PHP plays a crucial role in web hosting, but its default file upload size is often too small for modern websites. This can cause issues when trying to upload larger files via WordPress, Joomla, or any PHP-based application. If you encounter an error prompting you to increase the PHP max upload file size, don’t worry! This guide will show you how to adjust PHP upload limits quickly and efficiently in cPanel and WHM.
What is “upload_max_filesize” in PHP?
The upload_max_filesize directive in PHP determines the maximum file size that can be uploaded to your web hosting server. By default, PHP sets this limit to 2MB, which is too low for many users. To allow larger file uploads, you must modify this value.
Additionally, two other PHP settings should be adjusted for seamless uploads:
post_max_size: This must be larger than upload_max_filesize to accommodate form submissions that include uploaded files.memory_limit: This should be larger than post_max_size to ensure sufficient memory is available for processing uploads.
PHP Size Units:
- K = Kilobytes (e.g.,
1000K = 1000 KB) - M = Megabytes (e.g.,
100M = 100 MB) - G = Gigabytes (e.g.,
1G = 1 GB)
How to Increase PHP Max Upload Size in cPanel
If you are using Hostingest’s cPanel hosting, you can easily adjust the PHP upload limit using the MultiPHP INI Editor:
Steps to Increase Upload Limit in cPanel:
- Log in to your cPanel account.
- Navigate to
MultiPHP INI Editor (found under the Software section). - Select the domain or directory where you want to modify PHP settings.
- Find the
upload_max_filesize setting and increase the value as needed. - Ensure
post_max_size is set to a higher value than upload_max_filesize. - Click “Apply” to save changes.
How to Increase PHP Max Upload Size in WHM
For reseller hosting or VPS/Dedicated server users managing multiple cPanel accounts in WHM, the process is slightly different:
Steps to Increase Upload Limit in WHM:
- Log in to WHM (
https://yourdomain.com/whm). - Navigate to
MultiPHP INI Editor (under Software section). - Select a PHP version from the dropdown list.
- Scroll down to
upload_max_filesize and increase the value. - Ensure
post_max_size is larger than upload_max_filesize. - Click “Apply” to save changes.
Important Notes:
- You must adjust PHP settings for each PHP version used on the server.
- Restart Apache or LiteSpeed Web Server if changes don’t take effect immediately.
Related: How to Disable Directory Browsing on Your Website
Why Adjusting PHP Upload Limits is Essential for Web Hosting?
Increasing PHP upload limits ensures smooth functionality for WordPress hosting, WooCommerce websites, large media uploads, and web applications that rely on larger files. Hostingest offers optimized hosting solutions with customizable PHP settings for maximum flexibility.
Get High-Performance Web Hosting with Hostingest
At Hostingest, we provide fast, secure, and scalable hosting with features like:
- Free SSL Certificates (AutoSSL & Let’s Encrypt)
- LiteSpeed & CloudLinux for Optimal Performance
- 24/7 Expert Support for WordPress, cPanel, and Web Hosting
- Unlimited Bandwidth & High Storage Plans
- Softaculous One-Click Installers for Easy Website Setup
By choosing Hostingest’s premium hosting plans, you get full control over your PHP configurations while ensuring blazing-fast website performance.
Need Assistance?
If you face any issues while increasing PHP upload limits, Hostingest’s 24/7 expert support team is ready to assist.
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