If WordPress will not accept a large upload, first check the displayed limit in Media → Add New. There is no universal 32 MB WordPress default: the effective limit depends on the hosting environment and site configuration.
Check whether a larger upload is needed
For an image, try preparing an appropriately sized copy rather than uploading an enormous original. Keep the original safely elsewhere. Large videos or archives may be better delivered through a suitable specialist service, depending on the purpose.
Understand the PHP limits
The relevant PHP directives include upload_max_filesize and post_max_size. The post limit must allow room for the uploaded file and request data. Server, proxy, multisite and application limits can also apply.
These directives cannot generally be raised by adding ini_set() calls to a theme. The old example also used the wrong directive name, upload_max_size. Those ineffective snippets have been removed.
Change only the authorised site configuration
Ask your host which setting controls the website and which values are permitted. On a managed account, use the supported site-level control rather than editing shared server configuration. Record the original setting and take an appropriate backup before a change.
Check the result
Reload the upload screen, then test with a suitable non-sensitive file. If the limit still differs, check the actual web PHP configuration with your host; a command-line PHP setting may not be the one serving the website. Remove any temporary diagnostic file afterwards.
For help investigating the issue, see our WordPress support service.
Sources and further reading
Guidance checked 26 October 2026: PHP’s upload and post-size directive documentation.
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