Increase the maximum file upload size

Hosts set different upload limits. If Media uploads fail on large files, check the current limit and raise it if the server allows it.

Also see Increase WordPress memory limit.

Find your current upload limit

1. Go to Media → Add New.
2. Look for Maximum upload file size.

Raise the limit

If the host hard-caps the value (for example at 16MB), PHP/wp-config.php changes will not go above that. Contact the host in that case.

Try wp-config.php

Add above the “That’s all, stop editing!” line (adjust sizes as needed):

@ini_set( 'upload_max_size', '128M' );
@ini_set( 'post_max_size', '128M' );
@ini_set( 'max_execution_time', '300' );

The @ suppresses warnings if the host forbids changing those settings. Some hosts also require matching values in php.ini or .htaccess.

Plugins

WordPress.org has helper plugins such as Increase Maximum Upload File Size and Big File Uploads. They still cannot exceed a hard server cap.

After changing settings, reload Media → Add New and confirm the new maximum.