4xx Client errors

413 Content Too Large

The request body is bigger than the server accepts, usually a file upload.

Common causes

An upload larger than LimitRequestBody (Apache), client_max_body_size (nginx) or the LiteSpeed limit.
PHP's post_max_size / upload_max_filesize being smaller than the file.

How to fix a 413 error

1
In cPanel → MultiPHP INI Editor, raise upload_max_filesize and post_max_size (post_max_size a bit larger).
2
On nginx, raise client_max_body_size.
3
Resize or compress images in the browser before uploading.

Image compressor Search error fixes for 413

In Laravel

If PHP's limit is hit, Laravel throws PostTooLargeException. Add a max: rule in validation so users get a friendly message for files that are just too big.

Check the status of a URL

The first line of the response shows the status code; -L follows redirects and shows each step.

curl -I https://example.com/page
curl -IL https://example.com/old-page

Frequently asked questions

What does HTTP 413 mean?

The request body is bigger than the server accepts, usually a file upload.

How do I fix a 413 error?

In cPanel → MultiPHP INI Editor, raise upload_max_filesize and post_max_size (post_max_size a bit larger). On nginx, raise client_max_body_size. Resize or compress images in the browser before uploading.

How does Laravel handle 413?

If PHP's limit is hit, Laravel throws PostTooLargeException. Add a max: rule in validation so users get a friendly message for files that are just too big.