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Increase File Upload Size in WordPress Using htaccess

Increasing the file upload size in WordPress can be important if you need to upload large files like videos, high-resolution images, or other media. One way to adjust this setting is by using the .htaccess file on your WordPress site. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do that:

What is the .htaccess File?

The .htaccess file is a configuration file used by Apache web servers to manage server settings on a per-directory basis. It can control things like URL redirection, security settings, and PHP configurations, including file upload limits.

Steps to Increase File Upload Size Using .htaccess

1. Locate Your .htaccess File

  • The .htaccess file is typically found in the root directory of your WordPress installation. This is the same directory where you’ll find folders like wp-content, wp-admin, and wp-includes.
  • If you can’t see the .htaccess file, make sure your FTP client or file manager is set to show hidden files. In many FTP clients, there’s an option to show hidden files, or you may need to use a command-line tool.

2. Edit the .htaccess File

  • You can edit the .htaccess file using a text editor (like Notepad++) or directly through your FTP client or web hosting file manager.

3. Add PHP Configuration Settings

To increase the file upload size, you need to modify or add certain PHP directives. Here are the settings you should add:

# Increase file upload size
php_value upload_max_filesize 64M
php_value post_max_size 64M
php_value max_execution_time 300
php_value max_input_time 300
  • php_value upload_max_filesize 64M: This sets the maximum file size that can be uploaded. Change 64M to the desired size (e.g., 128M for 128 megabytes).
  • php_value post_max_size 64M: This sets the maximum size of POST data that can be sent. It should be at least as large as upload_max_filesize.
  • php_value max_execution_time 300: This sets the maximum time in seconds that a script is allowed to run. Increase this if you expect uploads to take longer.
  • php_value max_input_time 300: This sets the maximum time in seconds that a script is allowed to parse input data. Increase this if needed.

4. Save the .htaccess File

  • After adding these lines, save the .htaccess file and upload it back to your server if you edited it locally.

5. Verify the Changes

  • Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
  • Go to Media -> Add New and check if the maximum upload file size has increased. You should see the new limit in the upload area.

Additional Considerations

  • Check with Your Hosting Provider: Some hosting providers may not allow overriding PHP settings via .htaccess due to server configuration or security reasons. If the changes don’t take effect, you might need to contact your hosting provider to adjust the settings from their end.
  • PHP Configuration Files: If the .htaccess method doesn’t work, you can also try modifying the php.ini file if you have access to it. Alternatively, you can use the wp-config.php file or a plugin designed for increasing upload size.
  • Plugins for Upload Size: There are WordPress plugins available that can help you increase the upload file size limit, such as “Increase Maximum Upload File Size” or “WP Increase Upload Filesize”.

Summary

To increase the file upload size in WordPress using the .htaccess file, you need to:

  • Locate and open your .htaccess file.
  • Add PHP configuration settings to increase the upload size.
  • Save the changes and verify them in the WordPress admin dashboard.

If you run into any issues, it might be worth checking with your hosting provider for further assistance.

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