Uploaded file exceeds the upload_max_filesize directive in php.ini

Most hosting providers set limits to the PHP memory for running applications. The uploaded file exceeds the upload_max_filesize directive in php.ini is an error that occurs on your WordPress website when you upload a file that exceeds the limitations set by your web server.

How to Fix the upload_max_filesize Error

As you might have guessed, the solution involves increasing the default limit of upload_max_filesize. Let’s look closely at it and see what steps we can take to fix this error.

Method 1. Editing the .htaccess File

• Login to CPanel and navigate to File Manager under the Files section.
• Locate the .htaccess file and right-click to Edit.
• Add the following line at the bottom of the file and Save the changes.

php_value upload_max_filesize 256M

Method 2. Editing the wp-config.php File

Another way to fix the uploaded file exceeding the upload_max_filesize directive in php.ini error is by tweaking the wp-config.php file in your root directory.

For that, log in to the CPanel and access public_html to edit the wp_config. php file. Add the following line before the “That’s all, stop editing! Happy publishing” line:

@ini_set('upload_max_size' , '256M' );

Once you add the code, Save the file, refresh your web browser, and try uploading again!

Method 3. Updating php.ini to Fix the upload_max_filesize Error

If you wish, you can always modify your PHP settings through the PHP Configuration tool on CPanel.

If you’re using VPS or a different platform, you can try updating php.ini to fix the error. Here’s what you need to do:

• Navigate to your php.ini file and edit it. If you can’t find it, ask for assistance from your hosting providers.
• Locate the upload_max_filesize and increase it by changing its number. You can also boost a few other limitations, as shown below:

upload_max_filesize = 256M 
post_max_size = 256M 
memory_limit = 512M 
max_execution_time = 180

Save the file, and that’s it. The error should no longer occur.