How to Increase PHP Memory Limit in cPanel

The PHP memory limit in cPanel indicates the maximum amount of memory a PHP script is allowed to use while executing on your server. When a website loads, a number of PHP processes are created to process loading themes, loading plugins, executing database queries and loading media files. If the memory limit that has been allocated is exceeded, a memory exhausted error PHP will appear to crash the website or display an error message.

By increasing PHP memory limit in cPanel, you are supplying greater resources to your website so it can continue to process heavier scripts, larger files or advanced plugins without crashing. This is especially important since many modern websites are built using content management systems (like WordPress, Joomla, or Laravel) which require higher amounts of memory than a server default allocation.

Increasing the PHP memory limit will have a significant impact on driving website performance optimization. Increasing loading page speed, decreasing crashes and improving user experience will all lead to happier visitors, or less angry visitors, better SEO rankings and site reliability. In this article I will show distinct methods to increase PHP memory limit in cPanel.

What is the PHP Memory Limit?

The PHP memory limit is the maximum server memory a single PHP script can use when running. This limit is part of your PHP memory settings and provides a safety net for any single script from using all of the available server resources. If a script tries to use above its php memory limit, the server produces a memory exhausted error. This tells the server to kill the running process to maintain the overall performance of the server.

For example, with WordPress, it could stop your theme or plugins from working, if they require higher PHP memory allocation limits. For Laravel and other PHP frameworks, insufficient memory can lead to reduced performance impacts, incomplete processes or even exiting unexpectedly if the requests are complex and take considerable processing power.

The PHP memory limit is defined in your php.ini configuration memory limit or regulated through any tools in cPanel. With the correct limits, the applications can run properly while making adjustments that eliminate php memory exhausted errors when your traffic peaks or you are utilising heavy resource dedicated features.

Common Reasons for “Allowed Memory Size Exhausted” Error

This error occurs when a PHP script exceeds the allowable memory as defined by a memory limit in the php memory settings of your server. One frequent cause of this is the use of heavy plugins or themes, particularly on WordPress sites. Some plugins are complicated, and very often load multiple scripts as well as hefty data files which will quickly use up the available php memory allocation.

Another very common cause could be high resolution images, large backups, or scripts that need to handle bulk data. These various processes can demand more memory than the php.ini memory allowed by default and can lead to crashes or incomplete tasks, when exceeded.

Memory exhausted can also be caused by poorly optimized code, for example in Laravel or custom PHP applications, where scripts loop forever or are developed around processing too much data at once without any real optimization. When this occurs, the memory exceeded stops running after it exceeds the set limit of memory available.

How to Check Your Current PHP Memory Limit in cPanel

Before changing any settings, verify the current php memory limit cPanel value. Log in to your cPanel account and locate the PHP Info tool under the Software section. This tool displays your server’s complete PHP configuration, including the active php memory allocation:

Open the PHP Info page and search for memory_limit. The number next to it shows the current limit set in your php.ini memory limit file: 

If the value is too low, it explains why you might see the memory exhausted error during heavy website activity.

Checking the memory limit first helps you decide whether you need a small increase for performance or a larger value for resource-intensive applications like WordPress, Laravel, or Joomla.

Methods to Increase PHP Memory Limit in cPanel

You can increase the php memory limit in cPanel using several methods, depending on your hosting setup. Each option works differently, so you can choose the one that suits your website and technical comfort level.

Using MultiPHP INI Editor

The easiest way to adjust the php.ini memory limit is through the MultiPHP INI Editor in cPanel. After logging into your account, open the tool from the Software section and select your domain. 

Inside the editor, look for the memory_limit directive and change its value to 256M or 512M based on your website’s requirements. 

Once you apply the changes, the new memory limit takes effect immediately. This approach is simple and does not require editing any files manually.

Editing the .htaccess File

Another method involves editing the .htaccess file located in your website’s root directory. You can access it using the File Manager in cPanel. Open the file for editing and add the line php_value memory_limit 512M at the end:

Save the file and reload your website to see if the error disappears. This method works well if your hosting provider allows php memory settings through the .htaccess file. If not, the change might not take effect.

Recommended PHP Memory Limit Values

The answer to what php memory limit is right for you really depends on the type of website or application you are operating to start. Small blogs or basic websites will do fine with a legible 128M limit, as such sites may not have heavy plugins or complicated elements to begin with.

With WordPress websites with multiple plugins, premium themes or eCommerce elements may require at least 256M in order to manage heavy traffic or expansive file processing without returning memory errors. Laravel applications or advanced PHP frameworks that are running complex operations often recommend 512M or greater for stability, particularly under heavy or advanced utilization.

If you are consistently reaching the php.ini memory limit even after increasing it, you may need to trouble shoot your scripts or preferably optimize your plugins rather than extending the memory forever. There is nothing wrong with putting memory toward a solution, but unoptimized code will also cause slowed performance or crashes.

Conclusion

Raising the php memory limit in cPanel helps your website handle heavy scripts, complex plugins, and large files without memory-related errors. Regardless if you have a WordPress site, Laravel project, or any application with php code, you should change the memory allocation which could result in crashing and instability.

We have discussed several ways to increase your memory limit:  MultiPHP INI Editor, .htaccess, wp-config.php, and your hosting support.  By choosing the right method and values, you’ll have managed to increase your website’s performance providing a seamless experience to your visitors.

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