WordPress Fatal Error: Maximum Execution Time Exceeded

Warning Frequency: Common

Error message: Fatal error: Maximum execution time of 30 seconds exceeded

This error occurs when a PHP script runs longer than the allowed time limit. The default is usually 30 seconds. Complex operations like imports, exports, and backups frequently hit this limit.

Common Causes

Plugin or theme running a slow operation (imports, backups, image processing)
Slow database queries (unoptimized queries, missing indexes)
External API calls timing out (checking for updates, license verification)
PHP max_execution_time set too low (default 30 seconds)
Large WordPress import or WooCommerce product sync

How to Fix It

Increase execution time in php.ini: max_execution_time = 300
Or in .htaccess: php_value max_execution_time 300
Or in wp-config.php: set_time_limit(300);
Run heavy operations via WP-CLI instead of the browser (CLI has no time limit by default)
Use a plugin like WP Crontrol to run long tasks as background cron jobs
Optimize slow database queries u2014 use Query Monitor plugin to identify them

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