PHP variable upload_max_filesize Local Value and Master Value are different

The difference between the local value and the master value of upload_max_filesize in your PHP configuration usually occurs because:

1. Local Value: This is the setting that applies to the current script or context (e.g., a particular virtual host, directory, or .htaccess file).
2. Master Value: This is the default global server setting in the main php.ini file maintained by cPanel > Select a PHP version.

Why They Are Different

The Local Value of a PHP variable is controlled by the developer via script commands, while the Global Value is maintained through cPanel > Select a PHP version. The local value can be set by the developer via code or configuration files. The commonly used location set PHP variable in code are;

1. Overriding value specified in .htaccess, httpd.conf, .user.ini or php.ini:
   • If a .htaccess file, httpd.conf, or a specific virtual host configuration overrides the global value from php.ini, the local value will differ.
2. Runtime Specification in PHP Code:
   • A script may use ini_set() to change the upload_max_filesize at runtime for the current script.
3. Per-directory or per-user settings:
   • PHP configurations can vary for different directories or users, especially in shared hosting environments.
   • These are specified in directory-specific or user-specific .htaccess, .user.ini or php.ini files.

4. Script configuration file:

   • Scripts like WordPress allow specification of ini_set()  based PHP variable values in configuration files like wp-config.php 

Fixing the Discrepancy

To align the local value and master value, you need to identify where the override is happening and make the necessary adjustments.

Steps to Fix:

1. Check the Master Configuration in php.ini:

   • Locate your php.ini file. You can find its path using:
     
<?php phpinfo(); ?>


      
   • Look for the upload_max_filesize directive and set it to the desired value. For example:
      

     upload_max_filesize = 20M

2. Ensure No Overrides Exist in .htaccess:

   • If you are using Apache, check for .htaccess files in the current directory or parent directories.
     
     
   • Look for directives like:
     
     php_value upload_max_filesize 10M
 
   • Remove or adjust them to match your php.ini value.

3. Check for Runtime Overrides:

   • Inspect your PHP scripts for any ini_set() calls that might alter the upload_max_filesize value during execution.

4. Verify the Changes:

   • Re-run phpinfo() and confirm that both the local value and master value now match.

Notes:

• Ensure the post_max_size value in php.ini is also large enough to handle the uploads. It should generally be larger than upload_max_filesize.
• Ensure the memory_limit value is also large enough to handle the uploads.