You’re in the process of updating your website, activating a plugin, or tweaking your theme—when, out of nowhere, a dreaded error message appears: “Allowed memory size exhausted.” Suddenly, your site slows to a crawl, some features stop functioning, and frustration sets in quickly.
If this scenario sounds all too familiar, rest assured, you’re not alone.
This memory-related issue is, in fact, one of the most common performance problems faced by WordPress users. In many cases, the cause can be traced back to the WordPress memory limit—a predefined cap on how much server memory your website is allowed to use. Once your site exceeds that threshold, things inevitably start to break down.
Moreover, WordPress websites today are more dynamic and complex than ever before. Whether you’re running an online store with WooCommerce, using advanced page builders, or loading multiple feature-rich plugins, your site is consuming more server resources behind the scenes.
There are several key reasons for memory exhaustion, including:
- High-performance themes that now come packed with advanced styling and interactive features.
- eCommerce functionality, which requires more backend processing for orders, inventory, and customer data.
- Popular plugins that often run background tasks or scripts, increasing memory usage.
- Multimedia-rich content, such as videos, high-resolution images, and animations, that requires additional system resources.
What may have worked fine on a basic hosting plan with minimal configuration simply may not suffice as your website continues to grow.
The Impact of Low Memory Allocation
When your site hits its memory ceiling, several performance issues can emerge:
- Sluggish loading times
- Plugins or themes failing to load properly
- Backend crashes while editing or updating content
- The “Allowed memory size exhausted” error message
All of this can damage your site’s functionality and user experience—especially if you run a business or rely on traffic for conversions.
Fortunately, fixing this issue is often straightforward. By increasing your website’s memory limit, you allow WordPress more room to operate smoothly—helping to eliminate errors, speed up performance, and future-proof your site as it scales.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the WordPress memory limit, including:
- What it is and why it matters
- How to check your current memory allocation
- Simple step-by-step instructions to safely increase it
Let’s get started with the basics.
What Is the WordPress Memory Limit?
The WordPress memory limit defines how much server memory (RAM) your WordPress installation is permitted to use at any given time. This setting ensures your site operates within the boundaries of your hosting environment.
If a plugin, theme, or process tries to use more memory than what’s allowed, you’ll likely see an error such as:
Fatal error: Allowed memory size of [X] bytes exhausted…
This is your website’s way of telling you that it has run out of room to complete the task.
Why Server Memory Matters for WordPress
WordPress is built on PHP, a scripting language that requires memory to function. Each time a visitor loads a page, interacts with a plugin, or completes a checkout, PHP scripts are executed behind the scenes. These scripts depend on available server memory to run properly.
When your site exceeds the memory it’s allowed to use, it can’t complete those tasks—resulting in performance issues or full-blown errors.
What Happens When You Hit the Memory Ceiling
Running out of memory can have several noticeable effects, including:
- Sluggish performance
- Plugins not loading or functioning properly
- Theme elements failing to display
- Admin dashboard crashes
- The infamous “Allowed memory size exhausted” error message
These problems tend to escalate as your website grows. The more traffic, media, and plugins you add, the more memory is required to keep things stable.
Out of the box, WordPress assigns a default PHP memory limit—typically between 40MB and 256MB, depending on your hosting environment. This default setting is meant to balance functionality and server stability, especially on shared hosting plans.
However, with today’s websites becoming more resource-intensive—especially those using page builders, advanced features, or WooCommerce—the default memory limit is often insufficient.
If you’re frequently seeing performance dips or memory errors, your server might need a configuration upgrade, or you may simply need to increase your site’s PHP memory allocation.
A low memory limit can lead to frustrating and disruptive issues that directly affect your visitors’ experience. Some common warning signs include:
- Frequent fatal errors during routine tasks
- Plugin or theme updates failing to complete
- Error messages like “Allowed memory size exhausted”
- Slow load times across your site
Even more concerning, memory issues can interfere with critical site functions. For instance, WooCommerce-powered stores may struggle to process orders, update inventory, or display product variations if there isn’t enough memory available.
eCommerce websites are especially vulnerable to low memory allocation. Platforms like WooCommerce require additional server resources to handle things like:
- Product catalog management
- Checkout processes
- Inventory syncing
- Dynamic pricing and shipping calculations
Without enough PHP memory, these essential processes may stall or fail completely—leading to lost sales and a poor customer experience.
How to Check Your WordPress Memory Limit (Before You Increase It)
If your WordPress website is running slow, displaying errors, or struggling with certain plugins or themes, you might be hitting the limits of your allocated PHP memory. Before adjusting anything, it’s crucial to first identify how much memory is currently assigned to your site.
Understanding your current WordPress memory limit can help you make smarter decisions when it comes to optimizing performance and preventing site crashes—especially on busy or resource-intensive websites.
Below are three reliable ways to check your current WordPress memory limit, ranging from beginner-friendly to more advanced.
Method 1: Use the Built-in Site Health Tool (Beginner-Friendly)
For most WordPress users, the easiest way to find out your PHP memory limit is by using WordPress’s built-in Site Health tool—no technical skills required.
Here’s how to check it:
- Log into your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to Tools > Site Health.
- Click on the Info tab at the top of the page.
- Scroll down to the Server section.
- Look for the PHP memory limit field.
The value displayed (e.g., 256M or 512M) tells you how much memory is allocated to PHP scripts that power your website’s features, plugins, and functionality.
This method is quick and ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to touch code or access server files.
Method 2: Create a phpinfo.php File (For Intermediate Users)
If you want a more detailed view of your server’s configuration—including your PHP memory limit—you can generate a phpinfo page. This method involves creating a small PHP file and uploading it to your server.
Follow these steps:
- Create a new file using any text editor, and name it: phpinfo.php.
- Add this code to the file:
<?php phpinfo(); ?> - Upload the file to the root directory of your WordPress site via FTP or your web host’s file manager.
- Visit the file in your browser by going to:
https://yourdomain.com/phpinfo.php - Search for the memory_limit directive on the page.
⚠️ Important: Once you’ve checked your settings, delete the phpinfo.php file right away. Leaving it accessible can expose sensitive server information to hackers.
Method 3: Check wp-config.php or Server Configuration Files (Advanced Users)
If you’re comfortable editing core WordPress or server files, you can directly check the memory settings in the wp-config.php file or on your server itself.
Option A: Review wp-config.php
- Connect to your site using an FTP client or your hosting control panel’s file manager.
- Locate and open the wp-config.php file, found in the root of your WordPress directory.
- Search for the following line of code:
define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);
This line explicitly sets the WordPress memory limit. If it’s not present, WordPress will default to the memory value defined on your server.
Option B: Check php.ini or .htaccess
If the memory isn’t set in wp-config.php, you might find it defined at the server level:
- php.ini: Look for the line memory_limit = 256M
- .htaccess (for Apache servers): Check for
php_value memory_limit 256M
Depending on your hosting environment, you may be able to modify these settings through your control panel (like cPanel or Plesk), or you may need to reach out to your hosting provider to make changes.
How to Increase Your WordPress Memory Limit (Step-by-Step Guide)
If your WordPress site is throwing errors like “Allowed memory size exhausted” or performing sluggishly, it could be hitting the default PHP memory limit. This restricts how much server memory your WordPress installation can use—which directly affects the speed and reliability of your site.
Increasing your WordPress memory limit is a straightforward way to improve performance, especially for larger websites, WooCommerce stores, and sites using resource-intensive plugins.
Below are four proven methods to raise the memory limit safely and effectively.
1. Increase WordPress Memory Limit via wp-config.php
One of the easiest and most common ways to raise the memory limit in WordPress is by editing the wp-config.php file, which is a key configuration file for your site.
To begin, you’ll need to access your website files. You can do this using an FTP client like FileZilla or through your web hosting provider’s File Manager. Once inside, navigate to the root folder of your WordPress installation—this is typically named public_html, www, or simply /.
Next, locate the wp-config.php file within the root directory. Before making any changes, it’s a good idea to download a backup copy for safety. Then, open the file using a plain text editor such as Notepad++ or VS Code.
To increase the memory limit, add the following line of code just above the line that says /* That’s all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */:
define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’);
This line increases the available memory to 256MB, though you can adjust the value according to your specific needs.
After making the change, save the file and re-upload it to your server, replacing the original version. Pro tip: Be sure not to exceed the maximum memory limit allowed by your hosting provider, as this could prevent the change from taking effect.
2. Edit the php.ini File (If Available)
If you have direct access to the php.ini file—the primary PHP configuration file on your server—you can increase the memory allocation at the server level, which affects all PHP applications, including WordPress.
To start, you’ll need to locate the php.ini file. Its location can vary depending on your hosting environment. It might be found in the root directory of your site, within a php folder, or in a directory like /etc/php/ on Linux-based servers.
Once you’ve found the file, open it in a text editor and search for the line that reads:
memory_limit = 128M
Update this line to:
memory_limit = 256M
If the line doesn’t exist, you can simply add it manually to the file. This change increases the PHP memory limit to 256MB, which can be adjusted further based on your needs.
After modifying the file, save your changes and restart your web server—such as Apache or Nginx—for the new settings to take effect.
Note: If you’re on a shared hosting plan, you might not have permission to edit the php.ini file directly. In that case, consider using a .htaccess file to modify PHP settings or contact your hosting provider for assistance.
3. Update .htaccess File to Set a Higher PHP Memory Limit
If you’re on an Apache server and don’t have access to the php.ini file, you can still change the PHP memory limit by updating your .htaccess file.
To begin, access the .htaccess file using FTP or through cPanel’s File Manager. Look for the .htaccess file in your site’s root directory. If you can’t find it, you may need to enable hidden files in your FTP client or File Manager. If the file doesn’t exist, you can create a new file named .htaccess.
Once you have the file, open it and add the following line anywhere within the file:
php_value memory_limit 256M
This line sets the PHP memory limit to 256MB, though you can adjust the value if needed.
After making the change, save the file and re-upload it to your server.
Important: Some hosting environments may block overrides via .htaccess. If the change doesn’t take effect or causes a server error, remove the line and contact your hosting provider for further assistance.
4. Contact Your Hosting Provider for Support
Tried everything and still running into memory errors? You may be hitting a server-level limit enforced by your web host—especially if you’re on a shared hosting plan.
Why You Might Need to Contact Support:
- Server-wide restrictions: Hosts often set maximum memory limits for shared users.
- Default override settings: Your manual changes may be ignored if server-level configurations take priority.
- Security/firewall protections: Some providers lock down settings to prevent resource misuse.
If none of the methods above worked, reach out to your hosting support and request an increase in PHP memory allocation. Most reputable hosting companies will help you with this.
Recommended PHP Memory Limits
| Website Type | Suggested Memory Limit |
| Basic blog or personal site | 64 MB |
| Business or portfolio site | 128 MB |
| WooCommerce/eCommerce | 256 MB |
| Large or high-traffic site | 512 MB or more |
Always check with your hosting provider for the maximum supported limit on your specific plan.
How to Troubleshoot Persistent Memory Issues in WordPress
If you’ve already increased your WordPress memory limit but are still encountering errors or slow performance, there may be deeper issues at play. This guide walks you through troubleshooting persistent memory problems to help keep your site running smoothly.
1. Identify Plugin or Theme Conflicts
Plugins and themes are common culprits behind excessive memory usage—especially if they’re poorly coded or not optimized for performance.
Check for High-Memory Usage Plugins
a) Use Diagnostic Tools
- Query Monitor: Detects high-resource plugins by tracking database queries, PHP errors, and load times.
- Code Profiler (e.g., P3 Profiler or alternatives): Reveals how much memory and processing time each plugin consumes.
b) Manual Testing Approach
- Deactivate All Plugins
Disable all plugins via the dashboard or FTP and check if the issue resolves. - Reactivate Plugins One by One
Re-enable each plugin individually and monitor site performance. This helps isolate the plugin causing the issue.
2. Test for Theme-Related Memory Issues
Your WordPress theme could also be contributing to memory issues. If you’re experiencing problems with memory limits, it’s worth diagnosing whether your theme is the culprit.
To begin diagnosing theme-related issues, switch to a default WordPress theme, such as Twenty Twenty-Four or Twenty Twenty-Five. If the memory issues disappear after changing themes, it’s likely that your original theme is the cause of the problem.
Once you’ve determined that the theme is the issue, the next step is to update it to the latest version, as theme developers often release updates to improve performance and fix bugs. If updating the theme doesn’t resolve the problem, or if you’re looking for a more efficient solution, consider switching to a lightweight, performance-optimized theme such as Astra, GeneratePress, or Neve, which are known for being fast and resource-efficient.
3. Fix Errors That Persist After Raising Memory Limits
If increasing the memory limit within WordPress didn’t resolve the issue, the problem may be due to server-level restrictions.
Some web hosts impose caps on PHP memory at the server level, meaning that even if you update the wp-config.php, .htaccess, or php.ini files, the changes may not have any effect.
To address this, contact your hosting provider to verify if server-level memory limits are in place. If they are, you can request a manual increase to the memory limit. If your current hosting plan doesn’t support such changes, you might want to consider upgrading to a Virtual Private Server (VPS) or a managed WordPress hosting plan, which often provides more flexibility and higher resource allocation.
4. Clear Cache and Restart Services
Cached data can prevent new configurations from taking effect.
Clear All Caches
- WordPress Cache: Clear using plugins like WP Super Cache, W3 Total Cache, or LiteSpeed Cache.
- Browser Cache: Encourage users to refresh or clear their browser cache.
- Object Cache (if applicable): Clear through Redis, Memcached, or your host’s control panel.
Restart Web Services (for advanced users)
If you manage your own server, restart services such as:
- Apache
- Nginx
- PHP-FPM
How Bluehost Optimizes Your WordPress Memory Limits
Whether you’re running a personal blog, a WooCommerce store, or a plugin-heavy business site, Bluehost optimizes your memory limits and server resources to keep everything running seamlessly.
Scalable Hosting with High Memory Thresholds
Bluehost hosting plans are designed to scale with your website’s growth. We offer:
- Increased PHP memory limits out of the box
- Flexible resource allocation to match growing traffic and plugin needs
- Smooth performance for content-rich or high-traffic sites
This means you won’t face memory-related errors as your site expands—whether you’re launching new features, running marketing campaigns, or managing more customer interactions.
Built-In Support for Plugin-Heavy and WooCommerce Sites
Running a WooCommerce store or a site with multiple plugins? No problem. Bluehost servers are fine-tuned to support:
- WooCommerce environments that demand higher memory usage
- Plugin-rich websites without memory exhaustion issues
- Fast, reliable performance under heavy load or during high sales periods
Your site stays responsive and functional even when handling complex operations or spikes in visitor traffic.
Performance Tools That Go Beyond Memory Optimization
Bluehost do more than just increase your memory limit. It includes powerful features to boost your WordPress site’s speed and efficiency:
- Built-in caching solutions to reduce load times
- PHP version management for better performance and compatibility
- Automatic core, plugin, and theme updates to improve security and stability
All of this adds up to a faster, safer, and more reliable WordPress experience—without the technical headaches.
Why Choose Bluehost for WordPress Hosting?
When you host with Bluehost, you’re not just getting a place to park your website—you’re getting:
- A fully optimized WordPress environment
- Expert 24/7 support for performance tuning and troubleshooting
- Higher memory limits with room to grow
- Peace of mind knowing your site is built on infrastructure designed for WordPress
Whether you’re just starting out or running a high-traffic site, Bluehost ensures you have the memory, power, and tools needed for success.
Best Practices to Maintain a High-Performance WordPress Site
A fast, reliable WordPress website isn’t just about initial setup—it requires ongoing care, smart optimization strategies, and the right hosting environment. Whether you’re running a blog, business site, or online store, keeping your site in top shape helps improve user experience, reduce bounce rates, and support better search engine rankings.
Here are the top best practices to ensure your WordPress site remains high-performing year-round.
1. Regularly Monitor Server Resources and Site Performance
Keeping an eye on your website’s memory usage, CPU load, and overall server health is crucial. Sudden spikes in resource consumption can signal deeper problems, such as inefficient plugins, increased traffic, or malicious activity.
Recommended Tools:
- Query Monitor: Helps identify database queries, hooks, and plugin-related slowdowns.
- Hosting dashboards (like Bluehost’s control panel): Provide real-time metrics on memory, CPU usage, and bandwidth.
Tip: If you’re consistently approaching your hosting resource limits, it may be time to optimize your site—or upgrade to a more powerful hosting plan.
2. Keep Plugins and Themes Lightweight and Updated
Plugins and themes are the backbone of your WordPress site’s functionality and appearance. However, outdated or poorly coded components can bog down performance.
Best Practices:
- Deactivate and delete plugins you no longer use.
- Choose well-supported plugins with high ratings and recent updates.
- Use a lightweight theme designed for performance (e.g., Astra, GeneratePress, or Kadence).
- Avoid redundant functionality—each plugin adds overhead.
Perform regular audits to ensure your site uses only essential, performance-friendly tools.
3. Implement Caching and Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN)
Caching reduces server load and speeds up your website by delivering static versions of your pages to users. Combining caching with a CDN dramatically improves load times, especially for visitors in different geographical locations.
Recommended Tools:
- Caching plugins: WP Super Cache, W3 Total Cache, or WP Rocket.
- CDNs: Cloudflare, StackPath, or BunnyCDN.
These tools can minimize database requests, improve time-to-first-byte (TTFB), and ensure your website loads quickly—no matter where your users are located.
4. Choose Scalable Hosting That Grows with Your Website
Many performance issues stem from outgrowing a basic hosting plan. As your site traffic, content, and plugin use increase, so do your memory and processing needs.
Why Scalable Hosting Matters:
- Prevents memory limit errors and site crashes.
- Supports eCommerce, membership sites, or media-heavy blogs.
- Improves site stability during traffic spikes.
Pro Tip: Hosting providers like Bluehost offer scalable WordPress hosting with higher PHP memory limits, built-in caching, and expert performance tuning—so your website can grow without sacrificing speed.
Final Thoughts: How to Increase WordPress Memory Limit
Running into a WordPress memory exhaust error can be frustrating—especially when a simple fix like increasing the PHP memory limit doesn’t fully resolve the issue. These kinds of errors often signal deeper performance challenges that need a more strategic, proactive approach.
To keep your WordPress site running efficiently and avoid downtime caused by insufficient memory, it’s important to go beyond the basics.
Stay Ahead with Smart Optimization
- Regularly audit server performance: Monitor memory usage, CPU load, and server errors using tools provided by your host or plugins like Query Monitor.
- Fine-tune your configuration files: Ensure your wp-config.php, .htaccess, and php.ini files are correctly set up to allow maximum flexibility and performance.
- Review and streamline PHP scripts and plugins: Optimize custom scripts and deactivate memory-heavy plugins when possible.
Bluehost’s WordPress hosting plans are engineered with scalability and performance in mind. From higher default PHP memory limits to integrated caching and expert-level support, Bluehost ensures your site stays fast, stable, and capable of handling increased resource demands.
Whether you’re running a personal blog or a high-traffic eCommerce site, Bluehost offers:
- Hosting environments tuned specifically for WordPress
- Built-in tools to improve speed and resource efficiency
- Scalable solutions that grow with your website
