Increase Maximum Upload File Size in WordPress: How-to Guide

As a WordPress user, you may have encountered file size limitations that hinder your ability to upload larger files. Your website’s file upload size limit affects the media you can upload, including images, videos, and audios. This can be frustrating, especially if you are running a website that involves sharing large files, such as multimedia projects.

In this how-to guide, we will explore methods to increase the maximum upload file size in WordPress. We will start by understanding file size limitations in WordPress and checking the current upload file size limit on your website. We will then cover different methods to increase the maximum file size limit, including manual methods and using plugins. We will also provide best practices for uploading and managing large files in WordPress.

Key Takeaways

• The default file size limitations in WordPress can limit your ability to upload large files on your website, affecting site functionality and user experience.
• You can increase your site’s maximum upload file size by modifying the .htaccess file, wp-config.php file or by using plugins designed for this purpose.
• It is essential to follow best practices when uploading large files in WordPress, including file compression, utilizing external storage solutions, and optimizing website performance to accommodate larger file sizes.

Understanding File Size Limitations in WordPress

By default, WordPress sets a maximum upload file size limit of 2MB for media files such as images, videos, and audio files. This may not be sufficient for users who need to upload larger files such as high-resolution images, long videos, or audio files with high bitrates.

Uploading large files can also have an impact on website performance, such as longer load times and increased server load. Therefore, it’s important to understand the limitations of file size in WordPress and explore ways to increase the maximum upload file size to accommodate larger files.

Challenges with Uploading Large Files

When uploading large files in WordPress, users may encounter several challenges. One common issue is exceeding the maximum upload file size limit set by WordPress, resulting in an error message and failure to upload the file. Another challenge is the impact on website performance, as larger files may take longer to upload and load on the website.

Uploading larger files may also cause compatibility issues with web browsers and devices that have limited resources. This can result in slow or unsuccessful uploads, causing frustration for users attempting to share their content.

Checking the Current Upload File Size Limit in WordPress

Before increasing the maximum upload file size in WordPress, it’s essential to determine the current limit. To do this, you can use either of the following methods:

1. Access the WordPress dashboard and navigate to Media > Add New. You should see the current maximum upload file size displayed at the bottom of the screen.
2. Alternatively, you can create a PHP file called phpinfo.php and save it on your website’s root directory. Add the following code:

Code:	<?php phpinfo(); ?>

Once you’ve created and saved the file, navigate to it in your web browser by entering http://yourdomain.com/phpinfo.php. You’ll see a table with a list of server settings, including upload_max_filesize and post_max_size, which display the current maximum upload limit for files and the maximum size of POST data, respectively.

Methods to Increase Maximum Upload File Size in WordPress

There are different ways to increase the maximum upload file size in WordPress. You can modify your .htaccess file, your wp-config.php file, or use a plugin specifically designed for this purpose. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best one for you depends on your technical skills, server configuration, and website requirements.

Method 1: Increasing File Size Limit via .htaccess

The .htaccess file is a configuration file used by the Apache web server to override its default settings. To increase the maximum upload file size limit via .htaccess, follow these steps:

1. Access your website’s root directory using an FTP client or a File Manager in your hosting control panel.
2. Locate the .htaccess file and download a backup copy to your local computer.
3. Edit the .htaccess file using a text editor such as Notepad or Sublime Text.
4. Add the following code at the bottom of the file:

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

Replace “64M” with your desired maximum upload file size in megabytes (MB), and adjust the max_execution_time and max_input_time values according to your server’s performance. These values represent the maximum time (in seconds) that PHP scripts are allowed to run before they are terminated.

Save the .htaccess file and upload it back to your website’s root directory, replacing the original file. Check if the changes have taken effect by uploading a test file to your WordPress media library.

Method 2: Increasing File Size Limit via wp-config.php

The wp-config.php file is a vital file used by WordPress to store database settings, authentication keys, and other important information. To increase the maximum upload file size limit via wp-config.php, follow these steps:

1. Access your website’s root directory using an FTP client or a File Manager in your hosting control panel.
2. Locate the wp-config.php file and download a backup copy to your local computer.
3. Edit the wp-config.php file using a text editor such as Notepad or Sublime Text.
4. Add the following code before the line that says “That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging.”:

Code:	ini_set(‘upload_max_filesize’,’64M’); ini_set(‘post_max_size’,’64M’); ini_set(‘max_execution_time’,’300′);

Replace “64M” with your desired maximum upload file size in megabytes (MB), and adjust the max_execution_time value according to your server’s performance. This value represents the maximum time (in seconds) that PHP scripts are allowed to run before they are terminated.

Save the wp-config.php file and upload it back to your website’s root directory, replacing the original file. Check if the changes have taken effect by uploading a test file to your WordPress media library.

Method 3: Using Plugins to Increase Maximum Upload File Size

Several plugins are available in the WordPress repository to help you increase the maximum upload file size without the need for manual coding. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• WP Max Upload Size – This plugin allows you to set the maximum upload file size for individual file types, such as images, videos, audio, and more.
• Increase Upload Max Filesize – This plugin enables you to increase the maximum upload file size limit by adding a simple shortcode to your WordPress post or page.
• WP Upload Max File Size Increase – This premium plugin offers advanced features such as real-time file size validation, drag-and-drop file upload, and automatic file compression.

Choose a plugin that suits your needs and install it via your WordPress dashboard. Follow the plugin’s documentation to configure it properly and test if the changes have taken effect by uploading a test file to your WordPress media library.

Method 1: Increasing File Size Limit via .htaccess

To increase the maximum upload file size in WordPress using the .htaccess file, you need to follow these steps:

1. Access the root directory of your WordPress website using an FTP client or cPanel File Manager.
2. Locate the .htaccess file and download a copy of it to your computer as a backup.
3. Edit the .htaccess file by adding the following code at the bottom:

Code to add:	php_value upload_max_filesize 64M php_value post_max_size 64M php_value max_execution_time 300 php_value max_input_time 300

Replace “64M” with your desired maximum upload file size in megabytes. The “max_execution_time” and “max_input_time” values specify the maximum time allowed for script execution and input data respectively.

Save the changes to the .htaccess file and upload it back to the root directory of your WordPress website.

Now, you can check if the file size limit has been successfully increased by uploading a larger file to your website.

Method 2: Increasing File Size Limit via wp-config.php

If you’re uncomfortable editing the .htaccess file, or it didn’t work for you, you can try modifying the wp-config.php file instead. This file is located in the root directory of your WordPress installation and contains crucial website settings and configurations.

To get started, access your WordPress site using a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client or the File Manager in your hosting control panel. Locate the wp-config.php file and download a backup copy to your computer. This ensures you have a safe copy of the file, should anything go wrong during the editing process.

Next, open the wp-config.php file in a code editor or text editor and add the following code within the first PHP tag:

Code to Add to wp-config.php
define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ’64M’);

You can replace “64M” with any value you want, depending on your requirements. This example increases the maximum upload file size to 64 megabytes.

Once you have made the changes, save the wp-config.php file and upload it to the root directory on your web server, overwriting the original file.

To check if the changes have been successful, log in to your WordPress site and navigate to Media > Add New. The maximum file size limit should now reflect the value you set in the wp-config.php file.

Method 3: Using Plugins to Increase Maximum Upload File Size

If you prefer a more effortless way to increase the maximum upload file size, you might consider using plugins. Many plugins can help you modify the default file upload size limit without manually editing any files.

One of the most popular plugins you can use is the WP Maximum Upload File Size. With this plugin, you can easily increase the maximum upload file size limit in WordPress.

Steps to Install WP Maximum Upload File Size Plugin:
1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard and go to Plugins > Add New.
2. Search for WP Maximum Upload File Size in the search bar.
3. Click Install Now, then Activate Plugin.
4. Go to Settings > Maximum File Upload Size to configure the plugin settings.

Another useful plugin is Increase Maximum Upload File Size. This plugin is very lightweight and easy to use. Once installed and activated, you can set the maximum upload file size limit in WordPress through the plugin’s settings.

It’s important to note that using plugins to modify your WordPress site does come with potential risks. Always be sure to use plugins from reputable sources and do regular backups of your website to ensure you can recover in case anything goes wrong.

Verifying the Increased Maximum Upload File Size

After increasing the maximum upload file size limit in WordPress, it’s important to verify that the changes have taken effect. This can be done by attempting to upload a larger file to your website. Here’s how:

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard and click on ‘Media’.
2. Click on ‘Add New’.
3. Select the larger file you want to upload and attempt to upload it.
4. If the upload is successful, the increased maximum upload file size limit has been applied!

If you encounter any issues during the upload process, you may need to revisit the methods discussed in this guide and ensure the changes were made correctly. Double-check the code modifications made to the .htaccess or wp-config.php file, or review the plugin settings and configurations.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that other factors, such as server configuration, may impact your website’s ability to handle larger files. If you continue to experience issues, you may need to reach out to your hosting provider for assistance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While increasing the maximum upload file size in WordPress is a relatively straightforward process, you may encounter some common issues or errors.

Memory Exhausted Error

A common issue when uploading larger files is the “Memory Exhausted” error. This error occurs when WordPress runs out of allocated memory for the upload process.

To resolve this issue, you can increase the PHP memory limit. You can do this by adding the following code to your wp-config.php file:

Code:	define( ‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’ );

You can increase the value from ‘256M’ to a higher value if needed.

File Type Not Supported

If you encounter an error message stating that the file type is not supported, it may be because WordPress restricts certain file types for security reasons.

To enable additional file types, you can add the following code to your functions.php file:

Code:	add_filter( ‘upload_mimes’, ‘my_custom_mime_types’ ); function my_custom_mime_types( $mime_types ) { $mime_types[‘zip’] = ‘application/zip’; $mime_types[‘rar’] = ‘application/x-rar-compressed’; return $mime_types; }

In this example, we’re adding support for .zip and .rar file types.

Plugin Conflicts

If you encounter issues after installing a plugin to increase the maximum upload file size, it may be conflicting with other plugins or themes on your site.

To troubleshoot this issue, try deactivating other plugins one by one until you identify the conflicting plugin. Alternatively, you can switch to a different WordPress theme to see if the issue persists.

Best Practices for Uploading Large Files in WordPress

When uploading large files in WordPress, it’s essential to follow best practices that can help you optimize your website’s performance and minimize any potential issues. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Compress Your Files

One of the easiest ways to reduce the size of your files is to compress them using a tool like WinZip or 7Zip. This can help you to save space and make it easier to upload large files to your website. Just make sure that you use a compatible compression format like .zip or .rar.

2. Use External Storage Solutions

If you find that you’re running out of space on your website’s server, consider using an external storage solution like Amazon S3 or Google Cloud Storage. These cloud-based services can help you to store and manage large files more efficiently, without overloading your website’s server.

3. Optimize Your Website Performance

Uploading large files can slow down your website’s performance, which can have a negative impact on your user experience. To avoid this, make sure that your website is optimized for speed and performance. This can include things like using a content delivery network (CDN), optimizing images, and using caching plugins to speed up your website’s load times.

4. Use Plugins to Help You Manage Your Files

There are a variety of plugins available for WordPress that can help you to manage and upload large files more efficiently. Some examples include WP Cloud Storage, which allows you to store files externally, and Optimole, which can help you to optimize images for faster load times. Just make sure that you choose a plugin that’s compatible with your website’s theme and other plugins.

5. Test Your Website Regularly

Finally, it’s essential to test your website regularly to make sure that everything is running smoothly. This can help you to catch any potential issues before they become major problems.

By following these best practices, you can help to ensure that your website can accommodate larger file sizes without any issues or slowdowns.

Additional Considerations and Limitations

While increasing the maximum upload file size in WordPress can be beneficial, there are several factors to consider before implementing the changes.

Server resources: Larger files require more server resources to upload and process. Ensure that your web hosting plan or server can handle the increased demand.

Website performance: Uploading large files can impact website performance, causing slow page load times or even crashing. Consider optimizing your site for larger files, such as compressing images or utilizing cloud storage solutions.

Potential plugin conflicts: Some plugins may not be compatible with increased file sizes and may cause conflicts or errors. Ensure that the plugins being used on your site are compatible with larger files.

File types: Not all file types can benefit from increased file size limits. Certain file types, such as PDFs or audio files, may not require larger file size limits and may not improve website functionality.

Before increasing the maximum upload file size in WordPress, evaluate the above considerations and limitations to ensure that doing so will benefit your website’s functionality and performance.

Conclusion

Increasing the maximum upload file size in WordPress can significantly improve website performance by allowing for the upload of larger files. Whether you choose to edit the .htaccess or wp-config.php file, or use a plugin, the process can be completed with ease by following the steps outlined in this guide.

It’s important to remember that while increasing the maximum upload file size can have numerous benefits, it may also have some limitations and potential impacts on server resources and website performance. Therefore, it is recommended to follow the best practices outlined in this guide to ensure a smooth uploading process and optimize website performance.

Keep Learning and Improving Your Website

Thank you for taking the time to read this guide on increasing the maximum upload file size in WordPress. We hope it has been helpful in improving your website’s performance. Remember, there is always more to learn and improve upon in the world of online publishing. Stay curious, keep experimenting, and you’ll continue to see growth and success.

FAQ

Q: Why do I need to increase the maximum upload file size in WordPress?

A: Increasing the maximum upload file size in WordPress allows you to upload larger files to your website, which can be especially useful for media-heavy websites or if you need to upload large files such as videos or high-resolution images.

Q: How do I check the current upload file size limit in WordPress?

A: To check the current upload file size limit in WordPress, you can navigate to the Media Library in your WordPress dashboard and attempt to upload a file. If the file exceeds the current limit, you will receive an error message indicating the current maximum upload file size.

Q: What are the methods to increase the maximum upload file size in WordPress?

A: There are several methods you can use to increase the maximum upload file size in WordPress. These include modifying the .htaccess file, editing the wp-config.php file, or using dedicated plugins designed for this purpose.

Q: How do I increase the file size limit via .htaccess?

A: To increase the file size limit via .htaccess, you can add specific code to the file. The code depends on your desired file size limit and can be found in the guide section “Method 1: Increasing File Size Limit via .htaccess.”

Q: How do I increase the file size limit via wp-config.php?

A: To increase the file size limit via wp-config.php, you need to add specific code to the file. The code and detailed instructions can be found in the guide section “Method 2: Increasing File Size Limit via wp-config.php.”

Q: Can I use plugins to increase the maximum upload file size in WordPress?

A: Yes, there are plugins available that can help you increase the maximum upload file size in WordPress. The guide section “Method 3: Using Plugins to Increase Maximum Upload File Size” provides an overview of popular plugins, installation instructions, and configuration tips.

Q: How can I verify if the increased maximum upload file size is working?

A: To verify if the increased maximum upload file size is working, you can try uploading a larger file to your WordPress media library. If the file uploads successfully without any errors, it indicates that the changes you made have taken effect.

Q: What are some common issues I may encounter when increasing the maximum upload file size?

A: Some common issues you may encounter when increasing the maximum upload file size include compatibility issues with other plugins or themes, errors related to server resources, or conflicts with hosting configurations. The guide section “Troubleshooting Common Issues” provides tips and solutions to help you overcome these challenges.

Q: Are there any best practices for uploading large files in WordPress?

A: Yes, there are best practices you can follow when uploading large files in WordPress. These include compressing files before uploading, utilizing external storage solutions such as cloud services, and optimizing your website’s performance to handle larger file sizes. The guide section “Best Practices for Uploading Large Files in WordPress” provides more detailed tips and recommendations.

Q: What additional considerations and limitations should I be aware of?

A: When increasing the maximum upload file size in WordPress, it’s important to consider potential impacts on server resources and website performance. Additionally, certain plugins or themes may not be compatible with larger file sizes, so it’s crucial to test and monitor your website after making changes. The guide section “Additional Considerations and Limitations” covers these aspects in more detail.