How to Fix the Memory Limit Error in WordPress: A Complete Guide

July 3, 2025

If you run a WordPress website, chances are you’ve encountered the memory limit error at some point. This error can be frustrating, especially if it stops your website from functioning properly or prevents you from making updates. Thankfully, the memory limit error is a common issue, and it’s fixable. In this guide, we’ll break down what causes the memory limit error, how to identify it, and most importantly, how to resolve it using different methods. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned site owner, this step-by-step guide will help you tackle this error with confidence.

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What Causes the Memory Limit Error in WordPress?

The memory limit error occurs when your WordPress site consumes more memory than the server has been allocated to handle PHP processes. WordPress runs on PHP, and each PHP process uses server memory. If a script exceeds the memory allocation, your website throws a fatal error.

Here are the most common causes of a memory limit error:

Low PHP memory limit set by the hosting provider
Resource-heavy plugins or themes
Poor server configuration
Running multiple plugins that conflict or load too many resources

Most shared hosting plans allocate minimal memory, often around 64MB or 128MB, which isn’t enough for dynamic websites with complex features.

How to Identify a Memory Limit Error

To fix the memory limit error, you need to identify when and why it’s happening. Usually, WordPress displays a fatal error message like:

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Fatal error: Allowed memory size of 134217728 bytes exhausted (tried to allocate 4096 bytes)

This message means your website has hit the memory ceiling. Here are some common signs:

Admin dashboard freezes or crashes
Errors appear during theme or plugin updates
The site goes blank when uploading images or files
Certain pages time out unexpectedly

You can confirm the memory limit error by checking your server’s error logs. If you don’t have direct access, most hosting providers offer a way to view logs through the hosting control panel.

How to Fix the Memory Limit Error via wp-config.php

One of the easiest and most effective ways to fix the memory limit error is by editing the wp-config.php file. This file is located in the root directory of your WordPress installation.

Steps to fix the memory limit error using wp-config.php:

Log in to your site using FTP or your hosting file manager.
Open the wp-config.php file.
Look for the line that says /* That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */
Just above it, add the following line:

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define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

This increases your memory limit to 256MB, which is usually sufficient. Save the file and reload your website. If the memory limit error disappears, the problem is solved.

Fixing the Memory Limit Error in php.ini

Another method to resolve the memory limit error is by increasing the memory through your php.ini file. This is a configuration file used by the PHP interpreter.

Steps:

Access your site’s root directory using FTP.
Look for the php.ini file. If it doesn’t exist, create a new file named php.ini.
Add or modify the following line:

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memory_limit = 256M

Save the file and upload it if needed.

Some hosting environments (especially shared hosting) may not allow custom php.ini changes. In that case, you might need to try other methods or contact your hosting provider for assistance.

Using .htaccess to Fix the Memory Limit Error

If you can’t access php.ini or wp-config.php, you might be able to increase memory using your .htaccess file.

Steps:

Open the .htaccess file in your root directory.
Add the following line at the end:

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php_value memory_limit 256M

Save and upload the file.

Keep in mind that misconfiguring .htaccess can break your site, so make a backup before making any changes. If the memory limit error persists, try combining this with other fixes.

Contacting Hosting Provider to Fix the Memory Limit Error

If you’ve tried all the above methods and the memory limit error still appears, your host may have locked memory settings at the server level. In that case, contact your hosting support and request them to increase your PHP memory limit.

When contacting support, you can say:

“Hi, I’m getting a memory limit error on my WordPress site. Could you please increase the PHP memory limit to at least 256MB?”

Most hosting providers will accommodate this request, especially if you’re on a VPS or managed hosting plan.

Best Practices to Prevent the Memory Limit Error

Fixing the memory limit error is great, but preventing it is even better. Here are some best practices to avoid encountering this issue in the future:

Keep plugins and themes lightweight: Avoid installing too many plugins, and remove the ones you don’t use.
Update regularly: Outdated code may consume more resources.
Optimize media files: Large image files can increase memory usage.
Upgrade your hosting: Shared hosting can limit performance. Switch to a VPS or managed WordPress host if your site is growing.
Use caching plugins: They reduce load times and memory usage by serving static versions of your pages.

By managing your resources and maintaining your site regularly, you can significantly reduce the chances of triggering the memory limit error again.

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Conclusion

The memory limit error in WordPress can be intimidating, but it’s not as complex as it seems. Whether you’re editing the wp-config.php, modifying php.ini, tweaking .htaccess, or working with your host, there’s always a solution. Remember to back up your site before making changes, and if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to your hosting provider. Fixing the memory limit error not only resolves the immediate problem, it also ensures your website remains stable and efficient. Stay proactive, optimize often, and your site will perform better without hitting that frustrating wall again.

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