Google 413 Error, What It Means and How to Fix It

There are few things more annoying than attempting to upload a file and then receiving an error message that initially appears to be nonsensical. “413 Request Entity Too Large” or “413 Payload Too Large” are common displays of the Google 413 Error. You’re not the only one who has experienced this problem.

When the file you’re attempting to upload is larger than the server’s permitted size, this error happens. Although the purpose of this security measure is to keep web servers from being overloaded, it occasionally interferes with valid uploads, forcing users to look for a workaround. Thankfully, there are several solutions to fix the 413 error, regardless of whether you’re using a business platform, a personal website, or Google services.

What Is the Google 413 Error?

The Google 413 Error is an HTTP status code indicating that the request (typically a file upload) is too large for the server to process. Different web services and hosting providers set limits on file sizes to maintain performance and prevent misuse.

Error Name	Alternative Labels
Google 413 Error	413 Request Entity Too Large
HTTP Error 413	413 Payload Too Large
413 Request Entity Too Big	Entity Too Large 413
Status Code 413	413 Upload Limit Exceeded

🔗 For more details, visit: Google Support

Why Does the 413 Error Happen?

The Google 413 Error usually occurs in the following scenarios:

🔹 Uploading large media files – Videos, images, or large documents can exceed upload limits.
🔹 Submitting large form data – Forms with multiple file attachments can trigger the error.
🔹 Making API requests with large payloads – Some API requests may surpass the maximum data limit.
🔹 Using a CMS like WordPress – Default upload restrictions in platforms like WordPress can cause this issue.

How to Fix the Google 413 Error

Depending on where you encounter the error, you may need to adjust server settings, reduce file sizes, or modify system configurations. Below are the most effective fixes for the 413 Request Entity Too Large error.

1. Reduce the File Size Before Uploading

One of the easiest ways to bypass the 413 error is by reducing the file size before uploading.

✅ Compress files using tools like WinRAR, 7-Zip, or macOS Archive Utility.
✅ Use online compression tools like TinyPNG (for images) or HandBrake (for videos).
✅ Split large files into smaller parts before uploading.

2. Increase Upload Limits on Nginx Servers

If you’re running an Nginx web server, you can increase the upload size limit by modifying the nginx.conf file.

📝 Steps to increase upload size in Nginx:

1️⃣ Open the nginx.conf file.
2️⃣ Locate or add the following directive:

nginxCopyEditserver {
   ...
   client_max_body_size 64M;
}

3️⃣ Save the file and restart Nginx.

3. Fix the 413 Error in Apache Servers

For Apache web servers, increasing the upload limit requires modifying the .htaccess or php.ini file.

🔹 Edit the .htaccess file:

apacheCopyEditphp_value upload_max_filesize 64M
php_value post_max_size 64M
php_value max_execution_time 300
php_value max_input_time 300

🔹 Alternatively, update the PHP.ini file:

phpCopyEditupload_max_filesize = 64M
post_max_size = 64M
max_execution_time = 300
max_input_time = 300

💡 After making changes, restart your Apache server.

4. Adjust File Size Limits in WordPress

WordPress users may face the 413 error when uploading media or large files. To resolve this, you can increase the upload size limit using:

🔹 Modifying the .htaccess file (as shown above).
🔹 Editing the wp-config.php file and adding:

phpCopyEditdefine('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
define('WP_MAX_MEMORY_LIMIT', '512M');

🔹 Using a WordPress plugin like “Increase Maximum Upload File Size” for a quick fix.

5. Check for CDN or Hosting Restrictions

If your website uses a Content Delivery Network (CDN), it may have its own upload restrictions.

✅ Cloudflare Users: Increase the upload size limit in the Cloudflare dashboard.
✅ Hosting Providers: Some web hosts limit file uploads at the server level. Contact customer support to request an increase.

Still Seeing the 413 Error? Here’s What to Do

If none of the above solutions work, you may need to:

🚀 Contact your hosting provider – Some hosting plans have hard-coded upload limits.
🚀 Check for conflicting plugins – Some security plugins may restrict large file uploads.
🚀 Try uploading via FTP – If all else fails, use File Transfer Protocol (FTP) to upload files.

The Future of File Uploads & Server Limits

As digital content continues to grow, so does the need for larger file transfers and cloud storage capabilities. Cloud-based file-sharing solutions, improved CDN capabilities, and AI-powered compression tools are reshaping the way we handle large uploads.

🔹 Google Drive & Cloud Storage Services – Offering seamless large file uploads.
🔹 AI Compression Algorithms – Reducing file sizes without losing quality.
🔹 Blockchain-Powered Data Transfers – Ensuring secure, unrestricted uploads.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Google 413 Error

1. What does the Google 413 Error mean?

The Google 413 Error occurs when the uploaded file size exceeds the server’s set limit, causing it to reject the request.

2. How do I fix the 413 error in WordPress?

Modify the .htaccess file, php.ini file, or use a plugin to increase the maximum upload size.

3. Can I bypass the 413 error by compressing files?

Yes! Reducing the file size before uploading can often bypass the 413 error.

4. What is the client_max_body_size in Nginx?

It’s a directive that sets the maximum file upload size. Increasing it allows larger files to be uploaded.

5. Why do hosting providers limit file upload sizes?

To prevent server overload, ensure security, and maintain performance, web hosts impose upload limits.

6. Can a CDN cause the 413 error?

Yes, some CDNs impose their own file upload restrictions. Check your CDN provider’s settings.

7. Is the 413 error a security measure?

Partially. It prevents excessive server load, but it can also restrict legitimate uploads.