If you’ve encountered the frustrating “WordPress Fatal Error Allowed Memory Size,” fear not! This article will guide you on how to fix this issue and get your WordPress website up and running smoothly again. Don’t let the technical jargon intimidate you – we’ve got your back! So let’s jump right in and tackle this common problem together.
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1. Check the Error Message
1.1 Reading the error message
When encountering a fatal error related to the memory size in WordPress, it is crucial to start by understanding the error message. The error message typically indicates that the memory allocated to PHP has been exhausted, preventing the successful execution of the website. By carefully reading the error message, you can gather valuable information about the cause of the issue and take appropriate action to resolve it.
1.2 Possible causes of the error
There are several potential causes for the “WordPress Fatal Error Allowed Memory Size” issue. Some common causes include:
- Insufficient PHP memory limit: WordPress requires a certain amount of memory to run effectively. If the allocated memory limit is too low, it can trigger the error message.
- Large plugins or themes: Some plugins or themes in WordPress may consume a significant amount of memory, especially if they are poorly coded or not optimized.
- Database size: If your WordPress site has a large database, it can potentially strain the PHP memory limit.
- Server limitations: In some cases, the hosting server may have restrictions on the amount of memory that can be allocated to PHP.
2. Increase PHP Memory Limit
2.1 Understanding PHP memory limit
The PHP memory limit refers to the maximum amount of memory that PHP scripts are allowed to consume on a server. By increasing the PHP memory limit, you can provide more resources for your WordPress site to function properly.
2.2 Identifying current PHP memory limit
To determine the current PHP memory limit, you can use the phpinfo() function. Simply create a new PHP file with the following code:
<?php phpinfo(); < />ode>Save the file with a “.php” extension and upload it to your WordPress site‘s root directory. Accessing the file through your web browser will display detailed information about your PHP configuration, including the current memory limit.
2.3 Changing the PHP memory limit
There are multiple ways to increase the PHP memory limit. One method involves modifying the PHP configuration file, while another option is to modify the WordPress files directly.
To change the PHP memory limit through the PHP configuration file, locate the php.ini file on your server. Open the file using a text editor and search for the “memory_limit” directive. Adjust the value of this directive to the desired memory limit and save the changes.
Alternatively, you can also modify the memory limit directly in the wp-config.php file of your WordPress installation. Open the wp-config.php file and add the following line of code before the “That’s all, stop editing!” comment:
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M'); Replace ‘256M’ with the desired memory limit value. Save the changes to the file.
2.4 Verifying the new PHP memory limit
After increasing the PHP memory limit, it is essential to verify that the changes have taken effect. You can use the phpinfo() function again or install a WordPress plugin that displays your PHP configuration. Ensure that the memory limit displayed matches the new value you have set.
3. Modify wp-config.php
3.1 Locating the wp-config.php file
The wp-config.php file is an essential part of your WordPress installation and contains critical configuration settings. To modify the wp-config.php file, you first need to locate it. It is typically located in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
3.2 Adding code to increase memory limit
Open the wp-config.php file using a text editor and look for the line that says, “That’s all, stop editing!” Just before this line, add the following code:
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M'); Replace ‘256M’ with the desired memory limit value.
3.3 Testing the changes
Save the wp-config.php file after adding the code to increase the memory limit. To verify if the changes have resolved the “WordPress Fatal Error Allowed Memory Size” problem, try accessing your WordPress site. If the error no longer occurs, it indicates that the increased memory limit has successfully resolved the issue.
4. Edit .htaccess File
4.1 Locating the .htaccess file
The .htaccess file is an important configuration file that controls various aspects of your website. To edit the .htaccess file, you need to find it in the root directory of your WordPress installation. Keep in mind that the .htaccess file might be hidden, so ensure that your file manager is set to display hidden files.
4.2 Adding code to increase memory limit
Open the .htaccess file using a text editor and add the following lines of code at the bottom:
php_value memory_limit 256M This code sets the PHP memory limit to 256 megabytes (MB). Adjust the value according to your needs.
4.3 Saving and testing the changes
Once you have added the code to increase the memory limit in the .htaccess file, save the changes. To determine if the modifications have resolved the memory size error, try accessing your WordPress site again. If the error no longer appears, you have successfully increased the memory limit.
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5. Update PHP.ini
5.1 Locating the PHP.ini file
The PHP.ini file contains configuration settings for PHP on your server. Locating the PHP.ini file depends on your hosting environment. It is typically located in the root directory or within a folder named “etc” or “conf”.
5.2 Editing the PHP.ini file
Open the PHP.ini file using a text editor and search for the “memory_limit” directive. Adjust the value next to “memory_limit” to the desired memory limit, such as:
memory_limit = 256M Save the changes to the PHP.ini file.
5.3 Saving the changes
After editing the PHP.ini file and modifying the memory limit, save the changes. Ensure that you overwrite the existing PHP.ini file with the modified version to apply the new memory limit.
5.4 Verifying the new memory limit
To confirm that the PHP memory limit has been successfully updated, you can once again use the phpinfo() function or a WordPress plugin that displays PHP configuration information. Check that the memory limit displayed matches the new value you have set.
6. Disable Plugins
6.1 Identifying problematic plugins
Sometimes, certain plugins can consume excessive memory and lead to the memory size error in WordPress. To identify problematic plugins, disable all your plugins temporarily.
6.2 Deactivating plugins
To deactivate plugins, log in to your WordPress admin dashboard and navigate to the “Plugins” section. Select all the plugins and choose the “Deactivate” option from the bulk actions drop-down menu.
6.3 Testing to check if the error is resolved
After deactivating all the plugins, try accessing your WordPress site again. If the error no longer occurs, it suggests that one or more plugins were consuming excessive memory. You can then reactivate the plugins one by one to identify the specific plugin causing the issue.
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7. Switch to Default Theme
7.1 Identifying theme-related issues
In some cases, the theme you are using might have inefficient code that consumes excessive memory. Switching to a default WordPress theme can help determine if the theme is causing the memory size error.
7.2 Activating a default WordPress theme
To activate a default WordPress theme, go to the “Appearance” section in your WordPress admin dashboard. Choose a default theme like “Twenty Twenty-One” and click on the “Activate” button.
7.3 Verifying if the error is resolved
After switching to the default theme, check if the memory size error no longer appears. If the error disappears, it suggests that the previous theme was causing the issue. You may need to reach out to the theme developer for a solution or consider using an alternative theme.
8. Optimize WordPress
8.1 Cleaning up unused plugins and themes
To optimize your WordPress site and reduce memory usage, it is advisable to remove any unnecessary plugins and themes. Deactivate and delete plugins and themes that are no longer in use.
8.2 Optimizing database
Database optimization can help improve the performance of your WordPress site and reduce memory usage. Consider using plugins like “WP-Optimize” or “WP Rocket” to optimize your database and remove unnecessary data.
8.3 Clearing cache
Clearing cache files can free up disk space and potentially reduce memory usage. Use caching plugins like “WP Super Cache” or “W3 Total Cache” to clear and manage your WordPress cache.
8.4 Compressing images
Large images can significantly impact the memory usage of your WordPress site. Optimize and compress images using plugins like “Smush” or “ShortPixel” to reduce file sizes without compromising quality.
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9. Consult Hosting Provider
9.1 Gathering necessary information
If you have tried the above solutions and are still experiencing the memory size error, it may be necessary to seek assistance from your hosting provider. Before reaching out to them, gather information about your site, including the WordPress version, PHP version, and any recent changes made to the site or server.
9.2 Contacting hosting support
Reach out to your hosting provider’s support team through their preferred method of communication, such as live chat, support ticket, or phone call. Clearly explain the error message you are encountering and the steps you have already taken to resolve it. Provide any relevant information requested by the support team.
9.3 Discussing available options
Engage in a discussion with your hosting provider to explore any available options to resolve the memory size error. They may offer suggestions, additional troubleshooting steps, or propose server-related optimizations to improve your site’s performance.
10. Consider Upgrading Hosting Plan
10.1 Assessing current hosting plan
If you frequently encounter memory size errors despite optimizing and troubleshooting your WordPress site, it may be time to assess your current hosting plan. Evaluate the resources provided by your hosting provider and determine if they are sufficient for your website’s needs.
10.2 Understanding resource limitations
Different hosting plans offer various levels of resources, including memory allocation. Review the limitations of your current hosting plan and compare them to the requirements of your WordPress site. Keep in mind factors like website traffic, database size, and the plugins and themes you use.
10.3 Upgrading hosting plan
Consider upgrading to a higher-tier hosting plan that provides more resources, including a higher PHP memory limit. This can offer better performance and reduce the likelihood of encountering memory size errors in the future. Consult with your hosting provider to choose an appropriate plan based on your site’s requirements.
10.4 Verifying the error is resolved
After upgrading your hosting plan, verify if the memory size error no longer occurs. Test your WordPress site and monitor its performance. If the error is resolved, it indicates that the increased resources provided by the new hosting plan have successfully addressed the issue.
By following these comprehensive steps, you should be able to address the “WordPress Fatal Error Allowed Memory Size” problem and ensure optimal performance for your WordPress site. Remember to regularly monitor your site’s memory usage and take necessary steps to optimize it to avoid similar issues in the future.
