How to Change the PHP Memory Limit and Other Settings in DirectAdmin

What are PHP settings?

PHP is the language that runs many websites, such as WordPress. PHP settings are rules for how your site's code behaves. The most common ones are:

memory_limit is the most memory one script may use. It is like the size of a desk. A bigger desk lets you work on bigger jobs.
upload_max_filesize is the biggest file you can upload.
post_max_size is the biggest amount of data a form can send. Keep it at least as big as the upload size.
max_execution_time is how many seconds a script may run.

If you see an error like "Allowed memory size exhausted", the memory limit is too low.

Log in to DirectAdmin.
Look for PHP Settings. It may be under Account Manager or Extra Features. Not every server has this page.
Choose your domain if the page asks.
Find the setting you want, such as memory_limit.
Type a new value, for example 256M. The M means megabytes.
Click Save.

If there is no PHP Settings page, you can use a file.

Open File Manager.
Go to the folder public_html of your domain.
Check for a file named php.ini or .user.ini. If none exists, create a new file with one of these names. Which name works depends on how PHP runs on your server. Ask support if you are unsure.
Add these lines:

memory_limit = 256M
upload_max_filesize = 64M
post_max_size = 64M
max_execution_time = 300

These lines raise the memory, upload size and run time. Pick numbers that fit your needs. The server may have its own top limit.

Warning: a wrong line in a settings file can break your site. Back up the file before you edit it.

Tip: Raise the limit in small steps. A very high memory limit does not fix slow code, and it may use up server resources.

Tip: Changes made with .user.ini can take a few minutes to apply.