How to Fix the upload_max_filesize Error in WordPress

As scary as this error may seem, the solutions are pretty straightforward. In this tutorial, you will learn how to fix the error by increasing the default limit of upload_max_filesize through a few methods.

Method 1. Editing the .htaccess File
The quickest fix for the uploaded file exceeds the upload_max_filesize directive in php.ini error is increasing your PHP resource limits by tweaking the .htaccess file. Here’s how to do it:

1. Login to cPanel and navigate to File Manager under the Files section.
2. Locate the .htaccess file and right-click to Edit
3. Add the following line at the bottom of the file:
   

php_value upload_max_filesize 256M

and Save the changes.

That’s it! Increasing the upload_max_filesize value should automatically fix the error.

Try uploading your file again and if the error persists, Increase additional PHP limits by adding these lines into the .htaccess file :

php_value post_max_size 256M
php_value memory_limit 512M
php_value max_input_time 180
php_value max_execution_time 180

Method 2. Editing the wp-config.php File
Another way to get rid of the uploaded file exceeding the upload_max_filesize directive in php.ini error is by tweaking the wp-config.php file located in your root directory.

All you need to do is 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' );

Now Save the file, refresh your web browser, and try uploading again!