Welcome to today’s blog post where we will be discussing one of the most common errors that WordPress users encounter – the Memory Exhausted Error. If you have ever received a message stating “Allowed memory size exhausted” while working on your WordPress website, then this article is for you. We will provide you with detailed solutions to fix this error and get your website up and running smoothly again.
Explanation of the WordPress Memory Exhausted Error
Before we delve into the solutions, let’s first understand what exactly the WordPress Memory Exhausted Error means. WordPress is built on PHP, a server-side programming language, and every website requires a hosting server to function properly. Just like any other computer, web servers need memory to run multiple applications simultaneously. The server administrators allocate a specific memory size to different applications, including PHP.
When your WordPress code requires more memory than the default allocated memory, you will encounter the Memory Exhausted Error. This error message typically looks like this:
Fatal error: Allowed memory size of 33554432 bytes exhausted (tried to allocate 2348617 bytes) in /home4/xxx/public_html/wp-includes/plugin.php on line xxx
Essentially, this error occurs when the memory limit set for your WordPress site is not enough to handle the operations being performed. Luckily, there are several ways to fix this issue, which we will discuss in detail.
Solution 1: Increase PHP Memory Limit
Accessing the wp-config.php file
The first solution involves editing the wp-config.php file on your website. This file is located in the root folder of your WordPress website and can be accessed through your hosting control panel or FTP client.
- Go to your web control panel, such as Cpanel.
- Locate the public_html folder and double click on it.
- Find the wp-config.php file, right-click on it, and select the edit option.
Editing the PHP Memory Limit
Once you have opened the wp-config.php file in the editor, scroll down to the end where you will find the following line:
/* That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */
Right above this line, add the following code:
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
This code increases the memory limit to 256MB, but you can adjust the value according to your specific needs.
Testing the Solution
After making the changes, save the file and refresh your WordPress website. Check if the Memory Exhausted Error persists. If it does, move on to the next solution.
Solution 2: Disable Plugins and Themes
Identifying problematic plugins or themes
In some cases, the Memory Exhausted Error may be caused by a specific plugin or theme on your WordPress site. To identify the culprit, deactivate all the plugins and switch to a default theme (such as Twenty Twenty-One). Then, gradually reactivate the plugins and switch back to your original theme one by one, testing your website after each activation. This will help you pinpoint the plugin or theme that is causing the memory issue.
Disabling plugins and themes
Once you have identified the problematic plugin or theme, deactivate it from the WordPress dashboard. If you cannot access the dashboard due to the memory error, you can disable the plugins and themes manually by accessing the wp-content folder via FTP, locating the plugins or themes folders, and renaming them to something like “plugins_disabled” or “themes_disabled”. This will effectively deactivate them.
Activating plugins and themes one by one to identify issue
After deactivating the problematic plugin or theme, reactivate the remaining plugins and switch back to your original theme. Test your website after each activation to ensure that everything is functioning correctly. This step-by-step process will help you determine which specific plugin or theme was causing the memory exhaustion error.
Solution 3: Optimize Images and Videos
Compressing image and video files
Large image and video files can consume a significant amount of memory, leading to the Memory Exhausted Error. To optimize your media files, consider compressing them using tools or plugins specifically designed for this purpose. Compressed files take up less space and require less memory to load, improving your website’s performance.
Using responsive images
Another way to reduce memory usage is by utilizing responsive images. Responsive images adjust their size based on the screen resolution of the device being used to view the website. This ensures that the appropriate image size is loaded, reducing the memory required for rendering.
Reducing the number of images and videos on a page
Having an excessive number of images and videos on a single page can also contribute to memory exhaustion. Evaluate your content and determine if all the media files are necessary. Removing unnecessary images and videos will not only reduce memory usage but also improve the overall user experience by reducing page load times.
Solution 4: Upgrade Hosting Plan
Checking current hosting plan specifications
If you have tried all the previous solutions and are still experiencing the Memory Exhausted Error, it may be time to consider upgrading your hosting plan. Shared hosting plans often have limited resources, including memory allocation. Check your current hosting plan’s specifications to see if it aligns with your website’s requirements.
Upgrading hosting plan to accommodate higher traffic and usage
Upgrading to a higher-tier hosting plan can provide you with more memory and resources, allowing your website to handle higher levels of traffic and usage. Contact your web hosting provider to discuss the available options and choose a plan that suits your needs.
Testing website performance after upgrade
After upgrading your hosting plan, monitor your website’s performance to ensure that the Memory Exhausted Error has been resolved. Test different functionalities and check for any improvements in speed and stability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, encountering the WordPress Memory Exhausted Error can be frustrating, but with the right solutions, you can quickly resolve this issue and get your website back on track. By increasing the PHP memory limit, disabling problematic plugins and themes, optimizing media files, and considering a hosting planupgrade, you can effectively address the memory exhaustion problem and improve your site’s overall performance.
Remember to always backup your website before making any changes to its files or configurations, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your hosting provider for additional assistance if needed. We hope this article has provided you with valuable insights and solutions to help you tackle the WordPress Memory Exhausted Error and enhance your website’s user experience.
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Lorenzo has been using the internet for as long as he can remember. He was there for the early days of message boards, he watched social media take over, and he’s excited to see what comes next.
