Server Memory Limit Low in WordPress: Causes, Fixes & Best Practices 

Introduction 

WordPress is one of the most powerful and flexible content management systems in the world. However, like any dynamic platform, it depends heavily on server resources to run smoothly. One of the most common issues website owners face is the “Server Memory Limit Low” warning or related fatal errors such as Allowed memory size exhausted. This issue can slow down your website, break plugins or themes, and even block access to the admin panel. 

At Kleverish Web Development, we frequently help businesses diagnose and resolve WordPress performance and server-related issues. In this detailed guide, we’ll explain what the Server Memory Limit Low issue is, why it happens, how to fix it step by step, and how to prevent it in the future. 

What Does “Server Memory Limit Low” Mean in WordPress? 

WordPress runs on PHP, and PHP uses a predefined amount of server memory to execute scripts. This memory is known as the PHP memory limit. When WordPress, a plugin, or a theme requires more memory than the allocated limit, the server throws a warning or fatal error. 

Typical messages include: 

• Server Memory Limit Low 

• Allowed memory size of XXXXX bytes exhausted 

• Fatal error: Out of memory 

This means your website is trying to use more memory than your server allows. 

Why WordPress Needs Enough Memory 

Modern WordPress websites are not just simple blogs. They often include: 

• Page builders like Elementor or WPBakery 

• Heavy themes with animations and custom scripts 

• WooCommerce and payment gateways 

• Multiple plugins for SEO, security, caching, and forms 

• High-resolution images and media files 

All of these consume server memory. If the allocated memory is too low, WordPress cannot process requests efficiently. 

Common Causes of Server Memory Limit Low in WordPress 

1. Low PHP Memory Limit 

Many shared hosting providers set the PHP memory limit to 64MB or 128MB by default, which is often insufficient for modern websites. 

2. Poorly Coded Plugins or Themes 

Some plugins and themes are not optimized and consume excessive memory, especially page builders or outdated add-ons. 

3. Too Many Active Plugins 

Each active plugin consumes memory. Running unnecessary plugins increases memory usage significantly. 

4. Heavy Traffic or High Server Load 

Sudden traffic spikes or limited hosting resources can exhaust available memory. 

5. Outdated WordPress Core or PHP Version 

Older versions are less efficient and may cause higher memory consumption. 

How to Check Current Memory Limit in WordPress 

You can check your WordPress memory limit by: 

• Going to Tools → Site Health → Info → Server 

• Checking the value of PHP memory limit 

Alternatively, you can use a plugin like WP Server Stats or Health Check & Troubleshooting. 

Recommended Memory Limits for WordPress 

• Basic blog: 128MB 

• Business website: 256MB 

• WooCommerce / Elementor site: 256MB – 512MB 

• Large or high-traffic site: 512MB or more 

At Kleverish, we generally recommend at least 256MB for stable performance. 

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix Server Memory Limit Low 

Solution 1: Increase Memory Limit via wp-config.php 

This is the most common and effective solution. 

Add the following code above the line /* That’s all, stop editing! */ in your wp-config.php file: 

define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’); 
define(‘WP_MAX_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’); 

Save the file and refresh your website. 

Solution 2: Increase PHP Memory Limit via php.ini 

If you have access to your server or hosting panel: 

memory_limit = 256M 

After updating, restart the server if required. 

Solution 3: Increase Memory Using .htaccess 

Add this line to your .htaccess file: 

php_value memory_limit 256M 

Note: This works only on Apache servers and may not work on all hosting environments. 

Solution 4: Update Memory Limit via cPanel 

1. Log in to cPanel 

2. Open MultiPHP INI Editor or Select PHP Version 

3. Set memory_limit to 256M or higher 

4. Save changes 

Solution 5: Disable Unnecessary Plugins 

• Deactivate plugins one by one 

• Identify memory-heavy plugins 

• Replace them with lightweight alternatives 

Solution 6: Switch to a Lightweight Theme 

Poorly coded themes can consume excessive memory. Choose optimized themes and avoid unnecessary features. 

Solution 7: Update PHP Version 

Using PHP 8.x can significantly improve performance and reduce memory usage. Always test on staging before updating. 

Hosting Matters: Choose the Right Plan 

Low-cost shared hosting often limits memory strictly. If you consistently face memory issues, consider: 

• VPS Hosting 

• Cloud Hosting 

• Managed WordPress Hosting 

At Kleverish, we help clients select hosting solutions that match their performance needs. 

Advanced Optimization Tips 

Enable Caching 

Use plugins like WP Rocket or LiteSpeed Cache to reduce server load. 

Optimize Images 

Compress images to reduce memory usage during uploads and page loads. 

Limit Admin Users 

Too many admin processes can increase memory consumption. 

Use a CDN 

A Content Delivery Network reduces server load and improves speed. 

How Kleverish Helps Solve WordPress Memory Issues 

At Kleverish Web Development, we provide end-to-end WordPress optimization services: 

• Server and hosting analysis 

• Memory limit configuration 

• Plugin and theme optimization 

• Speed and performance tuning 

• Ongoing maintenance and support 

Learn more about our services here: 👉 https://www.kleverish.com/web-development-company.html 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Is increasing memory limit safe? 

Yes, as long as your server has enough RAM and you don’t exceed hosting limits. 

What if increasing memory doesn’t work? 

Your hosting provider may enforce hard limits. In that case, upgrading hosting is the best option. 

Can memory issues affect SEO? 

Yes. Slow or crashing websites negatively impact user experience and search rankings. 

Conclusion 

The Server Memory Limit Low issue in WordPress is common but completely solvable. By understanding its causes and applying the right fixes—such as increasing PHP memory, optimizing plugins, and choosing proper hosting—you can ensure smooth performance and scalability. 

If you’re still facing issues or want expert help, Kleverish Web Development is here to assist you with professional WordPress solutions that keep your website fast, secure, and reliable. 

Author: Kleverish Web Development