How to increase the WordPress file upload limit from cPanel

The CMS may block large files when the PHP limit is lower than the theme, plugin, image, or backup size you want to upload. On shared hosting, the safest way to change it is from cPanel, using MultiPHP INI Editor for the correct domain.

This guide helps you raise the limit without touching server configuration or using root access. If your plan has a platform maximum, the final value cannot go above that cap.

Before you begin

• Have access to cPanel and the CMS dashboard.
• Confirm the domain or subdomain where the site is installed.
• Note the file size you want to upload so you can choose a realistic value.
• Make a copy of any configuration file if you decide to review changes with File Manager.

Steps

1. Open the CMS dashboard and go to Media to check the current maximum upload size.
2. Log in to cPanel and open MultiPHP INI Editor from the software section.
3. In Basic Mode, choose the domain where the site is installed; do not choose another domain or Home Directory if you only want to affect one site.
4. Find the directives upload_max_filesize, post_max_size, memory_limit, max_execution_time, and max_input_time.
5. Set upload_max_filesize to the size you need, for example 64M or 128M, depending on what your plan allows.
6. Set post_max_size to a value equal to or higher than upload_max_filesize; for example, if upload_max_filesize is 128M, use post_max_size at 128M or 256M.
7. Check memory_limit so PHP has enough memory to process the file; if your plan allows it, 256M is usually reasonable for the CMS.
8. Save the changes with Apply and wait a few minutes for PHP to read the new configuration.
9. Return to the CMS, reload Media, and test the upload with a file that fits within the new limit.

Recommended values to check

Final verification

• The CMS shows a higher upload limit in Media.
• The test file uploads without showing a maximum-size error.
• The site still opens without error 500 after saving the changes.
• The correct domain keeps the expected PHP version.

Common errors

• The CMS still shows the previous limit → The change went to another domain or PHP has not reloaded the configuration yet → check the domain selector in MultiPHP INI Editor and wait a few minutes.
• Error 500 appears after the change → One value is too high or incompatible with the plan → return to more conservative values and test again.
• The upload fails even though the size changed → The file exceeds post_max_size, memory, or execution time → review every directive in the table, not only upload_max_filesize.

When to ask for help

Open a ticket if cPanel does not show MultiPHP INI Editor, if the limit does not change after checking the correct domain, or if you need to upload files larger than the maximum allowed by your plan. Include the domain, file size, exact CMS message, and values you configured.

Recommended reading

• How to adjust memory_limit in cPanel MultiPHP INI Editor
• How to restore backups with Backup Wizard in cPanel
• How to use File Manager in cPanel to edit files with a backup
• How to fix error 500 after modifying a website