This is How to Change the Upload Size in WordPress
If you're a WordPress user, you've likely encountered the frustration of hitting the default file upload size limit. Whether you're trying to upload high-resolution images, videos, or other large files, the 2MB or 8MB default limit can be a real roadblock.
Fortunately, there's an easy solution to this problem – you can increase the maximum file upload size in your WordPress site's hosting cPanel. In this article, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of changing the upload size in WordPress.
Understanding the WordPress Upload Size Limit
WordPress, by default, sets a maximum file upload size of 2MB. This limit is in place to help maintain site performance and prevent server overload. However, as your website and content needs grow, this default setting may quickly become a hindrance.
There are a few reasons why you might need to increase the WordPress upload size limit:
-
Uploading High-Resolution Images: Modern digital cameras and smartphones are capable of capturing high-resolution images, which can easily exceed the default 2MB limit.
-
Uploading Videos: Video files, especially in high definition, can be significantly larger than 2MB. If you want to upload videos directly to your WordPress site, you'll need to increase the upload size.
-
Uploading Large Documents: PDFs, presentations, and other document files can also surpass the 2MB limit, particularly if they contain a lot of content or high-quality visuals.
-
Migrating From Other Platforms: If you're migrating your website from another platform, you may have existing content that exceeds the default WordPress upload size.
By increasing the maximum file upload size, you can ensure that your users and content creators can seamlessly upload the necessary files to your WordPress site.
How to Change the Upload Size in WordPress
To increase the maximum file upload size in WordPress, you'll need to access your hosting cPanel and make the necessary changes. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Log in to Your Hosting cPanel
Start by logging in to your web hosting account's cPanel. The cPanel is the administrative interface provided by your hosting provider, and it's where you can manage various aspects of your website, including the upload size limit.
Step 2: Navigate to the PHP Options
Once you're in the cPanel, look for the "Software" section and click on the "PHP Options" link.
Step 3: Change the PHP Upload Size Settings
On the PHP Options page, you'll see several settings related to file uploads. Look for the "upload_max_filesize" and "post_max_size" options.
The "upload_max_filesize" setting determines the maximum size of individual files that can be uploaded, while the "post_max_size" setting determines the maximum size of the entire HTTP POST request, which includes the file upload and any other form data.
To increase the upload size, simply change the values for these settings to the desired limit. For example, if you want to set the maximum upload size to 64MB, you would change the "upload_max_filesize" and "post_max_size" settings to "64M".
Get a Free AI Website Audit
Automatically identify UX and content issues affecting your conversion rates with Flowpoint's comprehensive AI-driven website audit.
Step 4: Save the Changes
After updating the PHP upload size settings, make sure to click the "Save" or "Update" button to apply the changes.
Step 5: Verify the Changes
To ensure that the changes have been implemented correctly, you can try uploading a large file to your WordPress site. If the upload is successful, the new upload size limit is in effect.
It's important to note that the specific steps may vary slightly depending on your hosting provider and cPanel version. However, the general process of navigating to the PHP Options section and changing the upload size settings should be similar across most hosting platforms.
Considerations When Increasing the WordPress Upload Size
While increasing the WordPress upload size can be a straightforward process, there are a few things to keep in mind:
-
Server Resources: Increasing the upload size limit can put more strain on your server resources, especially if users start uploading very large files. Make sure to monitor your server performance and consider upgrading your hosting plan if necessary.
-
Security Risks: Allowing larger file uploads can potentially introduce security risks, as malicious users could try to upload executable files or other harmful content. Ensure that your WordPress site has robust security measures in place, such as a reputable security plugin and regular backups.
-
Compatibility with Plugins and Themes: Some WordPress plugins and themes may have their own file upload size limits or restrictions. After changing the global upload size, you may need to check the settings of any relevant plugins or themes to ensure compatibility.
-
Impact on Site Performance: Larger file uploads can slow down your website's loading times, particularly for users with slower internet connections. Consider optimizing your media files, using content delivery networks (CDNs), or implementing lazy loading to mitigate the impact on site performance.
-
Backup Your Site: Before making any changes to your WordPress site's settings, it's always a good idea to create a full backup of your website. This will ensure that you can easily revert the changes if needed.
By taking these considerations into account, you can safely and effectively increase the maximum file upload size in your WordPress site, allowing your users and content creators to upload the necessary files without encountering frustrating limitations.
Conclusion
Changing the upload size in WordPress is a simple yet effective way to overcome the default file size limitations. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily access your hosting cPanel, navigate to the PHP Options section, and update the necessary settings to increase the maximum upload size.
Remember, while increasing the upload size can be beneficial for your WordPress site, it's important to keep an eye on server resources, security, and site performance to ensure a smooth and seamless user experience.
If you're looking for a comprehensive solution to understand and optimize your website's performance, including identifying and fixing technical issues that may be impacting conversion rates, consider checking out Flowpoint.ai. Flowpoint's advanced AI-powered analytics can help you gain deeper insights into your website's user behavior and generate tailored recommendations to improve your overall online presence.