How to
Increase Maximum Upload File Size in WordPress (5 Quick Methods)

Introduction: Overcoming the WordPress Upload Limit

Few things are more frustrating for a WordPress site administrator than meticulously crafting a high-quality video or preparing a high-resolution image gallery, only to be stopped dead in your tracks by the dreaded error message: "The uploaded file exceeds the upload_max_filesize directive in php.ini."

By default, many WordPress installations and hosting environments set strict limits on file uploads—often ranging from as little as 2MB to 8MB. While this is intended to preserve server resources and prevent timeouts, it serves as a significant bottleneck for modern digital experiences that rely on rich media. Whether you are managing a portfolio, uploading a premium theme, or integrating large datasets, hitting this ceiling disrupts workflow and productivity.

Fortunately, bypassing this restriction is a standard procedure in server administration. In this comprehensive cornerstone guide, we will walk you through five definitive methods to increase the maximum upload file size in WordPress. We will cover everything from simple dashboard tweaks to modifying server configuration files like .htaccess and php.ini. Furthermore, for businesses that require robust backend architecture without the headache of manual configuration, we will discuss how expert technology consultancy can ensure your environment is optimized for scale.

What You Will Learn

• Understanding the Core Issue: Why upload limits exist and how they affect your site.
• 5 Proven Methods: Step-by-step tutorials to safely increase your file size limits.
• Verification Techniques: How to confirm your changes have taken effect.
• Troubleshooting: What to do if the server overrides your changes.

Why Does WordPress Limit Upload File Sizes?

Before diving into the solutions, it is crucial to understand the why. WordPress itself does not arbitrarily decide this limit; it inherits the configuration from your web server’s PHP settings. Hosting providers implement these caps to:

1. Prevent Server Overload: Large file uploads consume memory and processing power. Unchecked uploads could crash shared servers.
2. Enhance Security: limiting file sizes helps mitigate DoS (Denial of Service) attacks where malicious actors try to saturate the server with massive requests.
3. Optimize Bandwidth: restricting file sizes ensures that bandwidth usage remains within predictable parameters.

However, as web standards evolve, these legacy limits often fail to meet the needs of modern applications, especially those requiring custom software development integrations or high-fidelity media.

Method 1: Update the .htaccess File (The Most Common Fix)

For websites hosted on Apache servers (which includes a vast majority of WordPress hosts), the .htaccess file is a powerful configuration tool. This is often the quickest and most reliable method for increasing upload limits without needing root access.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Access Your Site via FTP or File Manager: Use an FTP client like FileZilla or the File Manager in your hosting control panel (cPanel).
2. Locate the .htaccess File: It is usually found in the root directory (public_html) of your WordPress installation. Note: If you don’t see it, ensure "Show Hidden Files" is enabled.
3. Edit the File: Open the file and add the following code snippet at the very bottom:

php_value upload_max_filesize 64M
php_value post_max_size 64M
php_value memory_limit 128M
php_value max_execution_time 300
php_value max_input_time 300

Key Insight: Notice we also increased the post_max_size and memory_limit. The post_max_size must be larger than or equal to the upload_max_filesize to handle the data transfer.

Method 2: Create or Modify the php.ini File

If the .htaccess method does not work, or if you are on a server configuration that does not allow php_value directives in .htaccess, the php.ini file is your next best option. This is the default configuration file for running PHP applications.

Instructions:

1. Connect via FTP: Navigate to your site's root folder.
2. Search for php.ini: If it exists, download a backup copy, then open it for editing. If it does not exist, create a new file named php.ini.
3. Insert the Configuration Code: Add the following lines:

upload_max_filesize = 128M
post_max_size = 128M
max_execution_time = 300

Pro Tip: Some shared hosting providers require the php.ini file to be recursive or placed in specific directories (like /wp-admin/) to take effect. If you are struggling with server-side intricacies, you might benefit from professional SEO services that often include technical site audits and performance optimization.

Method 3: Modify the WordPress Theme Functions File

If you lack access to server configuration files, you can sometimes override these settings directly through WordPress by modifying the functions.php file of your active theme. However, this method is less permanent—if you change themes, the settings will revert.

How to Apply:

1. Go to Appearance > Theme File Editor in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Select functions.php from the right-hand file list.
3. Add the following code snippet at the end of the file:

@ini_set( 'upload_max_filesize' , '64M' );
@ini_set( 'post_max_size', '64M' );
@ini_set( 'max_execution_time', '300' );

Warning: This method often fails on shared hosting because the server's global PHP configuration (php.ini) usually overrides script-level requests. If this doesn’t work, verify your server permissions or consult a developer familiar with web development tools that can boost productivity and troubleshooting efficiency.

Method 4: Use the MultiPHP INI Editor in cPanel

For users on hosts utilizing cPanel (such as Bluehost, HostGator, or SiteGround), there is often a graphical interface (GUI) to handle this, eliminating the need to touch code.

The cPanel Route:

1. Log in to your cPanel.
2. Scroll down to the Software section and click on MultiPHP INI Editor.
3. Select your domain (home directory) from the dropdown menu.
4. Scroll down to find the upload_max_filesize directive.
5. Change the value to your desired limit (e.g., 128M).
6. Click Apply.

This is arguably the safest method for beginners as it ensures the syntax is correct and the server recognizes the change immediately.

Method 5: Configure NGINX (For VPS and Dedicated Servers)

If your WordPress site runs on NGINX instead of Apache (common for high-performance sites), .htaccess will not work. You must edit the nginx.conf file.

Configuration Steps:

1. Connect to your server via SSH.
2. Locate your config file, typically at /etc/nginx/nginx.conf or /etc/nginx/conf.d/default.conf.
3. Add the client_max_body_size directive inside the server or http block:

server {
    ...
    client_max_body_size 128M;
    ...
}

4. Restart NGINX to apply changes: sudo service nginx reload.

Handling NGINX configurations requires technical expertise. If misconfigured, your entire site could go down. For critical business infrastructure, it is advisable to leverage XSOne Consultants for professional server management and maintenance.

How to Check If the Upload Limit Has Increased

After applying one of the methods above, verify the changes:

1. Log in to your WordPress Dashboard.
2. Navigate to Media > Add New.
3. Look for the text usually displayed below the upload area: "Maximum upload file size: 128 MB."

If the number reflects your changes, you have succeeded.

Troubleshooting: Why Didn’t It Work?

If you have tried the methods above and the limit refuses to budge, consider these factors:

• Hosting Restrictions: Some shared hosting providers strictly lock the global php.ini file. In this case, no amount of code will override it. You must contact their support.
• Typographical Errors: A missing semicolon or misspelled directive in php.ini or .htaccess can invalidate the file.
• Cache: Clear your browser cache and your server cache (if you use plugins like W3 Total Cache or Cloudflare).

Sometimes, the issue isn’t just about file size but the complexity of the digital asset you are trying to manage. For businesses looking to build complex platforms that handle massive data loads naturally, exploring custom mobile app development services vs template apps can provide insights into building scalable architectures from the ground up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the ideal maximum upload file size for WordPress?

For most websites, setting the limit between 64MB and 128MB is sufficient. This covers high-resolution images, PDF documents, and short audio clips. If you are uploading long-form videos, consider hosting them on external platforms like YouTube or Vimeo to save bandwidth.

2. Will increasing the upload limit slow down my website?

Increasing the limit itself does not slow down the site. However, uploading and serving massive files (like 4K videos or uncompressed images) directly from your server can significantly impact page load speeds and SEO. Always compress media before uploading.

3. Can I use a plugin to increase the file size limit?

Yes, plugins like "Big File Uploads" or "Tuxedo Big File Uploads" can work effectively. However, relying on plugins for server-level configurations adds unnecessary bloat. The manual methods described above are cleaner and more efficient.

4. Why do I see a "Memory Exhausted" error after increasing the file size?

Upload size and memory limit are different PHP settings. If a file uploads but fails to process (e.g., during image resizing), your PHP memory_limit might be too low. Increase the memory limit in your wp-config.php or php.ini file to resolve this.

5. Is there a limit on the type of files I can upload?

Yes. WordPress restricts certain file types (like .exe or .svg) for security reasons. Increasing the file size limit does not authorize prohibited file types. You will need a separate plugin or code snippet to allow additional MIME types.

6. What if I am using a Multisite Network?

For WordPress Multisite, there is an additional setting in the Network Admin dashboard. Go to Settings > Network Settings and scroll down to "Max upload file size." This setting often overrides individual site configurations.

Conclusion

Increasing the maximum upload file size in WordPress is a fundamental skill for site management. Whether you choose to edit the .htaccess file, tweak the php.ini settings, or use the cPanel MultiPHP Editor, the goal remains the same: removing barriers to your content creation.

However, running into server-side limitations is often a symptom of a growing digital footprint. As your business scales, relying on default configurations and shared hosting environments can stifle growth. If you find yourself constantly battling technical restrictions, it may be time to consult with experts.

At XSOne Consultants, we specialize in overcoming technical hurdles through high-end technology consultancy and bespoke development strategies. Don’t let a file size limit be the bottleneck of your digital success—optimize your infrastructure today.

Editor

Editor at XS One Consultants, sharing insights and strategies to help businesses grow and succeed.