Fix WordPress Memory Exhausted Error Latest Guide 2025

Have you ever been working on your WordPress site when suddenly everything freezes and you’re faced with this dreaded message?

“Fatal error: Allowed memory size of XXXXXXXX bytes exhausted (tried to allocate XXXXXXX bytes)”

Don’t panic! This is one of the most common WordPress errors, and I’m here to help you not only fix it but understand why it happens and how to prevent it from occurring again.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the WordPress memory exhausted error. Whether you’re a WordPress beginner or an experienced developer, you’ll find actionable solutions and expert insights that will help you resolve this issue once and for all.

What is WordPress Memory Exhausted Error?

The WordPress memory exhausted error is essentially your website telling you it doesn’t have enough PHP memory to complete the task at hand. Think of your website like a computer – it needs adequate RAM to run applications smoothly.

When you see a message like this:

Fatal error: Allowed memory size of 41943040 bytes exhausted (tried to allocate 32768 bytes) in /home/username/public_html/wp-includes/plugin.php on line XXX

It means WordPress tried to use more memory than what’s currently allocated to it. The first number (41943040 bytes in this example, which equals 40MB) is your current PHP memory limit, and the second number (32768 bytes) is the additional memory WordPress was trying to use.

By default, WordPress allocates 40MB of memory, but this is often insufficient for modern websites with various plugins, themes, and content types.

Why Does This Error Occur?

Let me explain the root causes can help you better address and prevent this issue:

1. Resource-intensive plugins: Some plugins require significant memory, especially those handling media, SEO, caching, or backup functions.
2. Poorly coded themes: Themes with inefficient code can consume excessive memory.
3. Large media files: Uploading and processing high-resolution images or videos can temporarily spike memory usage.
4. WordPress updates: Major updates might require more memory during the update process.
5. Concurrent processes: Multiple simultaneous operations (like bulk post updates or media processing) can exhaust available memory.
6. Low hosting resources: Budget hosting plans often come with strict memory limitations.
7. Complex database queries: Sites with large databases may run complex queries that require substantial memory.

How to Check Your Current PHP Memory Limit

Before making any changes, it’s important to know your current PHP memory limit. Here’s how to check it:

Method 1: Using a Plugin

The easiest way is to install a plugin like Health Check & Troubleshooting:

1. Install and activate the plugin
2. Go to Tools > Site Health
3. Click on “Info” tab
4. Scroll down to the “Server” section
5. Look for “PHP Memory Limit”

Method 2: Creating a PHP Info File

1. Create a file named info.php with the following content: <?php phpinfo(); ?>
2. Upload it to your website’s root directory
3. Access it via your browser (e.g., yourdomain.com/info.php)
4. Search for “memory_limit”
5. Important: Delete this file after checking! Leaving it accessible poses a security risk.

Method 3: WordPress Debug Mode

Add this to your wp-config.php file:

define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);

Then trigger the error again and check the debug.log file in your wp-content directory for specific memory information.

Now that you know your current limit, let’s explore how to increase it.

read also how to use wordpress tools by corenexis tools

Solution 1: Increase Memory Limit in wp-config.php

This is the most direct and effective method for most WordPress sites:

1. Connect to your website using FTP or your hosting file manager
2. Locate the wp-config.php file in your WordPress root directory
3. Download a backup copy of this file before making changes and edit this file.

4. Add the following code before the line that says “That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging”:

define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
define('WP_MAX_MEMORY_LIMIT', '512M'); // For admin panel

Pro tip: Start with 128M and increase only if needed. Excessive memory allocation can sometimes cause other server issues.

After saving the file, reload your website to see if the error has been resolved.

Solution 2: Modify the .htaccess File

If the wp-config.php method doesn’t work, you can try modifying your .htaccess file:

1. Connect to your website using FTP or your hosting file manager
2. Find the .htaccess file in your WordPress root directory
3. Download a backup copy first
4. Add these lines to the top of the file:

php_value memory_limit 256M
php_value max_execution_time 300
php_value upload_max_filesize 64M
php_value post_max_size 64M

Save the file and upload it back to your server. Note that this method only works on Apache servers with PHP as an Apache module.

Solution 3: Edit php.ini File

Some hosting environments allow you to edit the php.ini file:

1. Connect to your site via FTP or file manager
2. Look for php.ini in your WordPress root directory
3. If you find it, open it and look for “memory_limit”
4. Change it to:
   memory_limit = 256M
5. If you don’t see this line, add it to the file
6. Save and upload the file

Solution 4: Create a Custom php.ini File

If you can’t find a php.ini file, you can create one:

1. Create a new text file on your computer
2. Add this line: memory_limit = 256M
3. Save the file as php.ini
4. Upload it to your WordPress root directory

For some hosts, you might need to create a file named user.ini or php5.ini instead.

Solution 5: Contact Your Hosting Provider

If none of the above methods work, it’s time to contact your hosting provider. Some hosts, especially shared hosting providers, have strict limitations on memory usage that can only be adjusted by their support team.

When contacting support:

• Explain the specific error you’re seeing
• Mention what methods you’ve already tried
• Ask if they can increase your PHP memory limit
• Inquire if there are any specific methods they recommend for their servers

Most hosting providers have experience with this common WordPress issue and can offer guidance specific to their platform.

Solution 6: Upgrade Your Hosting Plan

If you’re consistently hitting memory limits despite optimization efforts, it might be time to consider upgrading your hosting plan. This is particularly true if:

• Your site receives significant traffic
• You run multiple plugins
• You handle large media files
• You operate an e-commerce site

Upgrading from shared hosting to VPS, managed WordPress hosting, or cloud hosting can provide more resources and flexibility.

When comparing hosting plans, pay attention to:

• PHP memory limits
• Server resources (CPU, RAM)
• Scalability options
• WordPress-specific optimizations

Prevent Memory Issues for Future

Fixing the immediate error is important, but preventing future occurrences is equally crucial. Here are some best practices:

1. Regular Plugin Audits

Conduct monthly plugin reviews:

• Deactivate and delete unused plugins
• Research plugin memory usage before installing new ones
• Consider lighter alternatives for resource-heavy plugins
• Keep all plugins updated to their latest versions

2. Optimize Your Media

Images often consume significant resources:

• Compress images before uploading using tools like corenexis image tools
• Consider enabling lazy loading for images
• Use WebP format when possible
• Set appropriate image dimensions in your theme

3. Use a Caching Solution

Caching significantly reduces server load:

• Implement page caching
• Consider browser caching
• Look into object caching for database-heavy sites
• Enable CDN integration if possible

5. Choose a Lightweight Theme

Your theme forms the foundation of your site:

• Opt for well-coded, lightweight themes
• Avoid themes with excessive features you don’t use
• Consider frameworks known for efficiency (like GeneratePress or Kadence)

6. Monitor Performance

Stay ahead of issues with monitoring:

• Implement regular performance testing
• Monitor server resource usage
• Set up uptime monitoring
• Consider performance plugins that offer insights

Tools to Monitor WordPress Memory Usage

Staying informed about your site’s memory usage helps prevent issues before they occur:

1. Query Monitor

Query Monitor provides detailed performance information, including:

• PHP memory usage
• Database queries
• HTTP requests
• Script enqueues

2. New Relic

For professional sites, New Relic offers comprehensive performance monitoring:

• Real-time metrics
• Detailed performance analytics
• Bottleneck identification
• Alert systems

3. Server Resource Monitoring

Many hosting providers offer resource monitoring dashboards. Check if yours provides:

• Memory usage graphs
• CPU utilization
• Bandwidth consumption
• Peak usage periods

4. WP Server Stats

WP Server Stats displays:

• Current memory usage
• Available memory
• PHP information
• Server configuration

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The WordPress memory exhausted error, while frustrating, is ultimately a solvable problem. Whether you choose to increase memory limits, optimize your site, or both, you now have the knowledge to tackle this common issue.

Remember:

1. Start by identifying your current memory limit
2. Try the simplest solutions first (wp-config.php changes)
3. Move to more advanced solutions if needed
4. Implement best practices to prevent future occurrences
5. Regularly monitor your site’s performance

With the right approach, you can ensure your WordPress site runs smoothly and efficiently, free from memory-related disruptions.

Have you encountered memory issues on your WordPress site? What solutions worked best for you? Share your experiences in the comments below!