Encountering a timeout error while using the Divi Builder can be frustrating and interrupt your workflow. This error typically occurs when the server takes too long to respond, causing the builder to fail to load or save changes.
Note: This troubleshooting guide may require that you make server-side changes to your website. If you are uncomfortable making those changes, you should contact your hosting provider for assistance.
The Divi Builder Timeout error occurs when the Divi Builder fails to load due to an error.
Below are a few common causes of this error.
PHP Limits
Each website environment is set up differently, and hosting providers can limit the value of PHP directives for various reasons.
Here is a list of minimum required configuration directives that are optimal for running a WordPress website:
memory_limit 128M
post_max_size 64M
max_execution_time 120
upload_max_filesize 64M
max_input_time 60
max_input_vars 1000
Above are the minimum requirements, however, the higher the values, the better the performance.
PHP Version
We recommend running PHP 8.0+. Most hosting providers offer the option to change the PHP version from their cPanel; however, if that is not the case, you can always contact them, and they should be able to take care of it for you.
Note: Most hosting providers can assist you with adjusting your above PHP Limits
Cache
Caching is a very complex system that can easily cause conflicts between scripts. Make sure to always clear all your caches once a plugin, theme, or the WordPress core has been updated.
Cache may include:
Browser Cache (Tutorials on clearing your browser cache)
Plugin Cache (Check your active cache plugins and clear cache from the plugin settings)
CDN Cache (Check your server cache CDN settings or CDN plugin settings)
Server-side Cache (Check your server cache settings)
Check for Plugin(s), Child Theme, or customization Conflict
Divi has a feature that allows users to check the site in Safe mode.
Go to WordPress Dashboard → Divi → Support Center
Enable the Safe Mode
Check if the Divi Builder Timeout issue happens again
Note: Enabling Safe Mode will temporarily disable customizations and plugins that may be causing problems with your Elegant Themes product. This includes all Plugins, Child Themes, and Custom codes added to your Theme Options integration areas.
These items are only disabled for your current active user session, so your visitors will not be disrupted.
Enabling Safe Mode makes it easy to figure out what is causing problems on your website by identifying or eliminating third-party plugins and code as potential causes.
If Divi Builder works fine while the Safe mode is active, this confirms one of the following conflicts is causing the issue. Disable the Safe mode and perform the following tests:
Plugin(s) Conflict
Sometimes, plugins can conflict with a theme or with each other. Disable all your plugins and see if the problem persists.
If everything is working once the plugins are disabled, it means there's a conflict with a plugin or maybe even a set of plugins. Enable the plugins one by one to identify the one creating the conflict.
Child Theme Conflict
To test for a child theme conflict, you can temporarily disable the Child Theme by going to Appearance → Themes and enabling Divi (the parent theme).
Custom Code in Theme Options > Integration Conflict
To test the conflict that may be caused by different custom codes, go to Divi → Theme Option → Integration tab → Header and temporarily disable all the codes from these locations:
With all those locations disabled, test again the Divi Builder.
If the Divi Builder works, this confirms one of the codes is causing the issue, you may want to enable them individually and check which code is giving the conflict.
Use the latest version
Ensure you are running the latest version of Divi, Extra, or the Divi Builder plugin.
Consider switching to Divi Hosting
We partnered with our favorite WordPress hosts to create the best hosting solution for Divi.
PHP limits are already sufficient on Divi Hosting, so you don't need to worry about Divi Builder timeout errors. Plus, Divi Hosting comes with Divi pre-installed and activated automatically 😄