Setting max upload PHPMyAdmin in Linux

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Importing large SQL Database phpMyAdmin

Uploading large SQL files to PHPMyAdmin can be a bit tricky, but with the right settings, you can ensure that your files are uploaded successfully and your application runs smoothly. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of increasing the maximum file upload limit in PHPMyAdmin on Linux by editing the php.ini file.

Understanding php.ini

The php.ini file is a configuration file used to set various PHP settings, including the maximum file upload limit. Typically, you’ll find this file in the “conf” or “etc” folder of your PHP installation. If you’re unsure where it’s located, check your server’s documentation or reach out to your system administrator for assistance.

Steps to Increase the Maximum File Upload Limit

To set the maximum file upload limit in PHPMyAdmin on Linux, follow these steps:

1. Open a Linux terminal

On Linux systems, this file is usually found in one of the following locations: 

/etc/lampp/etc/php.ini (if you use XAMPP)
# or
/etc/php/php.ini
# or
/etc/php.ini
# or
/usr/local/lib/php.ini
# or
/usr/lib/php/php.ini
# or
/etc/php/8.1/apache2/php.ini

2. Edit the php.ini file

Using a text editor like gnome-text-editor, nano, or vi: 

sudo gnome-text-editor /opt/lampp/etc/php.ini

3. Find “post_max_size” & “upload_max_filesize”

Locate the following lines in the file: post_max_size, upload_max_filesize this settings control the maximum file size that can be uploaded to PHPMyAdmin.

4. Change the values

To your desired limit, change the values. For example, to set a maximum file upload limit of 8MB, update the values as follows: 

post_max_size = 8M
upload_max_filesize = 8M

The values ​​between these two parameters should be identical!

5. Save the file & Restart web server

Save the php.ini file and restart your web server with one of the following commands:

If you’re using XAMPP: 

sudo /opt/lampp/xampp restart

If you installed Apache manually: 

service apache2 restart or systemctl restart apache2

6. Try importing the database again

Now. try importing the database again in PHPMyAdmin to ensure the new settings are effective.

Important Notes

  • Backup the php.ini file: Before making any changes, it’s a good idea to create a backup of your php.ini file. This allows you to easily revert to the original configuration if something goes wrong.
  • Additional Tweaks: Besides increasing the file upload limit, you can also optimize the import process by:
    • Increasing PHP’s memory allocation: Adjust the memory_limit setting in the php.ini file.
    • Extending PHP script execution time: Modify the max_execution_time setting in the php.ini file.
  • Alternative Methods: There are other ways to import large SQL files into PHPMyAdmin, such as using the command line or third-party tools. However, editing the php.ini file is a straightforward approach if you have access to the server and are comfortable working with configuration files.

Importing large SQL files into PHPMyAdmin can be challenging if your server isn’t configured correctly. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can increase the maximum file upload limit and ensure a smoother import process. We hope this guide helps you successfully manage large SQL uploads in PHPMyAdmin on Linux.