How to Fix the WordPress Memory Exhausted Error: A Comprehensive Guide
The “WordPress Memory Exhausted Error” is a frequent headache for WordPress site administrators, arising when the site uses more memory than what’s allocated for PHP. This error often results in a site crash, displaying a daunting message about exhausted memory and pointing to a specific file. Typically, this happens because the memory limit set in the server’s PHP configuration isn’t enough to handle the demands of your site, especially if you have numerous plugins, high traffic, or resource-intensive themes.
Understanding and Resolving the WordPress Memory Exhausted Error
Fixing this issue quickly is essential to keep your WordPress site running smoothly. There are several ways to tackle this problem: you can increase the PHP memory limit by editing the wp-config.php
file, .htaccess
file, or php.ini
file. Additionally, it’s helpful to identify and disable any plugins or themes that are using excessive memory. Sometimes, optimizing your site’s code or even upgrading your hosting plan might be necessary. By taking these steps, you can ensure your site stays stable and provides a seamless experience for your visitors.
At ZEROPHOID, the owner of WordPressUpdates.eu, we understand the challenges that come with maintaining a WordPress site
The “WordPress Memory Exhausted Error” typically occurs when your WordPress site uses more memory than is allocated to PHP. This error can manifest as an error message like:
Fatal error: Allowed memory size of xxxxx bytes exhausted (tried to allocate xxxxx bytes) in /path/to/wordpress/file.php on line xxx
Here are some steps to resolve this issue:
1. Increase PHP Memory Limit
Method 1: Edit wp-config.php
- Access your WordPress site’s root directory via FTP or a file manager in your hosting control panel.
- Open the ‘
wp-config.php
‘ file. - Add the following line just before the ‘
/* That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */
‘ line:
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
This will increase the memory limit to 256MB. You can adjust the value as needed.
Method 2: Edit .htaccess
- Access your WordPress site’s root directory via FTP or a file manager in your hosting control panel.
- Open the ‘
.htaccess
‘ file. - Add the following line:
memory_limit = 256M
Method 3: Edit php.ini
- If you have access to your server’s ‘
php.ini
‘ file (not all hosting environments allow this), find or add the following line:
memory_limit = 256M
2. Deactivate Plugins and Themes
Sometimes, a plugin or theme may be consuming too much memory. To identify the culprit:
- Deactivate all plugins and see if the error persists.
- Reactivate plugins one by one to identify which plugin is causing the issue.
- Switch to a default WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-One) to see if your theme is causing the problem.
3. Check for Inefficient Code
Review your theme and plugin code for inefficiencies. Poorly coded plugins or themes can consume excessive memory. Consider consulting with a developer if you’re not comfortable reviewing the code yourself.
4. Upgrade Hosting Plan
If your site has outgrown the resources provided by your hosting plan, it may be time to upgrade to a plan with more resources.
5. Contact Hosting Provider
If you’ve tried all of the above and the issue persists, contact your hosting provider. They may be able to increase the PHP memory limit for you or identify other server-side issues.
Call to Action: Get Professional Help from ZEROPHOID
By systematically following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the WordPress Memory Exhausted Error on your site. If you need assistance in fixing this issue and preventing it from happening again, consider using an expert company like ZEROPHOID. Take advantage of our WordPress Quick Fix Service at just €35 for 1 hour. We’re here to help you maintain a smooth and reliable website experience.