7 Easy Ways To Fix WordPress Database Error Disk Full

You’re all set to install a new plugin or publish an important post on your WordPress site, only to be stopped by an error saying your disk storage is full. 

This unexpected roadblock can be incredibly frustrating, halting your plans to enhance your site or release new content. These storage issues often emerge without warning, leaving you searching for answers.

These issues often require some behind-the-scenes adjustments. We understand how disruptive they can be. That’s why we’ve put together a list of practical fixes to help you get your site functioning properly again.

TL;DR: To fix a full disk error, optimize your database and delete unused plugins or themes. Make sure to backup your site using a backup plugin beforehand to avoid losing important data in case something important is accidentally removed.

What is the “WordPress database error disk full” error?

The WordPress database error disk full message appears when your website’s server has run out of disk space. This disk space is critical because it holds all the essential data your WordPress site needs to function. From your posts, pages, and comments to user data and profiles, everything relies on having enough space.

But it doesn’t stop there. The disk space also stores your site’s settings and configurations, along with data from plugins and themes. It keeps revisions and metadata, handles temporary data like transients and cache, and references media files. Additionally, logs, error records, and backup files contribute to the space required.

When the server can’t accommodate any more data, it prevents the WordPress database from adding new entries, which can disrupt your site’s operations. Therefore, addressing this issue promptly is crucial to maintaining a smoothly running website.

How to fix the error?

Dealing with the WordPress database error disk full involves knowing what’s causing the problem and applying specific solutions to fix it. Here’s a list of fixes you can use to help free up disk space:

Insufficient hosting resources  

Your current hosting plan may have limited storage, which becomes inadequate as your site grows and accumulates more content, images, and data.

How to fix it?

Consider scaling up to a hosting plan with more storage and better overall resources. With the right hosting provider you can explore plans that match your site’s current and future needs, ensuring ample space for growth without hitting limits.

Large files consuming space  

High-resolution images, videos, and other large files can quickly eat up storage space. Each upload adds to your data allowance, and without regular checks, it’s easy to reach capacity.

How to fix it?

Regularly audit your media library to identify files that are no longer necessary and delete them. Compress images and videos before upload using online tools to reduce size without losing quality. Employ a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to distribute large files and reduce strain on your server.

Excessive post revisions  

WordPress keeps a copy of your posts each time they’re updated. After numerous edits, these revisions accumulate, crowding your database with older versions you no longer need.

How to fix it? 

To delete older revisions, you can use a plugin like Companion Revisions Manager to clean up unnecessary post revisions. Install the plugin, and navigate the Revisions settings panel, you’ll find an option labeled Delete existing revisions. Select this option to proceed. Once selected, the plugin will delete all existing revisions from your database.

Unoptimized database and temporary files  

Databases accumulate a lot of non-essential information over time, including temporary files and cached data, which can cause bloat and slowdowns.

How to fix it? 

Optimize your database regularly. Removing unwanted files will make sure that your database remains lean and efficient. 

Accumulated backups  

Backups are critical for safety but can take up substantial space if not managed. Old backups pile up, quickly consuming available storage.

How to fix it?

Regularly evaluate backup files to keep only the most recent copies while ensuring they are safely stored. Delete older backups to reclaim space. Automate this process with backup management plugins that automatically clear outdated versions to prevent storage overload.

You don’t have to worry about this issue if you’re using BlogVault. Why, you ask? Because BlogVault stores your backups on independent servers. Unlike other backup plugins that use your server space, which can quickly fill up and cause problems, BlogVault keeps your storage clear.

Plugin or theme data bloat  

Over time, plugins and themes can accumulate surplus data or overlap in function, leading to unnecessary space usage.

How to fix it?

Conduct periodic reviews of your plugins and themes. Uninstall those no longer in use or with redundant capabilities. Choose multifunctional plugins to consolidate features and optimize storage usage. Manage these through your WordPress Dashboard under Plugins > Installed Plugins.

Large log files

Your WordPress log files can grow over time and take up substantial storage space on your server. These accumulating files contribute to the issue as old logs stack up. By regularly reviewing and managing your log files, you can free up valuable space and boost your website’s performance.

How to fix it?  

Here’s how to find and remove large log files:

1. Access your server using cPanel.

2. Navigate to the File Manager.

3. Locate the Logs directory. 

The logs directory is usually found in the root directory of your hosting account, though its location may vary depending on your hosting provider and server setup.

4. Review and delete unnecessary or outdated log files to reclaim space.

If the error continues, consider contacting your hosting support team. They have the expertise and tools to help troubleshoot the issue effectively.

Best practices to prevent the error

Keeping your WordPress site up and running smoothly is quite easy. Here’s how you can prevent that pesky disk full error:

Monitor disk space regularly  

First, regularly keep an eye on your disk space. You can easily do this in cPanel by searching for disk usage. Sort it by disk usage so you can see what’s taking up the most space. This way, you know exactly where to make some room and prevent running out of storage unexpectedly.

Optimize your database  

Make sure your database is optimized on a regular basis. This helps things run smoothly and improve your website’s performance.

Limit WordPress revisions

Limit the number of post revisions WordPress keeps. This setting can be adjusted to save space and prevent your database from becoming unnecessarily bloated.

Clean up the media library  

Your media library can also fill up fast, so clean it out frequently. Remove files you no longer need and keep things tidy. This prevents old and unused media files from taking up valuable storage space.

Schedule offsite backups  

Use a backup plugin that allows you to schedule automated backups and store them offsite to avoid taking up extra space on your main server. This keeps your backups safe without cluttering your server.

Implement cache management  

Don’t forget about managing your cache effectively. This reduces server load and speed up your site. It helps in making your site faster by storing a copy of your site’s pages and serves them up quickly to visitors.

Delete unused themes and plugins  

Go through your themes and plugins regularly and remove the ones you’re not using. Old or unused plugins can take up space and potentially slow down your site.

Use alerts and consider upgrades  

Set up alerts for when disk space is low so you can take action before problems arise. If your site continues to grow, consider upgrading your hosting plan to ensure you have enough resources to support it.

Parting thoughts

What is disk usage?  

Disk usage refers to the amount of storage space your WordPress site is using on the server. This includes all your files, media, database entries, backups, and more that are necessary for your website’s operation.

How to fix database errors in WordPress?  

Fixing a database error in WordPress often involves checking for full storage, optimizing your database, or restoring a backup. Start by ensuring there’s enough server space, then use plugins like WP-Optimize to clean up and streamline your database.

How do I free up disk space on WordPress?  

Free up disk space on WordPress by deleting unused media, themes, and plugins. Regularly clean out your media library, remove old backups, and optimize your database using suitable plugins to make more space.

How do I clean my WordPress database? 

Cleaning your WordPress database involves removing unnecessary data and optimizing tables. Use plugins like WP-Optimize to easily delete revisions, drafts, and other unused data that clutter your database.

How do I reduce the size of my WordPress database? 

Reduce the size of your WordPress database by limiting post revisions, deleting old data, and using optimization plugins. These plugins help you manage and minimize excess entries for a more streamlined database.

offsite server to protect your data.