Written by Admin on 2025-05-06

Resolving Download Exceeds Issue in WordPress

WordPress is a robust content management system that powers millions of websites and blogs around the world. However, many users often encounter an annoying 'download exceeds' error when trying to upload or install a theme or plugin. This issue can be frustrating and can impede the smooth functioning of your website.

In this article, we'll explore some solutions to help fix the download exceeds issue in WordPress.

Increase the Upload Limit

One of the primary reasons for the download exceeds error in WordPress is the upload limit set by the hosting provider. By default, WordPress allows a maximum file size of 2MB for uploads. If you're attempting to upload a file that exceeds the limit, you'll encounter an error.

To resolve this issue, you can increase the upload limit by editing the php.ini file or the .htaccess file. Here's how to do it:

Edit the php.ini file

1. Log in to your hosting account and navigate to the cPanel.

2. Locate the php.ini file in the 'Software' section and click on it.

3. Search for the 'uploadmaxfilesize' parameter and increase the value to your desired upload limit.

4. Save the changes.

Edit the .htaccess file

1. Connect to your website via FTP and locate the .htaccess file in the root directory.

2. Add the following lines of code to the file:

php_value upload_max_filesize xxM php_value post_max_size xxM php_value max_execution_time xxx php_value max_input_time xxx

Replace the 'xxM' with your desired upload limit, and the 'xxx' with the maximum execution and input times.

3. Save the changes.

Use FTP to Upload

If increasing the upload limit doesn't work, you can try using FTP (File Transfer Protocol) to upload your files. FTP is a reliable and secure file transfer method that allows you to upload large files to your WordPress site.

Here's how to use FTP to upload:

1. Download and install an FTP client like FileZilla.

2. Connect to your website's server using your FTP credentials.

3. Navigate to the 'wp-content' folder and locate the 'plugins' or 'themes' folder.

4. Upload your file to the relevant folder.

5. Go back to your WordPress dashboard and activate the plugin or theme.

Use a Plugin

Another solution to the download exceeds issue is to use a plugin. There are several plugins available that can help increase the upload limit and optimize the file upload process.

Here are some plugins you can use:

1. WP Maximum Upload File Size

This plugin allows you to set a custom upload limit for your WordPress site and optimizes the upload process for faster uploads.

2. Increase Max Upload Filesize

This plugin lets you increase the upload limit by adding a simple shortcode to your WordPress site.

3. Upload Larger Plugins

This plugin enables you to upload larger plugin files in a zip format and automatically extracts them after uploading.

In conclusion, the download exceeds issue in WordPress can be frustrating, but there are several ways to resolve it. By increasing the upload limit, using FTP, or using a plugin, you can easily upload your files without facing the error.