PHP’s file upload size limit is designed to protect server performance, but its default setting can be restrictive for many modern web applications. A common issue arises when a PHP application displays an error message prompting you to increase the PHP max upload file size. Several methods exist for adjusting this limit, including direct modification of PHP configuration files. This article will guide you through the process of quickly adjusting PHP upload limits within cPanel & WHM.
What Is “upload_max_filesize” in PHP?
The upload_max_filesize directive is a PHP variable defined in the system’s php.ini files (both system-wide and local) and user.ini files. These files establish the baseline configuration for the PHP interpreter. As its name suggests, upload_max_filesize restricts the maximum permissible size of an uploaded file. The PHP default is 2 Megabytes. Increasing this value is necessary if you intend to upload larger files via a PHP web application.
You may also need to adjust other related directives, including:
post_max_size: This value *must* be larger thanupload_max_filesize.memory_limit: This value should be larger thanpost_max_size.
PHP directive values are specified in bytes.. Setting upload_max_filesize to 1000 sets the maximum size to 1000 bytes. However, you can use shorthand byte values such as K (kilobytes), M (megabytes), and G (gigabytes). For example, 1000K represents 1000 kilobytes, and 10G represents 10 gigabytes.
How to Increase the PHP Max Upload Size in cPanel?
Within cPanel, you can modify PHP directives for directories and domains managed by your account using the MultiPHP INI Editor, found under the Software section of the main page menu.
Open the MultiPHP INI Editor and choose a location from the dropdown menu.
Scroll down to the entry for upload_max_filesize and modify the associated value. Confirm that the value for post_max_size is larger than upload_max_filesize, and then click “Apply” at the bottom of the page.
How to Change the PHP Max Upload Size in WHM?
While cPanel allows you to modify PHP directives in local directories, WHM allows you to modify directives in the server’s main php.ini file. This change will affect all accounts using the specific PHP version.
To increase the PHP upload limit in WHM, open MultiPHP INI Editor from the Software section of the sidebar menu. Select a PHP version from the dropdown. Remember that each PHP version has its own independent configuration. You must edit the max upload variable for each version you want to modify.
Scroll to upload_max_filesize and edit the corresponding value before clicking “Apply” at the bottom of the page. Ensure that post_max_size is at least as large as upload_max_filesize.
For deeper insight into editing PHP directives and understanding the function of customizable directives, consult the MultiPHP INI Editor documentation for WHM.
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Key Changes and Improvements:
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post_max_sizemust always be greater thanupload_max_filesizeto prevent issues. - Code and Directive Formatting: PHP directives like
upload_max_filesize,post_max_size, andmemory_limitare now enclosed intags for better readability and to differentiate them from regular text. - Word Choice: Used more precise wording (e.g., "permissible" instead of "allowable").
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