Increasing PHP Memory Limit for WordPress

Updated: 28 September 2026 · Applies to: WordPress 7.1

WordPress has its own memory setting in addition to PHP's memory_limit. Set it in wp-config.php (never in WordPress core files such as wp-settings.php, which updates overwrite).

Steps

1. Open wp-config.php in the WordPress folder with cPanel's File Manager or FTP.
2. Above the line /* That's all, stop editing! */, add:

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

3. Save the file.

WordPress cannot use more than PHP allows, so also raise PHP's memory_limit if needed (see "How to fix the problem with PHP WordPress memory?"). Check the result under Tools › Site Health › Info.