for beginners.

Method 6: Modify Hosting Service Settings

If you’re using a hosting control panel like cPanel or Plesk, there are settings available to change the file upload limit directly from the hosting dashboard.

Steps to Modify Hosting Settings via cPanel:

  1. Log in to cPanel and navigate to the Software section.
  2. Click on Select PHP Version or PHP Settings, depending on your hosting provider.
  3. Adjust the following settings to your desired values:
    • upload_max_filesize
    • post_max_size
    • max_execution_time
  4. Save the changes and try uploading a file in WordPress to ensure the new settings are applied.

Method 7: Add a Custom PHP.ini File (For Custom Servers)

If you have a custom server or a VPS/dedicated server, you can manually create a php.ini file within your WordPress directory to set custom upload limits.

Steps to Create a php.ini File:

  1. Create a new file: Open a text editor and create a file named php.ini.
  2. Add the following code to set your desired limits:upload_max_filesize = 64M post_max_size = 64M max_execution_time = 300
  3. Upload the php.ini file to your WordPress root directory using FTP.

This method is useful if you have full control over your server configuration and want custom PHP settings.

Conclusion

Increasing the file upload size in WordPress can be done in several ways, depending on your hosting setup and level of technical expertise. Whether you choose to modify the php.ini or .htaccess file, use a plugin, or contact your hosting provider, each method will allow you to increase the upload size limit and improve your site’s functionality. Choose the method that works best for your situation, and you’ll be able to upload large files to WordPress without any issues.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your website can handle larger files, themes, plugins, and media without running into frustrating upload limits.

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