WordPress Upload Error: Exceeds Maximum Upload Size

Notice Frequency: Common

Error message: The uploaded file exceeds the upload_max_filesize directive in php.ini

This error occurs when you try to upload a file larger than the server’s configured maximum. WordPress shows the current limit on the Media > Add New page.

Common Causes

PHP upload_max_filesize set too low (default 2MB on many hosts)
PHP post_max_size smaller than the file being uploaded
WordPress MAX_FILE_SIZE limit in Media settings
Server-level upload limit (nginx client_max_body_size)
Hosting provider limits (especially shared hosting)

How to Fix It

In php.ini: Set upload_max_filesize = 64M and post_max_size = 64M
In .htaccess (Apache): php_value upload_max_filesize 64M and php_value post_max_size 64M
In wp-config.php: @ini_set('upload_max_filesize', '64M'); (doesn't always work)
For nginx: Add client_max_body_size 64M; in the server or http block
Contact your host if you can't change PHP settings u2014 many shared hosts have fixed limits

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check my current upload limit?

Go to Media > Add New in your WordPress admin. The maximum upload file size is shown below the upload area. You can also check with wp-cli: wp eval 'echo size_format(wp_max_upload_size());'

What's a good upload limit for WordPress?

64MB is sufficient for most sites. If you regularly upload large videos, you might need 256MB or more, but consider using a video hosting service instead.