Proven Methods to Increase the Maximum File Upload Size Limit in WordPress

Welcome to this article, where we will explore various techniques for increasing the maximum file upload size in WordPress..

As you may know, WordPress has a default limit on the size of files that can be uploaded to your website. This limit can be a hindrance when you need to upload large files, such as videos or high-resolution images.

However, there are ways to adjust this limit and expand your website’s capacity to handle larger files. In this article, we will discuss some effective methods that you can use to increase the maximum file upload size limit in WordPress.

Explanation of maximum file upload size in WordPress

In WordPress, the maximum file upload size is the largest file size that can be uploaded to your WordPress website. This limit is set by your hosting provider and can vary depending on your hosting plan and server configuration.

By default, WordPress sets a maximum file upload size of 2MB, which may not be sufficient for uploading larger files like images, videos, or audio files. However, you can increase this limit by editing the PHP settings on your server or by using a plugin that can override the default settings.

Importance of increasing the file upload limit

1. Flexibility: Increasing the file upload limit allows you to upload larger files, giving you more flexibility in the type of content you can add to your website. This is particularly important if you need to upload videos or high-resolution images.
2. Improved User Experience: Users often expect to be able to upload larger files, and when they can’t, it can be frustrating. Increasing the file upload limit can improve the user experience and make your website more user-friendly.
3. Increased Efficiency: With a larger file upload limit, you can upload files in one go, rather than having to split them into multiple smaller files. This saves time and increases efficiency.
4. Better SEO: Large media files, such as images and videos, can have a significant impact on your website’s SEO. By increasing the file upload limit, you can optimize your content for search engines and improve your website’s overall ranking.

In short, expanding the file upload limit in WordPress can have a positive impact on your website’s content, user experience, efficiency, and search engine optimization.

In this article, I’ll cover the following:

Check your maximum file upload size limit in WordPress

When uploading media files such as images, WordPress will display the maximum file upload size limit automatically.

To check this, simply go to Media » Add New in your WordPress admin panel, and you will see the maximum file upload size limit for your WordPress site.

Having obtained information on the file upload size limit, we can now proceed to demonstrate the process of increasing the maximum upload size in WordPress.

Method 1: Get in touch with the hosting service provider

If you are new to WordPress and are not familiar with editing server files or adding code, it may be easier to contact your WordPress hosting provider to increase the maximum file upload size.

This is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in a few minutes by their customer service team, making it a simpler option compared to the alternative methods.

So just chat or send mail to your hosting provider and asked them to increase your WordPress maximum file upload size. They will do it for you or they guide you on how to do this.

Method 2: Edit your PHP.INI file

Modifying the PHP.INI file is another option to increase the maximum file upload size. This file manages various configurations for your WordPress hosting environment, including file upload settings.

Most WordPress hosting providers, offer a user-friendly cPanel that can assist you in managing your website, particularly if you are new to WordPress.

To do this, log in to your Cpanel. Under Software section click on “MultiPHP INI Editor”

Next, scroll down to the section labeled ‘upload_max_filesize’ and enter a new maximum filesize into the box.

Then, click the ‘Apply’ button.

Alternatively, you can navigate to the ‘Editor Mode’ menu tab and modify the maximum file upload size directly within the editor.”

You need to edit the ‘upload_max_filesize’ section to increase your file upload size.

Once you’re finished click the ‘Save’ button.

If your hosting provider does not offer the cPanel feature, you will need to modify the PHP.INI file manually. This can be done via an FTP client or by using the file manager tool available in your WordPress hosting control panel.

In case you are using shared hosting, the PHP.INI file may not be visible in your hosting directory. If this is the case, you can create a new file named php.ini and upload it to your root folder

Then, add the following code snippet to the file.

upload_max_filesize = 64M
post_max_size = 64M
max_execution_time = 300

The ’64 M’ limit mentioned above can be adjusted to meet the file size requirement of your WordPress website.

Method 3. Edit functions.php file

To increase WordPress file upload size you simply add some in your WordPress theme functions.php file.

To do that login to your WordPress as admin. then navigate to the Appearance » Theme File Editor. On Select theme to edit (top right) section choose your active theme. Then Theme Files section click on functions.php.

Then, add the following code snippet at the bottom of your functions.php file

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

To increase your maximum file upload size even more, simply change the ’64M’ to the size you require.

Method 4. Add code to your .htaccess file

Modifying the .htaccess file is an additional method for increasing the maximum file size. This file oversees the primary configuration settings for your website.

To do this, you need to log in to your Cpanel. Then go to Files section, and click on File Manager. A file manager window will be open. From the left tree folder click on public_html. Now can see .htaccess file. If you can not see this file just click on setting (on top right) then tick on Show Hidden Files (dotfiles) and save. Now you can see the .htaccess file. Before editing this file I’ll suggest downloading this as a bacup.

After that right click on .htaccess file and edit.

Next, you need to add the following code snippet to your .htaccess file.

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

To increase your maximum file upload size even more, simply change the ’64M’ to the size you require.

Method 5. Using WordPress Plugins to Increase file Upload Size

WordPress plugins can be a convenient option for increasing the maximum file upload size. There are several plugins available in the WordPress plugin repository that can be used for this purpose.

One such plugin is “Increase Maximum Upload File Size” which simplifies the process of expanding the file upload size limit. After installing and activating the plugin, users can adjust the maximum file upload size limit directly from the WordPress dashboard.

Upon activation, navigate to Media » Increase Upload Limit in your WordPress admin panel.

This brings you to a screen where you can select a new file upload size in the ‘Choose Maximum Upload File Size’ drop down.

Then, click the ‘Save Changes’ button.

In conclusion, there are several proven methods to increase the maximum file upload size limit in WordPress. These methods include contacting your hosting provider, modifying the PHP.INI or .htaccess files, using a plugin, or a combination of these options.