How to Fix the “Memory Exhausted” Error in WordPress (Step-by-Step Guide)
If your WordPress site suddenly crashes and displays a scary message like “Fatal Error: Allowed Memory Size Exhausted” or “PHP Memory Limit Reached”, don’t panic. This error means your website’s server has run out of memory to execute tasks. The good news? Fixing it is easier than you think. Let’s break down the causes and solutions in plain, actionable steps.
What Causes the “Memory Exhausted” Error?
WordPress relies on PHP (a scripting language) to run. Every time someone visits your site, PHP uses a portion of your server’s memory to load plugins, themes, and content. If a task demands more memory than your server allows, the site crashes. Common triggers include:
- Low PHP memory limit set by your hosting provider
- Poorly coded plugins or themes
- Large media files or databases
- Traffic spikes or bots overloading your site
- Outdated PHP versions
Step 1: Increase the PHP Memory Limit
The fastest way to fix this error is to increase the PHP memory limit. By default, most hosts set this to 128MB or 256MB, but resource-heavy sites may need more.
How to Do It:
Method 1: Edit the wp-config.php File
1. Access your site via FTP or your hosting file manager.
2. Locate the wp-config.php file in your WordPress root folder.
3. Add this line before the “That’s all, stop editing!” comment:
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '512M');
4. Save the file and refresh your site.
Method 2: Modify the .htaccess File
Add this code to your .htaccess file:
php_value memory_limit 512M
Note: This only works on Apache servers. If you’re on NGINX, skip to Method 3.
Method 3: Contact Your Hosting Provider
If editing files feels too technical, ask your host to increase the PHP memory limit. Most reputable hosts (like SiteGround or Bluehost) will do this for free.
Step 2: Identify and Deactivate Problematic Plugins
Plugins are the #1 cause of memory leaks. A single poorly coded plugin can hog resources and crash your site.
How to Find the Culprit:
1. Enable WordPress Debug Mode: Add these lines to wp-config.php to log errors:
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
2. Check the wp-content/debug.log file for errors pointing to specific plugins.
3. If you can’t access the dashboard, rename the plugins folder via FTP to disable all plugins. Then, reactivate them one by one to find the troublemaker.
Step 3: Switch to a Default Theme
Some themes, especially poorly optimized ones, consume excessive memory. Test your site with a lightweight theme like Twenty Twenty-Four to rule out theme issues.
How to Do It:
1. Go to Appearance → Themes.
2. Install and activate a default WordPress theme.
3. If the error disappears, your original theme is likely the issue. Contact the theme developer for support.
Step 4: Optimize Your WordPress Database
Over time, your database accumulates junk—spam comments, post revisions, and unused data. Cleaning it up can free up memory.
How to Do It:
Use a Plugin:
Install WP-Optimize or WP Rocket. These plugins let you clean your database with one click, removing unnecessary tables and optimizing performance.
Manual Cleanup via phpMyAdmin:
1. Access phpMyAdmin via your hosting dashboard.
2. Select your WordPress database and look for tables like wp_postmeta or wp_options.
3. Delete spam comments, transients, and post revisions. (Back up your database first!)
Step 5: Upgrade Your Hosting Plan
If your site consistently hits memory limits, you might need better hosting. Shared hosting plans often restrict resources, causing errors as your site grows.
Choose the Right Hosting:
- Managed WordPress Hosting (e.g., WP Engine, Kinsta): Offers higher memory limits and automatic optimizations.
- VPS or Dedicated Servers: Give you full control over memory allocation (ideal for large sites).
Step 6: Optimize Images and Media Files
Large images and videos drain server memory. Compress them without losing quality to reduce their load.
How to Do It:
- Use plugins like ShortPixel or Smush to auto-resize and compress images.
- Replace animated GIFs with MP4 videos (they’re smaller in size).
- Delete unused media files from your library.
Step 7: Limit Post Revisions and Autosaves
WordPress saves post revisions by default, which can bloat your database. Limit revisions to save memory.
How to Do It:
Add these lines to your wp-config.php file:
define('WP_POST_REVISIONS', 3); (limits revisions to 3 per post)
define('AUTOSAVE_INTERVAL', 300); (reduces autosave frequency to 5 minutes)
Step 8: Use a Caching Plugin
Caching plugins reduce server load by storing static copies of your pages. Less load = lower memory usage.
Recommended Plugins:
- WP Rocket (premium)
- LiteSpeed Cache (free)
- W3 Total Cache (free)
Step 9: Update PHP to the Latest Version
Newer PHP versions (7.4, 8.0, or 8.1) are faster and use memory more efficiently than older ones like PHP 5.6.
How to Update PHP:
1. Go to your hosting dashboard (e.g., cPanel).
2. Look for the PHP Version or PHP Selector option.
3. Choose the latest stable version and save changes.
4. Test your site for compatibility issues.
Step 10: Monitor Memory Usage
Prevent future errors by keeping an eye on memory consumption. Plugins like Query Monitor or New Relic show real-time data about your site’s resource usage.
What to Look For:
- Plugins/themes using excessive memory
- Slow database queries
- Peak traffic times
Final Tips to Prevent Memory Errors
- Regularly update plugins, themes, and WordPress core.
- Avoid using too many plugins—stick to essential ones.
- Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to offload traffic.
- Schedule regular site backups.
When All Else Fails…
If you’ve tried everything and the error persists, contact your hosting support or hire a WordPress developer. Some issues, like server misconfigurations or complex code errors, require expert help.
Fixing a “Memory Exhausted” error is often about freeing up resources and optimizing your site’s efficiency. Start with the simplest fixes (like increasing the PHP limit) and work your way up. With these steps, your site should be back online in no time!
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