If you are getting errors like "The uploaded file exceeds the upload_max_filesize directive" or "exceeds the maximum upload size for this site," you need to increase PHP's upload limits. On Ultra Web Hosting, you can do this through cPanel without editing php.ini directly.
Use the MultiPHP INI Editor in cPanel
Go to cPanel > Software > MultiPHP INI Editor, select your domain, and change upload_max_filesize and post_max_size to your desired values (e.g., 64M or 128M). Changes take effect immediately.
01. Method 1: cPanel MultiPHP INI Editor
- Log into cPanel at my.ultrawebhosting.com
- Go to Software > MultiPHP INI Editor
- Select your domain from the dropdown
- Find and change these values:
upload_max_filesize- Maximum size of a single uploaded file (e.g.,128M)post_max_size- Maximum size of the entire form submission. Set this higher thanupload_max_filesize(e.g.,128M)
- Click "Apply"
post_max_size must be equal to or larger than upload_max_filesize. If post_max_size is smaller, uploads will fail silently regardless of the upload_max_filesize setting. A good practice is to set them to the same value.
02. Method 2: .htaccess
Add these lines to your .htaccess file in public_html:
php_value upload_max_filesize 128M
php_value post_max_size 128M
php_value max_execution_time 300
php_value max_input_time 300The php_value directive in .htaccess only works when PHP runs as an Apache module. On our servers PHP runs via LSAPI, so this method may not work. If it causes a 500 error, remove these lines and use the cPanel method instead. See .htaccess guide for more.
03. Method 3: Local php.ini or .user.ini
Create a file named .user.ini (note the leading dot) in your public_html directory with these contents:
upload_max_filesize = 128M
post_max_size = 128M
max_execution_time = 300
max_input_time = 300Changes may take up to 5 minutes to take effect (PHP caches .user.ini files). This method works with all PHP handlers.
04. WordPress-Specific Settings
WordPress has its own upload limit that is separate from PHP's. If you changed the PHP settings but WordPress still shows a lower limit, add this to your wp-config.php file (before the "That's all" comment):
@ini_set('upload_max_filesize', '128M');
@ini_set('post_max_size', '128M');
define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');You can also check the WordPress upload limit in the Media Library. When you click "Add New," the maximum upload size is displayed below the upload area.
05. How to Verify the Change
Create a file called phpinfo.php in your public_html with this content:
<?php phpinfo(); ?>Visit yourdomain.com/phpinfo.php in your browser and search for upload_max_filesize and post_max_size. The "Local Value" column shows the current active setting.
Delete phpinfo.php after checking. It exposes detailed server information that should not be publicly accessible.
Still Cannot Upload Large Files?
If you have changed the PHP settings and uploads still fail, there may be a web server or application-level limit in play. Open a ticket and we will check.
Open a Support TicketFrequently Asked Questions
How do I increase the maximum upload size?
On our hosting, use the cPanel MultiPHP INI Editor: select your domain and raise upload_max_filesize and post_max_size to the size you need. This changes PHP's limits without editing php.ini directly, and applies to WordPress and other apps.
Why do I get the uploaded file exceeds upload_max_filesize error?
Your upload is larger than PHP's upload_max_filesize, and possibly post_max_size, limit. Raise both values in the MultiPHP INI Editor, making sure post_max_size is at least as large as upload_max_filesize, then retry the upload.
How do I change the upload limit for WordPress?
The same PHP limits apply. Raise upload_max_filesize and post_max_size in the MultiPHP INI Editor, and if a plugin caps it, check its max-upload setting too. Then confirm the new limit on the WordPress media upload screen.
How do I verify the new upload limit took effect?
Create a page that calls phpinfo() and check upload_max_filesize and post_max_size, or in WordPress look at the Maximum upload file size on the Media Add New screen. If it did not change, confirm you edited the INI for the correct domain and PHP version.
Quick Recap
- Use MultiPHP INI Editor in cPanel - the most reliable method
- Set both upload_max_filesize and post_max_size - post_max_size must be >= upload_max_filesize
- Alternative: create a .user.ini file in public_html
- WordPress may need wp-config.php changes too
- Verify with phpinfo() - then delete the file
PHP configuration for your hosting account · Last updated November 2026 · Browse all PHP/MySQL articles
