Upload Limit Too Low in WordPress: Increase It

What this problem is

WordPress shows a very small maximum upload size, preventing media uploads or plugin/theme installs.

Why it happens

• PHP limits are low: upload_max_filesize and post_max_size
• Hosting panel defaults or enforced limits
• Web server limits (nginx client_max_body_size)

Prerequisites

• Hosting panel access (PHP settings) and possibly .htaccess or nginx config access

Diagnosis

In wp-admin Media, check the max upload size. In PHP info, confirm the active PHP values.

Detailed steps

Step 1) Increase PHP limits in hosting panel

Set upload_max_filesize, post_max_size, and memory_limit to suitable values.

Step 2) Adjust server limits if required

For nginx, client_max_body_size may need to increase (host-controlled).

Step 3) Verify

Restart PHP (if required by host) and recheck in wp-admin.

Expected results

• Higher upload limit and successful uploads

What to do if it fails

• Ask hosting support to raise limits at the account level

Best practices

• Keep limits aligned with security and expected media sizes; do not set excessively high on shared hosting