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One of the key aspects of creating a feature-packed WordPress website is creating an exceptional user experience. But have you ever encountered the dreaded “Exceeds the max upload size” error message while uploading media? It can be a real buzzkill, especially if you’re trying to showcase high-quality images, videos, or other essential files.
There are a few ways a professional WordPress developers would go about increasing the max upload size in WordPress. It can be through the php.ini file, theme functions.php file, .htaccess file, etc. Don’t worry; we’ll cover the process through each of these methods. You can choose between them according to your technical expertise.
Let’s first discuss why someone may look to increase the max upload size in WordPress.
Why Increase the Max Upload Size in WordPress?
With the ability to handle bigger files, your website will be more visually-stunning and functionally advanced. Here are some of the most common:
- High-quality Media: If your website relies on high-resolution images or videos, the default upload size limit might be too restrictive. For instance, large product photos on an eCommerce site or beautiful portfolio images on a photography website would benefit from a higher limit.
- Theme and Plugin Installations: Sometimes, installing a new theme or plugins can be hindered by the upload limit. These files can be larger than typical images or documents.
- Selling Digital Products: Do you plan on offering downloadable products like ebooks, music, or software? In this case, you’ll need an upload size that accommodates these file types.
- Regular Content Updates: Let’s say you frequently add media-rich content to your site, such as infographics, presentations, or audio files. Then a higher upload limit will streamline your workflow and avoid encountering limitations.
By increasing the max upload size, you ensure your WordPress site has the flexibility to handle various file types and sizes. That ultimately enhances its functionality and user experience.
How to Check the Maximum Upload Size in WordPress?
There are two main ways to check the max media size you can upload on your WordPress website: 1.) Through the WordPress media library 2.) Through the site health information.
Through WordPress Media Library
It’s the most straightforward way to check for any upload limitations on your WordPress website.
Step 1: Log into the WordPress admin dashboard. You can do so at yourwebsitename.com/wp-admin/. Enter your username and password to gain access.
Step 2: Then navigate to the WordPress media library. Locate the menu on the left-hand side of your dashboard. Look for the section labeled “Media” and click on it. Within the Media menu, you’ll see options like “Library,” “Add New,” and “Comments.” Choose “Add New” to proceed.
Step 3: Upon clicking “Add New,” you’ll be directed to the media uploader screen. This interface allows you to upload images, videos, and other files to your website.
No, look carefully at the bottom of the screen, just below the “Select Files” button. You’ll find a message displayed there that reads something like “Maximum upload file size: X MB”.
Through the Site Health Information
The Site Health tool offers a more comprehensive view of your server configuration, including details about the maximum upload size limit. Here’s how you can access and utilize this information:
Step 1: As with the Media Library method, start by logging in to your WordPress admin panel.
Step 2: Once logged in, locate the “Tools” section within the left-hand side menu of your dashboard. Click on “Tools” to reveal a submenu. Within this submenu, you should see an option labeled “Site Health”. Select “Site Health” to proceed.
Step 3: Upon clicking “Site Health”, you’ll be presented with a screen offering various website health-related details. Focus on the tab labeled “Info”. This tab provides crucial information about your server configuration, including settings that might influence upload limits.
Step 4: Within the Info tab, you might find two sections that hold information about the maximum upload size:
- Look for details mentioned under “Media Handling.” It might display the upload size limit imposed by your WordPress configuration.
- Server section delves into the server-level settings that influence your website’s functionality. Here, you might find entries related to PHP directives like upload_max_filesize or post_max_size. These directives can also impact the upload size limit.
After understanding the current upload size limits, you can better comprehend the need for increasing them. You can consult with our WordPress development experts to increase the size limit, or follow the process in the next section.
Facing issues with your WordPress website?
How to Increase the Max Upload Size in WordPress?
WordPress is one of the best content management systems, and a key reason behind that is its user-friendliness. So there are several ways to increase the upload size:
Method 1: Updating the .htaccess file
The .htaccess file is one of the key aspects of the WordPress file and directory structure. Editing it can help increase the upload size, but will require some familiarity with the FTP client or file manager.
Step 1: Locate the .htaccess file in the WordPress directory structure. If you don’t see it, enable “Show Hidden Files” in your FTP client or file manager settings. (dot in the front means it is a hidden file.)
Step 2: If the .htaccess file doesn’t exist, create a new text file and name it .htaccess. Be sure to include the leading dot (.). Open the .htaccess file in a text editor.
Step 3: Paste the following code snippet at the very end of the file, before the closing # BEGIN WordPress line (if it exists):
php_value upload_max_filesize 2M # Adjust '2M' to your desired limit
php_value post_max_size 8M # Adjust '8M' to a corresponding value
Modify the values ‘2M’ and ‘8M’ within the code snippet. They will reflect your preferred maximum upload size and a corresponding memory limit (usually slightly higher than upload size).
Step 4: Upload the modified .htaccess file back to your WordPress root directory, replacing the existing one.
Method 2: Edit the php.ini file
This method involves editing a server-level configuration file. It’s recommended for users with advanced knowledge of server administration. Consult your WordPress hosting service documentation if unsure about the process for your specific setup.
Step 1: Access the php.ini file. Its location can vary depending on your hosting provider. You might need to access it through your hosting cPanel or contact your provider for assistance.
Step 2: Locate the lines containing upload_max_filesize and post_max_size. If they’re commented out (preceded by a semicolon ;), remove the semicolons to enable them. Modify the values after the equal sign (=) to your desired limits.
Step 3: Save the changes to the php.ini file. Follow your hosting provider’s instructions on restarting the web server for the changes to take effect.
Method 3: Edit the functions.php file
This method directly modifies a WordPress core file. It’s generally not recommended as updates can overwrite your changes. So it would be better to consult with our WordPress developers or consider alternative methods if possible.
Step 1: Using an FTP client or file manager, navigate to your WordPress theme’s directory (usually within the wp-content/themes folder). Locate and edit the functions.php file.
Step 2: Open the functions.php file in a text editor. Before the closing <?php tag at the end of the file, paste the following code snippet:
@ini_set( 'upload_max_filesize' , '2M' ); // Adjust '2M' to your desired limit
@ini_set( 'post_max_size', '8M' ); // Adjust '8M' to a corresponding value
Modify the values ‘2M’ and ‘8M’ within the code snippet to reflect your preferred maximum upload size and a corresponding memory limit.
Step 3: Upload the modified functions.php file back to your theme’s directory, replacing the existing one. Exercise caution as theme updates might overwrite your changes.
Method 4: Use a WordPress Plugin
The simplest way to add or customize any feature or functionality in WordPress is by installing a plugin. So by choosing the best WordPress plugin, you can increase the upload size with ease.
Step 1: Search for WordPress plugins like “Increase Max Upload Filesize” or “WP Max Upload Size” in the official directory. Install and activate the chosen plugin.
Step 2: Most plugins offer a straightforward settings page within your WordPress dashboard. Locate the upload size setting and adjust it to your desired limit. Save the changes.
Method 5: Increase the Upload Size in Multisite
Are you managing a WordPress multisite network? Then you can adjust the upload size limit for all sites within the network.
Step 1: Log in to your WordPress Multisite network dashboard. Navigate to My Sites > Network Settings.
Step 2: Scroll down and locate the “Upload Settings” section.
Step 3: In the “Max upload file size” field, enter your desired new upload size limit. Click the “Save Changes” button.
Method 6: Contact the WordPress Hosting Provider
Let’s say the above methods don’t work or you require a very large upload size limit exceeding your hosting plan’s capabilities. Then it’s time to contact your hosting provider’s support team. They can provide guidance specific to your server configuration and may need to adjust settings on their end.
If you want further expert assistance with increasing the maximum upload size in your website, our WordPress development services would be suitable.
FAQs on Increasing the Max Upload Size in WordPress
- Server Limitations: There might be server-level restrictions that override your adjustments. Check with your hosting provider.
- Memory Increase: When increasing upload size, consider raising the PHP memory limit (usually slightly higher) to avoid errors.
- Security: Uploading very large files can pose security risks. Ensure your website has adequate security measures.
Conclusion
Whether you’re dealing with high-resolution images, bulky themes, or downloadable products, it’s important to increase the upload size. It will help create a richer and more visually appealing website.
You can check the current max upload size through Media Library or Site Health information. Then you can work on increasing it through WordPress plugin, .htaccess file, php.ini file, function.php file, and more.
If you want help with increasing the max upload size for your website, consult with our WordPress web experts today!
