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Fix Error: Allowed memory size exhausted

Written by: abdul waheed
Category: Joomla

What this error means

The message Allowed memory size of 536870912 bytes exhausted (tried to allocate ...) indicates PHP tried to use more memory than the configured memory_limit. It’s common across Joomla sites hosted worldwide — from shared servers in Pakistan to managed VPS in the UAE or Europe.

Quick fixes (try in this order)

Edit php.ini (preferred if you have access):

memory_limit = 768M
; or 1024M if needed

If you can't edit php.ini, try adding to .htaccess (Apache):

php_value memory_limit 768M

Note: some hosts disallow php_value in .htaccess. Use a php.ini or contact host if changes don't apply.

Add this near the top of configuration.php:

ini_set('memory_limit', '768M');

Useful when you can’t modify PHP settings directly — works globally.

  1. Turn on debug in Joomla System → Global Configuration → System → Debug System and enable maximum error reporting.
  2. Check error logs — server and Joomla logs — to locate memory-heavy extensions.
  3. Disable third-party plugins one by one, especially backup or import tools.

  • Keep Joomla and all extensions updated.
  • Use optimized hosting (PHP-FPM with higher memory allocation).
  • Reduce cron job load by batching imports.
  • Profile heavy scripts using Xdebug or PHP profiler.

Example: check current memory limit

Create a small PHP file phpinfo-memory.php and open it in your browser to confirm:

<?php
phpinfo();
?>

Search for memory_limit on that page to verify your new limit.

When to contact your host

If none of the methods work, your host might enforce a hard memory cap. Contact support and share the full error — they can increase your PHP memory limit or recommend a higher-tier plan.

Abdul Waheed - Joomla Expert
Abdul Waheed

Joomla Developer & PHP Expert helping businesses worldwide fix Joomla errors and optimize performance. Based in Pakistan, serving clients globally including the UAE, USA, UK, and Europe.

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This guide is written by Abdul Waheed (Joomla expert).