Introduction

WordPress continues to dominate the web development landscape, powering millions of websites globally. Despite its popularity, many users face challenges related to performance and speed. One critical factor that can significantly boost your WordPress site’s performance is memory allocation. This article will dive into how to increase WordPress memory, its benefits, and practical steps you can take to resolve any associated issues.

Understanding WordPress Memory Limit

What is WordPress Memory Limit?

The memory limit in WordPress is the maximum amount of memory that PHP can allocate to run scripts. By default, many hosting providers set a low memory limit for WordPress installations, often around 40MB for single sites and 64MB for multisite setups. When your website exceeds this limit, you may encounter performance issues, errors, or even crashes.

How to Check Your Current Memory Limit

You can quickly check your WordPress memory limit by navigating to the Site Health tool in your WordPress dashboard. Head to Tools > Site Health > Info > Server, and you will see the WP Memory Limit section. Alternatively, you can create a PHP file with the following line of code to display the memory parameter:

phpinfo();

This will provide detailed information about your PHP configuration, including memory settings.

Benefits of Increasing WordPress Memory

Improved Performance

Increasing the memory limit can considerably enhance your site’s speed. More memory allows WordPress to load themes, plugins, and scripts effectively, ensuring users have a seamless experience.

Handling Intensive Applications

Some plugins and themes demand more memory than others, especially those that deal with heavy graphics and content. For instance, resources-intensive plugins like WooCommerce rely on higher memory limits for optimal performance.

Reduced Risk of Errors

When your site runs out of memory, you might encounter fatal errors such as the infamous “Allowed memory size exhausted” message. Increasing memory limits helps eliminate these frustrating issues.

How to Increase WordPress Memory

1. Edit the wp-config.php File

One of the simplest and most common ways to increase your WordPress memory limit is to edit the wp-config.php file. Follow these steps:

1. Access your website via FTP or a file manager provided by your hosting service.
2. Locate the wp-config.php file in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
3. Add the following line before the line that says /* That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */:

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

This command sets your memory limit to 256MB, which is usually sufficient for most sites. Be sure to save your changes and refresh the site for it to take effect.

2. Modify the php.ini File

If your hosting provider allows access to the php.ini file, you can increase your memory limit from there as well. Here’s how:

1. Locate the php.ini file in your server’s root directory.
2. Add or modify the following line:

memory_limit = 256M

Restart your web server for the changes to take effect. Always consult with your hosting provider if you’re unsure about this process.

3. Use .htaccess File

You can also increase your memory limit by editing the .htaccess file in your WordPress root folder. Here’s how:

1. Access your site via FTP or a file manager.
2. Find the .htaccess file in your root directory.
3. Add this line to the end of the file:

php_value memory_limit 256M

Save the file and verify if it worked by checking the Site Health tool again.

Common Issues After Increasing Memory

1. Errors Persist

If increasing your memory limit doesn’t resolve errors, it may indicate that the problem lies elsewhere, such as faulty plugins. Consider disabling plugins one by one.

2. Hosting Limits

Some hosting services impose limitations, even if you manually set higher memory limits. If you continue to face restrictions, consult your provider’s documentation or customer support. If you’re looking for reliable hosting options, check out our hosting comparison.

Best Practices for WordPress Memory Management

1. Use Quality Plugins and Themes

Always opt for well-coded plugins and themes. Avoid bloated plugins that could lead to excessive memory consumption. Research user reviews and ratings to gauge a plugin’s performance before installation.

2. Regularly Review Plugins

Conduct a regularly scheduled audit of your WordPress plugins. Remove those you no longer use or need, as they consume memory even when inactive. For a deeper insight into your site’s performance, consider a website audit.

3. Optimize Your Database

A cluttered database can slow down your site and consume memory. Use plugins like WP-Optimize to clean up your database and improve performance.

4. Consider Upgrade Care Plans

Should your website grow, you might want to invest in a support plan. Explore our care plans to find a tailored solution that suits your needs.

Comparing Memory Limit Settings

Default vs Increased Memory Limits

Default memory limits usually range from 40MB to 64MB, suitable for basic websites. However, modern sites often need more. Increasing the limit to 128MB or higher can have a noticeable impact, especially for eCommerce sites or those with heavy content loads.

Performance Metrics

Websites with higher memory limits often exhibit quicker loading times and less downtime. For instance, a site that previously faced errors when surpassing the default limit might now run smoothly, effectively improving user experience.

Conclusion

Increasing WordPress memory is a vital step towards enhancing your website’s performance. Taking the time to implement it can yield significant benefits, from smoother user experience to fewer errors. Make sure to follow the steps we’ve discussed, check your current memory settings, and regularly audit your plugins and themes for optimal performance. If you’re still facing challenges or want a comprehensive evaluation of your site, consider our Free Website Audit and Free Consultation today!

How to Increase WordPress Memory Limit Easily