How to Fix Maximum Execution Time Exceeded Error in WordPress
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When you see an error in WordPress, don’t panic—it’s common and easy to fix. One of those errors is “Maximum Execution Time Exceeded,” which happens when a plugin or theme takes too long to install or update.
Many people fix it using the .htaccess file or a plugin like WP Maximum Execution Time Exceeded, which is great for beginners. But in this guide, we’ll show you how to fix it using the wp-config.php file. You don’t need to be a coding expert — just follow these steps.
Step 1: Log into cPanel
Login to your cPanel account.
Once logged in, look for the File Manager under the Files section.
Click on it to open.
Step 2: Find Your Website Files
Inside File Manager, open the folder named public_html (this is where your website lives) Or find the root directory of your website if you have multiple domains in cPanel account.
Step 3: Edit the wp-config.php File
Find the file called wp-config.php.
Right-click on it and choose Edit.
A popup may ask you to confirm — click Edit again.
🔔 Important: Before you change anything, make a backup of your website and database to stay safe.
Step 4: Add This Code
A new tab will open with the actual code.
Scroll down and find the line says! ( /* That's all, stop editing! */): and
add this line at the end.
This gives your website more time (300 seconds) to run tasks. You can increase it to 600 if needed, but 300 is usually enough.
Step 5: Save Your Changes
Click Save Changes at the top-right.
Clear your browser caches, website caches, and also purge your website to apply all the changes instantly.
Now try installing or updating the plugin/theme again. If it works — great! You’ve fixed the error!
There are other ways to fix this issue too — like editing the .htaccess or php.ini file — but using wp-config.php is one of the easiest for beginners.
Enjoy!
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