Why WP File Manager Cannot Upload Files Larger Than 2MB

You use WP File Manager to upload files. Small files work. Files over 2MB fail. “Upload failed.” Your server allows 100MB uploads. That is frustrating because you cannot upload large files.

A common issue is that WP File Manager has its own upload limit. It ignores server PHP settings. The plugin is not broken. You need to increase plugin-specific limit.

Why WP File Manager Has 2MB Upload Limit

WP File Manager sets a default upload limit of 2MB. This is a safety feature. It prevents accidental large uploads that could crash your site. The limit is independent of PHP settings. You must change it in plugin settings.

This is not WP File Manager being bad. The limit is intentional. You can increase it.

The Most Common Upload Failure Causes

• Default 2MB limit in plugin (most common)
• PHP upload_max_filesize setting (server limit)
• PHP post_max_size setting (form data limit)
• Max execution time (upload takes too long)
• File type not allowed (.exe, .zip, etc.)

Check plugin limit first.

How to Increase WP File Manager Upload Limit

1. Go to WP File Manager → Settings
2. Find “Upload max size” or “Max upload limit”
3. Change from 2MB to 100MB or 256MB
4. Save settings
5. Also check PHP limits in server
6. Test upload with large file

Increasing plugin limit removes the block.

How to Increase PHP Upload Limits

Edit php.ini or .htaccess:

upload_max_filesize = 100M
post_max_size = 100M
max_execution_time = 300
memory_limit = 256M

Restart server after changes. Check phpinfo() to confirm.

Alternative: Use FTP for Large Files

For very large files (over 100MB), use FTP. WP File Manager is convenient for small files. FTP has no upload limits. Upload to /wp-content/uploads/ folder. Files appear in WordPress media library.

FTP is more reliable for large uploads.

People Also Ask About WP File Manager Upload Limits

Why can’t I upload files larger than 2MB in WP File Manager?

Plugin has default 2MB limit. Increase in settings.

Should I stop using WP File Manager for large files?

Use FTP for files over 50MB. WP File Manager for smaller files.

Is WP File Manager worse than File Manager Advanced?

Both have upload limits. Increase settings in either.

Final Thoughts

If WP File Manager cannot upload large files, increase plugin upload limit in settings. Also check PHP server limits. Large files upload will work.