How to Fix Fatal Error: Maximum Execution Time Exceeded in WordPress

The “Fatal Error: Maximum Execution Time Exceeded” error in WordPress typically means that a script is running longer than the time limit set by your server. Here are a few ways to fix it:

1. Increase the PHP Execution Time Limit

a. Edit php.ini File:

1. Locate your php.ini file. It’s usually in the root directory of your hosting account or in a conf folder.
2. Find the line that reads max_execution_time.
3. Increase the value. For example:
   ini

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   max_execution_time = 300

4. Save the file and restart your server if needed.

b. Edit .htaccess File:

1. Access your .htaccess file in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
2. Add the following line:
   apache

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   php_value max_execution_time 300

3. Save the file.

c. Edit wp-config.php File:

1. Open your wp-config.php file located in the root directory of your WordPress installation.
2. Add the following line before /* That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. */:
   php

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   set_time_limit(300);

3. Save the file.

2. Optimize Your WordPress Site

• Disable Plugins: Some plugins may cause long execution times. Try disabling them one by one to identify if a particular plugin is the cause.
• Switch Themes: Sometimes, the theme may be the culprit. Try switching to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-One to see if the error persists.
• Optimize Database: Use a plugin like WP-Optimize or WP-Sweep to clean up and optimize your database.

3. Increase PHP Memory Limit

Sometimes, the issue may be related to memory limits. Increase the PHP memory limit by adding this line to your wp-config.php file:

4. Contact Your Hosting Provider

If none of the above solutions work, your hosting provider may have restrictions that prevent you from changing these settings. Contact them for assistance.

5. Review Error Logs

Check your server’s error logs for additional information that may help diagnose the issue.

These steps should help resolve the “Maximum Execution Time Exceeded” error. If you need more detailed instructions on any of these steps, feel free to ask!