Very similar to another piece of software program, WordPress requires reminiscence to run easily. If the content material administration system (CMS) doesn’t have sufficient reminiscence allotted for it, you’ll run into the occasional PHP reminiscence restrict error. In lots of circumstances, this error can forestall you from updating your web site.
The excellent news is that there are a number of methods to improve the reminiscence allocation for WordPress. In case your internet host permits for it, rising your PHP reminiscence restrict will be as simple as including one line of code to a particular file.
On this tutorial, we’ll go over two methods you’ll be able to improve the PHP reminiscence restrict in WordPress. Let’s get to it!
What Is the PHP Memory Limit in WordPress
As it’s possible you’ll know, WordPress was created utilizing the PHP programming language. This implies the CMS additionally requires PHP to run (in addition to different elements, reminiscent of an online server and database software program).
Should you’re utilizing a server that doesn’t allocate sufficient PHP reminiscence, WordPress received’t have the option to run some important scripts to your web site to work. You would possibly nonetheless have the option to perform most duties, however in some unspecified time in the future, you’ll seemingly run right into a PHP reminiscence restrict error.
The straightforward answer to this downside is to improve the quantity of reminiscence that WordPress has entry to. By default, the CMS will strive to set at the least 64 MB of reminiscence for PHP upon set up. Nonetheless, some internet hosts could allocate extra or fewer sources to your web site.
You’ll be able to test your present PHP reminiscence restrict by accessing your dashboard and going to the Instruments > Website Well being web page. From there, go to the Data tab and choose the Server possibility.

Provided that allocating extra sources right here isn’t a hardship, in case your PHP reminiscence restrict is below 256 MB, I like to recommend rising it. That is regardless of whether or not you’ve run into any errors but.
How to Increase the PHP Memory Limit in WordPress (2 Methods)
There are two methods to improve the PHP reminiscence restrict in WordPress.
The primary includes including a single line of code to one file. Let’s test it out.
1. Modify Your wp-config.php File
For the uninitiated, wp-config.php is one in all WordPress’ core information. In different phrases, this file comprises important data reminiscent of your database credentials and PHP reminiscence restrict.
To edit the wp-config.php file, you’ll want to join to your web site by way of File Switch Protocol (FTP) utilizing a consumer, reminiscent of FileZilla.
Should you’re undecided what your FTP credentials are, I like to recommend you test the registration affirmation e-mail you obtained out of your website hosting supplier when signing up. In some circumstances, you can even arrange new FTP accounts out of your internet hosting management panel.
When you find your FTP credentials and join to your web site, navigate to the WordPress root folder.
That folder is often referred to as public_html, however it could actually additionally seem below different aliases, reminiscent of www or your web site’s title. As soon as you discover it, open the listing and it is best to see a listing of information and folders.

The wp-config.php file needs to be inside this listing.
When you’ve discovered it, right-click on the file and choose the View/Edit possibility. It will open the file utilizing your default textual content editor.

Word that the screenshot above doesn’t present the complete file, provided that it often comprises delicate data, and most of it’s irrelevant to your wants proper now.
The half you need to preserve an eye fixed out for is the line studying, “That’s all, cease enhancing! Comfortable publishing”. That is the finish of the file, and earlier than it, you’ll need to add the following code (in the instance above, it’s line 68 however it may very well be totally different for you):
outline( 'WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M' );
Naturally, you’ll be able to change the restrict to one other determine, however that is often greater than sufficient for many websites. After you add the line to your wp-config.php file, save your modifications and shut it.
Subsequent, strive accessing your WordPress web site once more and heading to the Instruments > Website Well being > Data tab to take a look at your server settings. In case your PHP reminiscence restrict remains to be displaying the similar quantity as earlier than, it may be due to your website hosting supplier.
In some circumstances, your internet host received’t allow you to make direct modifications to your PHP reminiscence restrict, which brings us to possibility quantity two.
2. Contact Your Internet hosting Supplier or Improve Your Plan
The best method to test in case your internet hosting supplier prevents you from rising your PHP reminiscence restrict is to contact them. In our expertise, some internet hosts will improve the PHP reminiscence restrict for you in the event you ask them.
Nonetheless, in just a few circumstances, this may not be doable relying in your internet hosting supplier and the plan you’re on. For instance, with shared internet hosting plans, you’re often very restricted when it comes to sources.
In case your internet hosting supplier tells you you could’t improve your PHP reminiscence restrict, you might need to improve to a greater plan. Any sort of plan above shared internet hosting ought to provide you with greater than sufficient sources so that you simply received’t run into the PHP reminiscence restrict error once more.
In any case, most respected WordPress internet hosts received’t provide you with any bother when it comes to rising your PHP reminiscence restrict. In truth, a few of our high WordPress internet hosting picks outright provide you with extra sources than you would possibly want. Should you do discover that you simply’re having reminiscence restrict issues and your present host is unwilling to assist, it may very well be time to look elsewhere.
Conclusion
The PHP reminiscence restrict error is one in all the commonest issues amongst WordPress customers. Though it received’t break your web site in most circumstances, it may be annoying. Thankfully, it’s remarkably simple to sidestep this error by making a easy change to your server’s configuration.
If you would like to improve your WordPress PHP reminiscence restrict, there are two methods to do it:
- Modify your wp-config.php file.
- Contact your internet hosting supplier or improve your plan.
Do you’ve got any questions on how to improve the PHP reminiscence restrict in WordPress? Ask away in the feedback part under!