Tag: Memory error

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.

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

1. Access your WordPress site’s root directory via FTP or a file manager in your hosting control panel.
2. Open the ‘wp-config.php‘ file.
3. 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

1. Access your WordPress site’s root directory via FTP or a file manager in your hosting control panel.
2. Open the ‘.htaccess‘ file.
3. Add the following line:

memory_limit = 256M

Method 3: Edit php.ini

1. 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:

1. Deactivate all plugins and see if the error persists.
2. Reactivate plugins one by one to identify which plugin is causing the issue.
3. 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.

Get Professional Help

By following these steps, you should be able to sort out the WordPress Memory Exhausted Error. But if you’re stuck or just want to make sure the problem doesn’t come back, we’re here to help! With our WordPress Quick Fix Service, for just €35/hour, you can sit back and relax while we handle the technical stuff. Whether it’s a one-time fix or ongoing support, we’ll make sure your site stays secure and runs smoothly. Get in touch with us today—we’re always happy to help!