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How to increase maximum upload limit in php.ini?

Amy Flakelar
Written by
Amy Flakelar

Getting “file too large” errors when uploading WordPress themes, plugin zip files, or client assets? This happens because PHP’s default upload limits are tiny - usually 2MB or 8MB max. For SEO agencies managing multiple sites, that’s basically useless.

CloudLinux gives you control over php.ini settings per domain, so you can fix this without bothering support. But here’s the thing - just changing upload_max_filesize won’t cut it. You need to adjust several related settings or you’ll still hit walls.

Step-by-step fix for upload limits:
  1. Login to your domain’s cPanel
  2. Find “Select PHP Version” (usually under Software section)
  3. Change PHP version to anything that isn’t “native” - pick the latest available
  4. Click “Set as Current”
  5. Click “Switch to PHP Settings” (top right corner)
  6. Adjust these settings together:
    • upload_max_filesize: Set to your desired max file size (like 64M or 128M)
    • post_max_size: Should be larger than upload_max_filesize (try 128M if upload is 64M)
    • max_execution_time: Bump to 300 seconds for large uploads
    • max_input_time: Also set to 300 seconds
    • memory_limit: Make sure it’s at least 256M, preferably 512M
  7. Click Apply, then Save
Note

Common gotchas from handling hundreds of these tickets:

  • If you leave PHP on “native” version, these settings won’t stick
  • Setting upload_max_filesize without increasing post_max_size = still broken
  • Large file uploads need more execution time or they’ll timeout halfway through
  • WordPress specifically needs memory_limit bumped for theme/plugin uploads
  • Changes apply immediately - no need to restart anything

This only works for your cPanel accounts. Reseller/WHM accounts need different steps.