How To Fix Divi Builder Timeout Error Issue?

Imagine you’re about to use Divi Builder, then a popup appears with a timeout error message. Or maybe, there’s no message at all, and the loading wheel just keeps spinning forever.

Don’t worry; these issues are pretty common in Divi, but the good news is, we’ve got solutions for them all.

In this guide, we will show you how to fix Divi Builder timeout error in five simple ways. With these fixes, you’ll have your Divi Builder up and running again.

Let’s start!

Fix #1: Increase PHP Limits

The PHP memory limit defines the maximum amount of memory a script is assigned to use. 

Sometimes, the web server can not connect your Divi website server and browser due to an insufficient memory limit. That’s where increasing PHP limits can help you resolve this connection timeout error by allowing more resources for website operations.

You can easily increase the PHP limits through the cPanel (cPanel is a user-friendly dashboard that lets you manage your hosting account and server).

On cPanel, first log into your cPanel account, then go to the Software > MUltiPHP INI Editor, and finally, Change the PHP limits by configuring the memory_limit section.

You can also increase the PHP limits through third-party file manager plugins also. Such as ‘File Manager’ and ‘Advanced File Manager’ plugins. 

For example, if you use the ‘WP File Manager’ plugin simply, go to the plugin ‘WP File Manager’ from the WordPress dashboard > access and edit the ‘wp-config.php’ file > increase the memory limit by placing this mentioned code.

define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘128M’);

Extend Apache Limits through .htaccess File

You can also increase the PHP limits through the .htaccess file; an alternative approach.

Having enough Apache memory limits helps the Divi builder load properly, preventing the builder from hitting server limits. 

However, to fix this, you have to edit the file directly via your host’s File System or File Manager or by accessing the file using SSH or FTP. (Same as the previous one)

Simply, copy and paste the following custom code into the .htaccess file.

php_value memory_limit 256M

Note: You can set these memory limits according to your site, like 128M, 256M, 512M, 1024M or more. This specific value should be considered due to the binary representation law. 

Fix #2: Update to the Latest PHP Version

Divi and WordPress depend on the same PHP framework. That’s why updating the PHP version can be a solution. This PHP update not only fixes the errors but also increases the number of requests it can process per second. 

But before updating your WordPress PHP version, you should check which version you’re currently using. 

Remember, you must use the same PHP version in conjunction with Divi to avoid the timeout error.

Here, we’ll show you two methods to check the current PHP version of your WordPress site-

• Using WordPress Admin Dashboard: Go to the WordPress dashboard and navigate to the Tools > Site Health > Info > Server

• Using Your Website cPanel: Log in to your web hosting account and go to the cPanel > Software > Select PHP Version. This will take you to the next page, where you will see the PHP version your web server is using.

After checking the PHP, we have to update it. 

Click on the current PHP version. It’ll show you all the latest PHP versions available. Select the latest version from the drop-down options.

Note: Although every web hosting provider has a different way of updating the PHP version, the process will be quite similar.

Fix #3: Clear the Cache or Site Data

If you are still stuck with the Divi builder timeout issue, clearing the cache data could be another option. 

You can also clear your site data, but clearing the cache is simpler, so we recommend trying that first.

Caching systems work by storing copies of files or data to speed up website performance. But if it is not managed correctly, the stored version of scripts can cause problems. That’s why, it’s always wise to clear all your caches when a plugin, theme, or the WordPress core has been updated.

There are many ways in which the cache remains, including the Divi cache, the server cache, and the browser cache. 

Here’s the way you can clean them –

• For Divi Cache: Navigate to Divi > Theme Option > Builder > Advanced > Static CSS File Generation > Clear. This helps browsers easily cache and speed up your website’s loading time.

• Server/cPanel Cache: Your hosting service relies on the caching system to speed up its server. Check your hosting admin panel or cPanel for the cache-clearing process.

• Browser Cache: The browser tends to cache some data to give a faster loading experience for your next visit.

However, if you prefer hassle-free solutions, you can try the caching plugin. What you have to do is to install and activate it from the WordPress directory and then use it.

Clear the Site Data

If the cache-clearing process doesn’t fix the WordPress Divi builder timeout error, then you can use this alternative clear site data process. 

To fix this issue – 

• Open the Chrome Developer Tools by pressing Ctrl+Shift+I or going to the three dots on the top right of Chrome > More Tools > Developer Tools.

• Then, go to the Application tab > Clear storage and press Clear site data. 

Note: Remember, doing this will log you out of all the sites you have accessed. 

Fix #4: Check for WordPress & Divi Updates

While this is not an obvious reason for Divi builder timeout error however most of the time, a product update can probably fix this issue. Besides, it is always recommended to check the available updates for both WordPress and Divi. 

Here’s the way to update them –

• For WordPress: go to WordPress dashboard > Updates > Update your WordPress

• For Divi: go to WordPress dashboard  > Appearance > Themes > Update now

Or if you are using Divi Builder individually as a plugin. You can update from there too. Simply go to the WordPress dashboard > Plugins > Update now

Fix #5: Check for any Conflicts

Sometimes, plugins or child themes conflict with the Divi builder, resulting in a Divi builder timeout error in WordPress.  

Plugin Conflicts

The third-party plugins can conflict with each other or with the theme. This problem can arise from two situations:

• either you are using an outdated plugin 
• or there is an incompatible Divi plugin.

Now, to fix this problem – 

1. Disable all your WordPress plugins and check whether the problem exists or not. (Alternatively, you can use the Divi safe mode feature to do this. It will temporarily disable all customizations and plugins that may be causing problems with your Elegant Themes product.)
2. If everything works fine when the plugins are disabled, it means a plugin or set of plugins is conflicting.
3. Enable the plugins one by one to identify the one that is creating the conflict.
4. If the Divi builder not loading or working after activating a specific plugin, that’s the one causing the issue. Consider updating it, contact the support team for a solution, or find an alternative.

Child Theme Conflicts

In order to determine if a child theme actually conflicts with the Divi builder or not, you must temporarily deactivate it.

Note: WordPress has no ‘Deactivate’ option. That’s why you have to activate other themes to deactivate the child theme.

Now, to activate Divi, go to the WordPress dashboard> Appearance> Themes and activate Divi.

Ending Thoughts

So, we have outlined all the possible troubleshooting methods for the Divi Builder timeout error. Hope these quick fixes effectively help you to come up with a solution. Applying them will make your Divi builder work fine now. 

Let us know if you are happy with this guide. If you are still facing the Divi builder timeout error problem, knock on our door. We have a responsive team to support all kinds of Divi issues. 

FAQs about Divi Builder Timeout

What’s the Divi Builder Timeout Error?

The Divi builder timeout error appears with a popup message that tells you the Divi builder fails to load. It includes one or more reasons for this problem and possible solutions. 

For example, your third-party plugin may cause a problem, update the theme to the latest version, or increase your PHP limit, and more.

Even worse, sometimes Divi Builder shows no error message; it keeps loading and loading.

Why does the Divi Timeout Error Occur?

The Divi timeout error occurs when a client(Divi user) application attempts to connect with a server, but the server takes too long to respond. This can happen due to network congestion, server overload, misconfigured server settings, or more.

What to Check Before Fix the Divi Builder Timeout Error?

Though the Divi Builder timeout error is a technical issue make sure you have cross-checked the following things to make your troubleshooting better –

• Check your internet connection first
• Try the Divi Builder on a different device may solve the problem
• Clear your browser cache and cookies
• Disable third-party browser extensions
• Check for browser updates. 
• Disable your Firewall or Antivirus temporarily