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

Fatal Error: Maximum Execution Time Exceeded in WordPress is another frustrating error that a WordPress user might encounter.

In this article, you’ll learn how to fix Fatal Error: Maximum Execution Time Exceeded in WordPress.

Why Fatal Error: Maximum Execution Time Exceeded in WordPress occurs?

WordPress, being coded in PHP programming language has a time limit set for how long a PHP script can run. This is to protect web servers from abuse. The value of time limit varies with the WordPress hosting providers. When the PHP script reaches the maximum execution time limit, a maximum execution time exceeded error is displayed.

How to fix Fatal Error: Maximum Execution Time Exceeded in WordPress?

So, how do you fix Fatal Error: Maximum Execution Time Exceeded in WordPress?

There are two methods to solve this error. The first way is to fix it by editing your .htaccess file manually and the second way is to use a plugin to fix this error.

First method: Manually editing .htaccess file

Firstly, connect to your website using an FTP client such as Filezilla. Locate the .htaccess file which is in the same folder as your /wp-content/ and /wp-admin/ folders.

After that, add the following line to your .htaccess file,

php_value max_execution_time 300

The above code will set the value for maximum execution time to 5 minutes (300 seconds). If the error persists, then try increasing the value to 600.

Second method: Using a plugin

If you don’t wish to solve the problem technically by editing the .htaccess file manually, then you have an option to install and activate the WP Maximum Execution Time Exceeded plugin.

This plugin increases the maximum execution time to 300 seconds.

Either of the above two methods should fix Fix Fatal Error: Maximum Execution Time Exceeded in WordPress. If you know any other solution, please share with us in the comment section below.