How to Increase PHP Memory Limit in WordPress

If your WordPress site is displaying memory-related errors, or you’re experiencing slow performance, you may need to increase the PHP memory limit. This guide provides instructions for increasing the PHP memory limit by editing WordPress files and checking memory settings in your hosting environment.

Step 1: Increase PHP Memory Limit in wp-config.php

The wp-config.php file controls many important settings for your WordPress site, including PHP memory allocation.

1. Access wp-config.php via the Shared Hosting Control Panel

   • Log into the Shared Hosting Control Panel and enter your credentials.
   • Open File Manager and navigate to your WordPress root directory, usually located in public_html.

2. Edit wp-config.php

   • Right-click wp-config.php and select Edit.

   • Add the following line near the bottom, above the line that says /* That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */:

     php

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     define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

   • This line will increase the memory limit to 256 MB. You can adjust the value as needed (e.g., 128M, 512M).

3. Save Changes

   • Save the changes and close the editor. Then refresh your site to see if the memory-related issue is resolved.

Step 2: Modify the Memory Limit in php.ini (If Applicable)

Some servers allow you to adjust memory settings in the php.ini file. If your hosting environment supports this, follow these steps:

1. Locate php.ini

   • Access File Manager in the Shared Hosting Control Panel or connect via FTP.
   • Look for a php.ini file in your root directory or public_html folder. If there isn’t one, create a new file named php.ini.

2. Edit or Create php.ini

   • Open the php.ini file and add the following line:

     ini

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     memory_limit = 256M

   • Save the file and close the editor.

3. Verify the Change

   • Refresh your site and check if the memory issue has been resolved. Some servers may require a restart of the PHP process for changes to take effect.

Step 3: Update Memory Limit in .htaccess (If Applicable)

If editing php.ini is not possible, you can try increasing the memory limit using the .htaccess file.

1. Access the .htaccess File

   • Go to the File Manager and locate the .htaccess file in your WordPress root directory.
   • Right-click .htaccess and select Edit.

2. Add Memory Limit Code

   • Add the following line at the top of the .htaccess file:

     apache

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     php_value memory_limit 256M

3. Save and Close

   • Save the file and refresh your website. If your server allows memory allocation changes through .htaccess, this should increase the PHP memory limit.

Step 4: Check with Your Hosting Provider

If you’re unable to increase the memory limit using the methods above, it may be capped by the server configuration.

1. Contact Support
   • Contact your hosting provider to inquire about increasing the PHP memory limit on the server. They may be able to adjust it for you or advise on an alternative solution.

Recommended Memory Limit Values for Common Use Cases

• Standard WordPress Site: 128 MB
• E-commerce Site (WooCommerce): 256 MB
• Media-Rich Site: 256 MB to 512 MB
• High-Traffic Site: 512 MB or higher

By increasing the PHP memory limit, you can ensure your WordPress site has sufficient resources for better performance and fewer errors. If you encounter any issues or need further help, our support team is here to assist.