Boosting WordPress Memory Limit: 3 Effortless Techniques
WordPress sites can encounter memory limit errors due to complex database queries, heavy plugins, outdated PHP versions, or increased site traffic. If you've tried various methods to resolve these issues and still encounter errors, it may be time to take a closer look at your WordPress memory limit. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of increasing the WordPress memory limit, focusing on methods that can help you exceed the typical 512MB cap.
Method 1: Edit wp-config.php
To increase the WordPress memory limit, you can edit the file in your WordPress root directory. First, create a backup of the file to ensure you can revert any changes if necessary. Next, add or update the following lines to set both the front-end and admin memory limits:
This will raise the WordPress PHP memory limit to 768MB, which exceeds the typical 512MB cap.
Method 2: Modify PHP.ini (if available)
WordPress memory limits are limited by the PHP directive. Increasing only the WordPress constants won't work if PHP itself is capped at 512MB. To truly raise memory usage beyond 512MB, you must ensure your server’s or (if in shared hosting) reflects a higher .
If you have access to the file, update the directive to a higher value, such as:
If you don’t have access to , ask your hosting provider to raise this limit.
Restart your web server or PHP-FPM after php.ini changes.
Verifying the Increase
You can check the current PHP memory limit in WordPress by creating a file or using plugins that show PHP environment info.
Important notes:
- Many managed hosts restrict PHP memory usage to 512MB or less for shared hosting safety. In such cases, you will need VPS/dedicated hosting to allocate more RAM.
- WordPress by default recommends 256MB for and 512MB for for admin tasks, but these can be increased if the server allows it.
- Plugins like "Plugin Memory Usage" help monitor or suggest memory increases, capped at 512MB for safety on shared hosting.
- Simply increasing memory limit beyond 512MB without proper server support might cause your site to fail or revert to default limits.
Therefore, increasing WordPress memory limit beyond 512MB requires both changes in and ensuring your PHP environment allows the higher allocation.
Additional Considerations
- The default WordPress memory limit is 32MB.
- For most WordPress sites, a memory limit between 256MB and 512MB is typically sufficient.
- Modifying the PHP.ini file may not be available if using shared hosting.
- Key settings to consider in the PHP.ini file include , , and .
- WPZOOM offers lightweight, customizable themes like Inspiro Premium that are optimized for speed and functionality.
- Utilizing technology such as data-and-cloud-computing can help monitor the memory usage of your WordPress site, ensuring it stays within the increased limit and preventing any potential issues.
- By increasing the memory limit using technology like data-and-cloud-computing and making the necessary changes in your WordPress environment, you can improve the site's health and performance, particularly when dealing with complex database queries and heavy plugins.
