How to solve Nginx: 413 Request Entity Too Large error

If you have ever encountered an error message that says "Nginx: 413 Request Entity Too Large", you know how frustrating it can be. This error message usually pops up when you try to upload a file that is too large for your server to handle. The good news is that it is possible to fix this error message.

In this article, we will discuss some methods you can use to solve the "Nginx: 413 Request Entity Too Large" error.

Here are some solutions to fix the "Nginx: 413 Request Entity Too Large" error:

1. Increase the client_max_body_size limit: The first solution is to increase the client_max_body_size limit in your Nginx configuration file. This limit determines the maximum size of the files that can be uploaded to your server. You can increase this limit by adding the following line to your Nginx configuration file:  

client_max_body_size 100M;

This will increase the client_max_body_size limit to 100MB. You can increase or decrease this limit to suit your needs.

2. Change the upload_max_filesize limit in PHP: If you are running a PHP application, you may also need to increase the upload_max_filesize limit in your PHP configuration file. You can do this by adding the following line to your PHP configuration file:  

upload_max_filesize = 100M

This will increase the upload_max_filesize limit to 100MB. Again, you can adjust this limit as needed.

3. Modify the request buffer size: Another solution to the "Nginx: 413 Request Entity Too Large" error is to modify the request buffer size in your Nginx configuration file. This can be done by adding the following lines to your Nginx configuration file:  

client_body_buffer_size 128k;

client_header_buffer_size 1k;

client_max_body_size 10m;

large_client_header_buffers 2 1k;

These lines will increase the client body buffer size, client header buffer size, and the maximum size of the client request body. You can adjust the values as needed.

4. Use a Content Delivery Network (CDN): If you are still experiencing the "Nginx: 413 Request Entity Too Large" error after trying the above solutions, you may want to consider using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to handle your file uploads. CDNs can handle large files and take the burden off your server.

5. Contact your hosting provider: If you have tried all of the above solutions and you are still experiencing the "Nginx: 413 Request Entity Too Large" error, it may be time to contact your hosting provider. They may be able to help you troubleshoot the issue and provide a solution.

In conclusion, the "Nginx: 413 Request Entity Too Large" error can be frustrating, but it can be fixed. By following the above solutions, you can increase the file upload limits and get your server working properly.