How to Fix the WordPress Memory Exhausted Error

WordPress is a powerful content management system widely used for creating websites and blogs. However, like any other software, it can encounter issues. One common problem is the WordPress memory exhausted error message, which occurs when a WordPress site exceeds the default memory limit allocated by your hosting server.

Understanding what causes it and how to fix WordPress memory exhausted error which is important for maintaining a smooth functioning website. This article will walk through the steps to resolve the WordPress memory exhausted error.

Understanding the Memory-Exhausted Error

The memory exhausted error in WordPress is triggered when a script or a part of your website tries to use more memory than the allocated amount.

The most common reasons for exceeding the memory limit include:

• Complex Plugins and Themes: Some plugins and themes require more memory than others.
• Website Growth: As your website grows and more content is added, it demands more resources to function correctly.
• Hosting Limitations: Shared hosting environments often have strict memory limits to ensure stable performance across all sites on the server.

Resolving the WordPress Memory Exhausted Error

Following are the steps to resolve the WordPress Memory exhausted error in website:

Step 1: Increase PHP Memory Limit in WordPress

The first step in troubleshooting is to increase WordPress memory limit. Here is how to do it:

Edit your wp-config.php file: Connect to your website via FTP and File Manager in your hosting control panel navigate to your WordPress root directory and locate the wp-config.php file.

Increase Memory Limit: Add the following line of code above the That’s all, stop editing! Happy publishing. line:

define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

This code attempts to increase the WordPress PHP memory limit to 256MB.

Save changes: After adding the line save your changes and upload the wp-config.php file back to your server if using FTP.

Step 2: Deactivate Plugins and Themes

If increasing the memory limit does not fix the problem try deactivating your plugins and switching to a default WordPress theme such as Twenty Twenty-One to identify if a specific plugin or theme is causing the issue.

Switch Themes: If deactivating plugins doesn’t solve it, switch your theme through the admin area or by renaming your current theme’s directory via FTP.

Deactivate Plugins: You can deactivate plugins through the WordPress admin area or by renaming the plugins directory via FTP.

Step 3: Optimize Your Website

Sometimes, optimizing your website can prevent memory issues:

• Optimize Images: Use image optimization tools to reduce file sizes.
• Use Caching: Implement caching with plugins like WP Super Cache or W3 Total Cache.
• Database Maintenance: Regularly clean up your database by removing unnecessary data.

Step 4: Upgrading Your Hosting Provider

If the above solutions don’t work, your website might have outgrown your current hosting plan. Consider upgrading to a plan with a higher memory allocation. Shared hosting plans often have limitations. Upgrading to a Virtual Private Server or cloud hosting might be necessary for resource-intensive websites.

Important Considerations

Following are the important considerations on WordPress memory exhausted error in website:

• Always back up your website before making any code edits.
• Increase the memory limit in increments. Start with a small increase and test your website to ensure everything functions properly. You can gradually raise the limit if needed.
• Don’t set the memory limit too high. This can lead to performance issues on your server.
• Identify the root cause. While increasing the memory limit is a quick fix, it’s wise to identify the underlying reason for memory exhaustion to prevent future occurrences.

Conclusion

The WordPress memory exhausted error can be frustrating, but it’s usually fixable with some basic troubleshooting steps. Begin by increasing the PHP memory limit; if that doesn’t work, deactivate plugins and themes one by one, talk with your hosting provider for further assistance, and optimize your website.

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