WordPress Change Max Upload Size: 4 Easy Methods Explained

Your WordPress installation is complete. As you start adding the components that make your site functional, you’ve likely encountered the “file too large” error. 

This is a common issue and nothing to worry about. It’s a default server setting, not a technical failure. We’ve run into it ourselves on countless test sites. 

To get past it, you just need to change the max upload size, and we’ve compiled the 4 easy methods to help you fix it in minutes.

TL;DR: To increase your WordPress upload limit, use a plugin for a temporary fix or your host’s control panel (cPanel/Plesk) for a permanent solution. Remember your first step is always to create a backup with a plugin—it’s your safety net.

What to do before you begin

Before you edit any files, complete this short checklist. It will make the process smoother and safer.

Backup your website. Use a trusted plugin to do this. This is your most important safety net.

Identify your current limit. Head to Media → Add New to see the limit, or check Tools → Site Health → Info → Server for the Upload max filesize value.

Note your required size. Know the exact size of the file you need to upload so you can set a new limit that is large enough.

Have your credentials ready. Keep your hosting login (cPanel/Plesk) and FTP/SFTP details on hand.

How to change the max upload size in WordPress

Here are four methods to fix your upload limit:

🚨 Note: We recommend testing these solutions on a staging site. This prevents any potential errors from affecting your live visitors and lets you verify the fix works before pushing it to your public site.

Method 1: Use a WordPress plugin (the quickest fix)

This is the best starting point as it doesn’t involve editing code. A plugin automates the process by attempting to modify server settings for you. 

🙌 Heads-up: This isn’t a permanent solution. The settings are removed if you ever deactivate or delete this plugin. On top of that, it’s a “soft” override that can fail due to server security rules or conflicts with other plugins. If it doesn’t work, deactivate it and move on to the other methods.

Method 2: Edit the functions.php file

This method adds a code snippet directly to your theme’s functions.php file.

🚨 Note: This too should be considered a temporary solution. The changes you make to this file will be erased the next time your theme gets an update, and your upload limit will revert. It’s useful if you need a quick, short-term increase and don’t have server access.

@ini_set( 'upload_max_size' , '64M' );

@ini_set( 'post_max_size', '64M');

@ini_set( 'max_execution_time', '300' );

• Change the 64M value to what you need, such as 128M and click Update File.

📋 Note: A typo in this file can cause a white screen of death and lock you out of your site. Because this is a temporary solution that will be removed on your next theme update, it’s not ideal. If you need a permanent fix, you must use one of the server-level methods below.

Method 3: Use your hosting control panel

This is the most direct and reliable method as it uses your host’s built-in tools to alter the core PHP configuration. 

Since you are modifying a server setting, this is a good time to ensure you have a solid backup strategy. For this guide, we’ll use cPanel as the example, but the steps are very similar in Plesk and other control panels.

upload_max_filesize (e.g., to 128M)

post_max_size (e.g., to 132M)

max_execution_time (e.g., to 300)

memory_limit (e.g., to 256M)

💡 Pro tip: Always set post_max_size slightly larger than upload_max_filesize to avoid errors. If your host doesn’t offer this tool, you would need to create a php.ini file manually as a last resort.

Method 4: Edit the .htaccess file

The .htaccess file gives direct commands to your server, making this a more permanent solution. This method only works on Apache servers, not NGINX.

Add these lines at the very top of the 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

🚨 Note: This is a critical server file. An incorrect change will cause a 500 Internal Server Error and make your site inaccessible. Check that your site loads immediately after saving. If it breaks, remove the lines you added.

Troubleshooting common issues

If you’re still having trouble, these are the most common issues and their solutions.

If none of these methods work, contact your hosting provider for assistance.

Parting thoughts

Fixing this issue is a great step, but managing it wisely is just as important.

Now that your upload limit is fixed, a few best practices will keep your site efficient. Stick to a sensible limit like 128MB to avoid straining your server. 

For any file over 1GB, use FTP. It’s the right tool for the job. We also recommend documenting your changes for future troubleshooting and keeping an eye on your site’s performance after making any server adjustments.

FAQs