Fatal Error: Allowed Memory Size Exhausted

It’s common to get fatal error messages about memory; ‘Fatal Error : Memory Size Exhausted’. This can happen when you install themes, plugins or upgrade to the latest WordPress version. Such types of problems arise because the PHP Memory Limit of your Host is less than what the process requires for performing its functions. In such a case you would need to follow these 5 tips to Increase your host’s PHP Memory Limit – these were provided by HubSpot.

You can directly increase the PHP Memory Limit if you’ve access to the PHP.ini file. Most small Shared hosting servers won’t give you access to the PHP.ini file. But some servers allow you to create a duplicate PHP.ini in your respective site Directories whose data/values will override the default PHP.ini values. To do that you just need to create a file with the name ‘php.ini’ in the directory where your WordPress site is installed. In that just add the command memory_limit = 128M in it to increase the Memory Limit to 128 MB.

If you don’t want to mess with the PHP.ini file, then you can go for this method. In this you won’t be needing to create any extra file in your Directory. Just Adding define( 'WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '128M' ); in your ‘wp-config.php’ file would increase your PHP Memory Limit to 128 MB.

Alternatively, you can also use ini_set( 'memory_limit','128M' ); which will do the same as outlined in Tip 1, just in your ‘wp-config.php’ file.

A Default WordPress Installation won’t have a .htaccess file. But in case you already have it for some purposes like ‘301 Redirection’, just add the command php_value memory_limit 128M in your ‘.htaccess’ file and your memory limit will increase to 128 MB.

If you are a person who is new to all these techie sounding things then it’s better to have a Live Chat / a Call with your Host right away. It’s your right to talk to them & get the necessary changes you need as you’re paying for it.