WordPress Guides

How to Increase Upload File Size in WordPress

Increase the WordPress upload limit for larger media, plugins, themes, and documents.

Real example

You try to upload a theme zip, video, or PDF file in WordPress and see a message that the file exceeds the maximum upload size. The issue is usually controlled by PHP or server settings, not WordPress alone.

Before you start

You need access to hosting files or server settings.

Know whether your server uses Apache, Nginx, or a control panel.

Some shared hosting providers restrict PHP changes.

Possible causes

upload_max_filesize is too low

post_max_size is too low

memory_limit or execution time is too low

Hosting panel overrides your manual settings

Step-by-step instructions

1. Check the current upload limit

Open the WordPress media uploader and confirm the currently displayed maximum upload size.

2. Update php.ini if available

If your hosting allows server-level PHP configuration, increase the upload-related values.

php.ini

upload_max_filesize = 64M
post_max_size = 64M
memory_limit = 256M
max_execution_time = 300

3. Try .htaccess if supported

On some Apache-based environments, PHP values can also be set in .htaccess.

.htaccess

php_value upload_max_filesize 64M
php_value post_max_size 64M
php_value memory_limit 256M
php_value max_execution_time 300

4. Verify the new limit

Reload the WordPress media uploader and check whether the displayed maximum upload size has increased.

Common mistakes

Changing only upload_max_filesize but forgetting post_max_size.

Editing .htaccess on a server that does not allow PHP directives, which can cause a 500 error.

Environment tips

Shared hosting: the control panel may override manual changes.

VPS/server: restart PHP-FPM or Apache if the new values do not apply immediately.

Final check

The WordPress upload limit usually depends on PHP and server configuration. Check the current value first, update the correct configuration source, and verify the result in the media uploader after the change.

About this guide

Increase the WordPress upload limit for larger media, themes, plugins, and documents.

How to follow this guide

Check the current upload limit
Update php.ini if available
Try .htaccess if supported
Verify the new limit in WordPress

Why use this method?

Low upload limits block larger media files, theme zips, plugin files, and document uploads in WordPress.

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