How to Change WordPress Upload Limit Step-by-Step?

If you’re encountering issues with uploading larger files to your WordPress site, you’re not alone.

Many WordPress users, especially beginners, find themselves struggling with upload limits.

This common hurdle can be frustrating, but don’t worry—there are several straightforward methods to increase your upload size limit and make your WordPress experience smoother.

Check Your Current Upload Limit

Before diving into the methods to increase your upload limit, it’s helpful to know your current maximum file size. Here’s how to check it:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to Media > Add New.
3. Look below the upload area, where you’ll see the maximum upload file size currently set for your site.

With this information, you’ll be able to better understand how much you need to increase your upload limit.

1. Contact Your Hosting Provider

This is often the simplest and quickest solution. Many hosting providers impose their own upload limits, but they can usually adjust this for you. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Reach out to your hosting provider’s support team via email, chat, or phone.
2. Request an increase in the upload limit for your WordPress site.
3. Provide them with your desired upload size, and they’ll handle the rest.

2. Use a Plugin

If you’re not comfortable making code changes, using a plugin can be a user-friendly option. Follow these steps:

1. Install a Plugin: In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New. Search for plugins like “WP Increase Upload Filesize” or “Increase Maximum Upload File Size”.
2. Activate the Plugin: After installation, navigate to Media > Increase Upload Limit.
3. Select New Limit: Choose a new upload limit from the dropdown menu and save your changes.

This method allows you to increase your upload size without touching any code, making it ideal for beginners.

3. Modify the .htaccess File

For those comfortable with editing code, you can increase your upload limit by modifying the .htaccess file. Here’s how:

1. Access the File: Use an FTP client or your hosting provider’s file manager to find the .htaccess file in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
2. Backup the File: Download a copy to your local computer as a backup before making changes.
3. Edit the File: Add the following lines at the end of the .htaccess file: php_value upload_max_filesize 256M php_value post_max_size 256M php_value max_execution_time 300 php_value max_input_time 300
4. Save Changes: Upload the modified file back to your server.

This method requires careful handling, so make sure to backup your file before making any changes.

4. Edit the php.ini File

This approach is suitable for VPS or dedicated hosting environments where you have access to the php.ini file. Follow these steps:

1. Locate php.ini: This file might be in your root directory or you may need to create one if it doesn’t exist.
2. Edit the File: Add or update the following lines: upload_max_filesize = 256M post_max_size = 256M max_execution_time = 300
3. Save and Upload: Save the file and upload it back to your server if you made changes locally.

Adjusting the php.ini file will increase the upload limit, but this method may not be available on shared hosting plans.

5. Update the functions.php File

Another option is to add code to your theme’s functions.php file. Be aware that changes might be overwritten if you update the theme. Here’s how to do it:

1. Access the File: Go to Appearance > Theme Editor in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Edit functions.php: Add the following code at the end of the file: @ini_set( 'upload_max_size' , '256M' ); @ini_set( 'post_max_size', '256M'); @ini_set( 'max_execution_time', '300' );
3. Save Changes: Click the “Update File” button.

This method allows you to increase the upload limit without needing to modify server files directly.

6. Adjust Multisite Settings

If you’re managing a WordPress Multisite network, you can set a maximum upload limit for all sites:

1. Go to Network Admin: Navigate to My Sites > Network Admin > Settings.
2. Change Max Upload Size: Scroll down to the Max Upload File Size setting, adjust it to your desired limit, and save changes.

This will apply the new upload limit across all sites in your Multisite network.

Conclusion

Increasing the WordPress upload limit can resolve common file upload issues and make your site more flexible.

Choose the method that best fits your technical comfort level and hosting environment.

Always remember to back up any files before making changes, especially when dealing with .htaccess, php.ini, or functions.php. If you encounter difficulties, your hosting provider can be a great resource for assistance.

What challenges have you faced with WordPress upload limits?

Share your experiences and solutions in the comments below, and feel free to explore our other blog articles related to WordPress for more helpful tips and tricks.