The normally awesome WordPress has an annoying limitation. When first installed on a new server, it caps file uploads to 2 megabytes.

 

That's fine most of the time, but what if you want to upload a video or a large PDF? You'll get an error message and, seemingly, no advice on resolving the issue. Well, there is a solution – if you don't mind a little file editing.

 

The file you want is called "php.ini". If you're on shared hosting (GoDaddy, etc.), you probably already have access to it in your file manager. Open it up in a text editor and look for the section titled "File Uploads" and then the following:

 

; Maximum allowed size for uploaded files.

; http://php.net/upload-max-filesize

; upload_max_filesize = 2M

upload_max_filesize = 20M

 

Notice the semicolons. They're important. Put one in front of "upload_max_filesize = 2M", create a new line and type the same text (without the semicolon). Change "2M" to "20M". 

 

While you're at it, scroll up a few lines in php.ini and find the section "Data Handling". Then edit the following just like the previous section:

 

; Maximum size of POST data that PHP will accept.

; http://php.net/post-max-size

; post_max_size = 8M

post_max_size = 20M

 

Save the file and exit the editor.

 

Congratulations! You just increased your WordPress upload limit to 20 megabytes with a few keystrokes.