WordPress 'Allowed Memory Size Exhausted' Fatal Error

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

1. 1. Raise WP_MEMORY_LIMIT

   1. Add define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M'); to wp-config.php above the stop-editing line.
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. 2. Raise the PHP limit

   1. In your host panel's PHP settings (for example MultiPHP INI Editor) set memory_limit to 256M, or ask support. WordPress cannot exceed the limit the server sets.
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. 3. Find the culprit

   1. Deactivate plugins and reactivate them one by one while repeating the action that failed. Check Tools > Site Health > Info for current memory values.
   Did this fix it? Yes No

4. 4. Move to better hosting

   1. If you need more than 256M on every request for a basic site, the plugin stack or the host plan is too heavy.
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

Error reads 'Fatal error: Allowed memory size of 41943040 bytes exhausted (tried to allocate ...)' or you see a white screen during an import, backup or plugin install.

Why it happens

• Low memory_limit set by the host
• A heavy plugin such as a page builder, backup or importer
• Large image processing
• A plugin memory leak

This guide also covers

• wordpress allowed memory size exhausted
• wordpress memory limit
• wordpress fatal error memory size

The same problem in other apps

All not loading, error messages & connection guides →

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• WordPress 500 Internal Server Error
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