Google Chrome Error Code ERR_FILE_TOO_BIG: How to Fix It

Easy 5-20 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
Summarize with ChatGPTSummarize with ClaudeSummarize with Perplexity Add as Preferred Source on Google
Error Code
ERR_FILE_TOO_BIG
Brand
Google Chrome
Product Type
browser
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
5-20 minutes
The ERR_FILE_TOO_BIG error in Google Chrome appears when you try to upload or access a file that exceeds the size limit set by either the website, your server configuration, or Chrome itself. This is a medium-severity issue that usually does not damage your system but does prevent you from completing the intended file action. In most cases, the fix involves compressing the file, adjusting server settings, or using an alternative upload method.
Ad

Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code ERR_FILE_TOO_BIG

  1. Check the File Size Against the Site Limit

  2. Compress or Reduce the File Size

  3. Split the File Into Smaller Parts

  4. Use an Alternative Upload Method or Service

  5. Increase the Server Upload Limit (If You Manage the Server)

    Only modify server configuration files if you have proper access and understand the implications. Incorrect changes can break your website. Always back up configuration files before editing them.

  6. Clear Chrome Cache and Cookies

  7. Try a Different Browser or Incognito Mode

  8. Update Google Chrome to the Latest Version

Ad

When to Call a Professional

If you manage a web server and are not comfortable editing configuration files such as php.ini, .htaccess, nginx.conf, or httpd.conf, contact your web hosting provider's support team or hire a web developer. They can safely adjust server upload limits without risking site downtime. If the error appears consistently on a corporate or enterprise network and none of the above steps resolve it, consult your IT department as network-level policies or proxy settings may be enforcing file size restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the ERR_FILE_TOO_BIG error in Chrome?
This error is caused when a file you are trying to upload or access exceeds the maximum size allowed by the website, web server, or the service you are using. The limit can be set at the server level (via PHP, Apache, or Nginx settings), at the application level (such as a CMS or email platform), or enforced by the file-sharing service itself.
Does ERR_FILE_TOO_BIG mean my file is corrupted?
No, this error does not indicate file corruption. It simply means the file is too large for the current upload or access path. Your file is likely perfectly intact. You just need to reduce its size or use a service that supports larger files.
How do I fix ERR_FILE_TOO_BIG on WordPress?
On a WordPress site, this is typically a PHP server limit issue. You need to increase the 'upload_max_filesize' and 'post_max_size' values in your php.ini file, or add override rules to your .htaccess file. Many hosting providers also let you adjust these values through their hosting control panel (like cPanel) without manually editing files. Contact your host if you are unsure.
Is there a file size limit built into Google Chrome itself?
Google Chrome does not impose a strict universal file size limit on its own for standard uploads. The size limits are almost always enforced by the website, server, or service you are uploading to. However, clearing Chrome's cache and keeping it updated can prevent related browser-side errors.
What is the maximum file size Chrome can handle?
Chrome itself can technically handle very large files when used with local file access or APIs that support chunked uploads. However, standard HTML file input uploads are limited by server-side settings. Most shared hosting environments default to a PHP upload limit of 2 MB to 64 MB, though this can be increased by the server administrator.

Related Error Codes