For many website owners, one of the most common issues faced when working with WordPress is the challenge of uploading large files. Whether you’re trying to upload a high-resolution video, a bulky plugin, or a rich media presentation, hitting the default size limit can halt your progress and disrupt your workflow. Thankfully, there are solutions to this problem.

In this guide, we’ll explore step-by-step methods on how to fix the issue of uploading large files in WordPress. This comprehensive breakdown will offer both basic and advanced techniques, ensuring that users of all technical levels can overcome this limitation.

1. Understand the Default Upload Size Limit

Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the default limits set by WordPress and your hosting provider. Usually, the default maximum upload file size is a modest 2MB to 8MB. This figure is established by your hosting provider and WordPress configurations.

2. Check Your Current Upload Limit

Before making changes, ascertain your current upload limit:

1. Navigate to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to ‘Media’ > ‘Add New.’
3. Here, you’ll see the maximum file upload size.

3. Simple Ways to Increase Upload Size

Method A: Update the Theme Functions File (functions.php)

1. Access your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to ‘Appearance’ > ‘Theme Editor.’
3. Find and select the functions.php file.
4. Add the following code at the end of the file:

@ini_set( 'upload_max_size' , '64M' );
@ini_set( 'post_max_size', '64M');
@ini_set( 'max_execution_time', '300' );

This code will increase your limit to 64MB. Adjust the values as needed.

Method B: Use a Plugin

There are plugins specifically designed to address large file uploads, such as ‘Increase Maximum Upload File Size.’ Simply install and activate, and follow the plugin’s instructions.

4. Advanced Methods to Increase Upload Size

Method A: Modify the .htaccess File

1. Access your website root directory using an FTP client.
2. Locate the .htaccess file.
3. Edit the file and add the following code:

php_value upload_max_filesize 64M
php_value post_max_size 64M
php_value max_execution_time 300
php_value max_input_time 300

Adjust the values as desired. This method requires caution as misconfigurations can break your site.

Method B: php.ini File

1. Navigate to your website root directory using FTP.
2. Find or create a file named php.ini.
3. Add or modify the following lines:

upload_max_filesize = 64M
post_max_size = 64M
max_execution_time = 300

If you don’t see a php.ini file, create one and upload it to your root directory.

5. Consult Your Hosting Provider

If you’ve tried the methods above without success, or you’re uncomfortable making these changes, your hosting provider can assist. They can often adjust these settings from their end.

6. Cloud-based or FTP Uploads

If your goal is to upload extremely large files regularly, consider using cloud-based solutions or FTP uploads. Tools like ‘WP Offload Media‘ can offload your media to Amazon S3, DigitalOcean Spaces, or Google Cloud Storage, bypassing the usual restrictions.

Conclusion

Navigating the nuances of “how to upload large files in WordPress” might initially seem daunting. But with a clear understanding and systematic approach, you can easily adjust your file size limits.

Whether you opt for the straightforward plugin route, or delve into the more technical .htaccess and php.ini file modifications, remember always to back up your site before making changes.

By implementing these steps, you’ll ensure that your WordPress site remains versatile and accommodating, no matter how expansive your media needs become.