Boosting WordPress Memory Limit: Quick and Simple Techniques (3 Options)
WordPress memory limit errors can be a common issue for website owners, especially when dealing with complex database queries, outdated PHP versions, heavy plugins, increased site traffic, large media files, and autoloaded data. This article provides a guide on how to increase the WordPress memory limit, focusing on two main methods: editing the file and modifying the file.
Method 1: Editing the File
- Locate the file in your WordPress root directory.
- Add or modify the memory limit code. The code should look like this: or . Avoid setting the memory limit too high, as it may exceed your hosting plan's maximum limits.
- Create a backup of the file before making any changes.
- Upload the modified file back to your server.
Method 2: Modifying the File
This method may not be available if you're using shared hosting.
- To create a new file, use a text editor to create a blank file named 'php.ini'.
- Add the following line: or .
- Save the file and upload it to your site's root directory or the location where your hosting provider stores the file.
If changes to the file don't work, your host might not allow overrides, require different syntax for these rules, or have server configurations that block certain PHP values. In such cases, it's essential to contact your hosting provider for assistance.
When to Contact Your Hosting Provider
- If you don't have access to your site's , , or files.
- Editing these files doesn't resolve the memory limit error.
- You're unsure of the appropriate memory limit value for your site.
- You're on a shared hosting plan and worried about exceeding resources.
Other Considerations
- For most WordPress sites, a memory limit between 256MB and 512MB is typically sufficient.
- Key settings to consider in include , , and .
- If you encounter WordPress memory limit errors after trying the methods outlined in this guide, contact your hosting provider for assistance.
Additional Solutions from Your Hosting Provider
- If you are using a managed hosting service like WP Engine, you can contact their support to increase the memory limit. They can adjust server settings to allow higher memory allocations, up to their maximum limit of 512MB for WP Engine.
- Most hosting providers offer support for increasing memory limits, especially if you are experiencing performance issues.
- Some hosting providers allow users to adjust PHP settings directly through their control panel (e.g., cPanel, Plesk). If available, you can use these tools to increase the memory limit without needing to edit files manually.
- If your current hosting plan does not allow for higher memory allocations, consider upgrading to a plan that offers more resources (CPU, RAM, etc.). This is especially important if you consistently need more memory for your WordPress site.
- If your current provider is restrictive about increasing memory limits, it might be beneficial to switch to a provider that offers more flexible settings or higher default limits.