Fixing "Maximum execution time exceeded" in WordPress

An import runs, an update drags on, a backup is working – and suddenly: “Fatal error: Maximum execution time of 30 seconds exceeded.” PHP aborts a script that runs longer than allowed. For legitimate, longer-running tasks you raise the limit; sometimes, though, the long run is the real symptom.

Check the Current Value

You’ll find max_execution_time under Tools → Site Health → Info → Server (“PHP max execution time”). The default is often 30 seconds. For imports, migrations or large backups, that’s quickly too little.

Raising the Execution Time

Pick a value in seconds, copy the matching snippet:

A quick word:

• php.ini – if you control the server.
• .htaccess – Apache with mod_php only. On PHP-FPM/FastCGI → use .user.ini.
• .user.ini – for PHP-FPM/FastCGI/CGI.

Note: max_execution_time can’t be set in wp-config.php. In your own code you can use set_time_limit( 300 ); at runtime – but that’s an exception for specific spots, not a permanent fix.

With web servers like Nginx, a gateway timeout (FastCGI) can also apply, set independently of PHP. If the error persists despite a higher PHP value, that’s usually the reason – and only the host can help.

When a Higher Value Isn’t the Fix

If a perfectly normal page request aborts after 30 seconds, the time limit isn’t the problem – a runaway query or a hanging plugin is. A higher limit then only extends the wait until it breaks again. Typical culprits are a plugin that queries external servers on every request and waits for a response, an unfavourable database query over a huge table, or an infinite loop in custom code. In those cases, hunting the cause via WP_DEBUG_LOG and deactivating plugins step by step is worth more than any bigger value.

Execution Time and Memory Are Linked

Timeouts often occur together with memory problems: an import that runs too long frequently hits the memory limit too. If you raise the execution time, it’s worth checking the memory at the same time → increase the WordPress memory limit. A broader overview of other errors is in the overview of WordPress errors.

If it aborts despite a higher limit, or you want the real cause narrowed down: drop us a line – we’ll find out what’s taking so long.