In cPanel, open Software → Select PHP Version, go to the Options tab and raise memory_limit, upload_max_filesize and post_max_size. Each change saves as you make it, so reload your site to check.
- Log in to cPanel and open Software → Select PHP Version.
- If the current version is shown as native, its options can’t be changed. Choose a numbered version your site supports and click Set as current (see How do I change my PHP version?).
- Click the Options tab.
- Pick new values from the drop-downs. The table shows what each one does.
- Reload your site, or try the upload again.
| Setting | Controls | A sensible start for WordPress |
|---|---|---|
memory_limit | Memory one page load may use | 256M |
upload_max_filesize | Largest single file you can upload | 64M |
post_max_size | Largest form submission, including uploads. Keep it equal to or above upload_max_filesize | 64M |
max_execution_time | Seconds a script may run, for long imports | 120 |
max_input_vars | Fields one form may send, for large menus and page builders | 3000 |
If your cPanel shows MultiPHP INI Editor instead, open it, choose the domain in Basic Mode, change the same settings and click Apply.
WordPress has its own memory setting
WordPress may still use less memory than PHP allows. Add define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M'); to wp-config.php, above the line that says to stop editing. To see your current upload limit, go to Media → Add New in the dashboard.
Tip: If a plugin needs far more memory than this, the plugin is usually the problem. And before you upload big photos, shrink them: smaller files make pages faster and save your visitors’ mobile data.
The highest values you can choose depend on the server. If you need more than the list offers, or a single upload over a few hundred megabytes, use FTP or ask us.
Still stuck? Open a support ticket with your domain and the setting you need, or message us on WhatsApp.
Updated 6 November 2026. Something here out of date? Tell us.