How to Fix the 413 Request Entity Too Large Error in WordPress

The 413 Request Entity Too Large error means the server knows what the client is asking for but refuses to process the request because it’s too big. This error message usually appears when uploading large files or submitting data-heavy forms.

If you can’t break down large data into smaller parts to reduce its size before uploading, you’ll have to increase the server’s maximum upload size limit.

What causes 413 Request Entity Too Large error

Your web host will typically set a server limit to prevent slow performance or downtime when handling back end operations. These limits are usually sufficient for basic tasks like posting an article. However, some website features might cause users to send larger amounts of data. If the requested resource or uploaded file exceeds the server’s limit, the server will terminate the connection and return the 413 Request Entity Too Large error message. Insufficient server resources are another common cause of this HTTP status code, especially during high traffic. When too many users upload files to the server at the same time, all the requests overload the server. Incorrect file permissions can trigger the error message by preventing the web server from accessing necessary files or directories. These restrictive permissions might hinder the server from processing large requests or uploads properly, causing the error.

How to fix 413 Request Entity Too Large error in WordPress

Now that you know what could trigger the 413 Request Entity Too Large error, let’s explore four methods to troubleshoot it, starting with the simplest. As some methods require modifying your WordPress files, remember to back up your website. Additionally, ensure you have administrator access to your web server and files.

1. Reset file permissions

If incorrect file permissions cause the HTTP error, resetting them should fix it. Hostinger users can easily do so from hPanel. Navigate to Websites→Advanced→Fix File Ownership, check the box confirming you want to reset file permissions, and then hit Execute. Alternatively, change your file permission settings using your hosting provider’s File Manager or an FTP client like FileZilla.

2. Increase the PHP upload size limit via hPanel

The second method to fix the 413 Request Entity Too Large error is to increase the PHP maximum upload file size limits. They determine the largest file size that users can upload, the maximum data sent in a single request, and the memory usage allocated for handling large uploads. Hostinger users can modify maximum file upload size limits from hPanel. Here’s how:

Go to Websites→Advanced→PHP Configuration from the hPanel dashboard.
Open the PHP Options tab, containing your website’s PHP configuration settings.
Scroll down to the memoryLimit field and increase the script’s maximum memory usage. In this example, our Cloud Professional hosting plan offers up to 6144 MB.
Next, locate the postMaxSize field and adjust the maximum size allowed for all requests, including file uploads. Ideally, the value should be smaller than the memory limit to ensure the server can handle multiple requests and tasks that need extra memory.
Finally, set the new maximum file upload size within the uploadMaxFilesize field. Make sure the value is lower than postMaxSize to avoid errors when uploading files.
Hit Save to confirm the changes.

3. Modify the functions.php file

Non-Hostinger users can increase the file upload size limit by modifying the functions.php file. This theme functions file defines a WordPress website’s functionality with rules, so you can add new code to adjust the maximum request and file size limits. Since the functions.php file resets after updates, make sure to modify the functions file within your child theme instead. If your theme doesn’t have one, follow our guide on creating a new WordPress child theme.

4. Modify the .htaccess file

Another way to change the file upload size limit in WordPress is by editing the .htaccess file. This core WordPress file contains your web server’s configurations, including authorization, caching, and optimization.

5. Modify NGINX configuration

Modifying the web server configuration also works for troubleshooting WordPress sites hosted on virtual private servers.

How to avoid 413 Request Entity Too Large error

Even if it seems harmless, the 413 Request Entity Too Large error can hurt the user experience by interrupting file uploads and form submissions. After troubleshooting the error code, take these measures to prevent it from happening again.

Optimize file sizes
Audit server settings regularly
Enable chunked uploads
Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN)

Conclusion

413 Request Entity Too Large is an error that occurs when the client sends a request larger than the web server’s file upload limit. If left unresolved, it can hurt user experience and even search engine rankings over time.

Let’s recap the five effective methods to fix this error code in WordPress:

Reset file permissions.
Increase the PHP upload size limit via hPanel.
Modify the functions.php file.
Add new rules to the .htaccess file.
Adjust the NGINX configuration.

We hope this article can help you troubleshoot the 413 error and prevent it from happening again. If you have any questions, check out the FAQ section or drop a comment below.

413 Request Entity Too Large FAQ

This section covers some of the most common questions about the 413 Request Entity Too Large error.

What are the causes of 413 Request Entity Too Large error?

Uploading files or sending data that exceed the server’s upload size limits causes the 413 Request Entity Too Large error. Incorrect file permissions, insufficient server resources, or incorrect server configuration can also trigger this HTTP error code.

Is there a file size limit that triggers the 413 Request Entity Too Large error?

Yes, the 413 Request Entity Too Large error occurs when a file or request exceeds the server’s size limit. The maximum file upload size limit varies depending on the web host but is usually around 128 MB by default.

Do I have to reduce my file size to avoid 413 Request Entity Too Large error?

That’s not always the case, as you can raise the server’s maximum file upload size limits instead. However, reducing file size is another effective way to avoid the 413 Request Entity Too Large error.

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