If you’re seeing this error either suddenly (no specific task was done to cause the error) or frequently, try deactivating all plugins to rule-out a plugin-specific issue and try switching themes to rule-out a theme-specific issue.
Otherwise, here are three ways to increase PHP’s memory allocation:
1. If you can edit or override the system php.ini file, increase the memory limit. For example, memory_limit = 128M
2. If you cannot edit or override the system php.ini file, add php_value memory_limit 128M to your .htaccess file.
3. If neither of these work, it’s time to ask your hosting provider to temporarily increase PHP’s memory allocation on your account. Keep in mind that most decent hosting providers allocate 32 MB to PHP under each account, and most decent hosting providers allow users to temporarily increase the memory allocation. If your hosting provider won’t accommodate you, perhaps it’s time to find a new hosting provider.
(in the above examples, the limit is set to 128MB)
I can’t even get back to my dashboard, keep getting the error message. I don’t have access to that file and I’m using a free hosting site, so I guess I’ll have to upgrade.
I can’t even get back to my dashboard keep getting the error message.
If you don’t have access to the Dashboard, Try manually resetting your plugins (no Dashboard access required). If that resolves the issue, reactivate each one individually until you find the cause.
If that does not resolve the issue, access your server via FTP or SFTP, navigate to /wp-content/themes/ and rename the directory of your currently active theme. This will force the default theme to activate and hopefully rule-out a theme-specific issue (theme functions can interfere like plugins).
I don’t have access to that file and I’m using a free hosting site.
In that case, move on to option 3 where you ask your host to boost it for you. However, since it’s a free host, they probably won’t do it.
We typically don’t recommend free hosting providers around here, as they often offer crippled servers that prevent WordPress from functioning properly.
There are a few recommended hosting providers, and if you really want a free blog, try WordPress.com instead.
