How To Fix Divi Builder Timeout Error Issue?

The Ugly Popup: Divi Builder Timeout Error

This error popup is very common for Divi users. You may encounter the same problem in the middle of the work. But, what leads to this error?

As we were finding the major causes behind the Divi builder timeout error. The first thing that comes to our mind is our own Divi team. 

Well, our in-house Divi team shares long hours of experience in dealing Divi issues. Previously, they made a great contribution while we were giving 10 proven methods to fix the Divi builder not loading issue.   

And, this time we also receive some beneficial suggestions. They successfully figure out the whole technical background scenario utilizing their vast Divi knowledge. 

So let’s see what thoughts they have on the Divi builder timeout error.

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. And, it includes one or more reasons for this problem and possible solutions. Such as, your third-party plugin may cause the problem or update the theme to the latest version.

Unlike this popup, you may also face the same issue with a range of spinning dots. This is when the Divi builder takes forever to load. And, your work is in a whole pause.

But, why is it happening?

So, Why is The Divi Builder Timeout Error Happening?

Our Divi expert team doesn’t point their finger at a specific reason. Sometimes, they see it’s happening due to some hosting limitation. Or, an outdated theme or plugin may hinder the builder from loading. Other common culprits include various types of caches.

In most cases, the Divi builder timeout error results in one of the following scenarios:

• An outdated PHP version.
• Insufficient PHP limit.
• Inadequate Apache limit.
• Limited WP memory space.
• Faulty caching system.
• Theme or plugins conflicts.
• Child theme conflicts.
• Outdated theme or plugins.
• Shortage of local storage.
• Incompatible hosting service.

Now, you know the potential causes of this error. But, before that, you should check if all necessary system status is fine.

Divi System Status Check

Take advantage of the built-in support feature to check that the website meets all hosting requirements. To do this, navigate to

Important: We recommend that you have a full backup of your Divi website before taking any troubleshooting steps. And, for server-side changes, you may need to seek help from the hosting provider.

How to Fix Divi Builder Timeout Error?

Now, we will explore 10 proven methods that can surely resolve your Divi builder timeout error.  

Upgrading to Latest PHP Version

Is your hosting configured to the latest version of the PHP? This could result in the Divi builder timeout error. So, you should check for the latest PHP version.

Why it works: 

The idea of using the latest PHP version is supported by the fact that Divi depends on the same PHP framework as WordPress. A PHP update doesn’t only fix the bugs but also increases the number of requests it can process per second. Hence, you need to use the same PHP version in conjunction with Divi to avoid the timeout error.

Fixing Method:

Usually, the PHP version is set by default by your hosting company. So, your next approach should be changing the outdated version. Upon logging, go to your cPanel. Look for the option called PHP (Select PHP Version) on the SOFTWARE box.

Once you click on it, the next page will show the current PHP version. And, on this same page, you will see a dropdown box with available PHP versions (like, 5.5, 5.6, 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 8.0, 8.1).  

NB: The setting may vary according to the host company. But, the process is more or less the same for any hosting service.

At this point, we recommend you use 8.0 or 8.1 for avoiding further upgrades. But, don’t go for an older version than 7.4. 

Insufficient PHP Limits

If updating the PHP version doesn’t work, then increasing the PHP limits is the second most common way to deal with server-side changes. Insufficient memory often leads to Divi builder timeout error.

Why it works:    

The PHP memory limit defines the maximum amount of memory a script is assigned to use. In all instances, memory limits is adjusted by your hosting provider. Here lies the main problem if your memory comes with low limits. So, what you need to do is, increase the PHP memory limit.

Bonus Tip: The system status check will show your current PHP memory limit and the required memory limit. So, you can detect if your server is meeting the necessary PHP limit.

Fixing Method:

For this troubleshooting, you need to log in to your cPanel and select PHP Option from the same PHP setting page. Change the PHP limits, if you need. You should keep the following prerequisites for a smooth Divi builder plugin experience:

• memory_limit = 512M
• post_max_size = 128M
• upload_max_filesize = 256M
• max_execution_time = 120
• max_input_time = 600
• max_input_vars = 5000

NB: Above settings can be different according to your hosting company. Even, some of the requirements might not be available in your settings, which can be changed by contacting your hosting service.

Reset Apache Limits

In some cases, the Divi builder timeout error happens due to a lack of Apache memory limits. Try to extend your Apache limit to fix this issue.

Why it works: 

Apache web server can not make a connection between your Divi website server and browser with an insufficient memory limit. Therefore, having enough Apache memory limits allows the Divi builder to load properly.

Fixing Method:

This is done by editing info in your .htaccess file. For this walkthrough, navigate to cPanel > File Manager. Next, select the .htaccess file and add the code below:

 <IfModule mod_substitute.c>

SubstituteMaxLineLength 10M

</IfModule>

Incompatible WP Memory Limit

Besides increasing your PHP and Apache limits, there is another memory configuration you should increase. This process includes expanding your WP memory level.

Why it works:

WordPress Memory Limit stands for frontend memory. This memory limitation can resist the Divi builder from loading. Your website may require more than the default 32MB memory limit. So, you should configure the WP memory limit.

Fixing Method:

You will need to edit the wp-config.php file from the WordPress root directory to increase the WP memory limit. Look for Frontend and Backend memory limit settings.

Then, add the following code:   

 / Frontend / define (‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘96M)

/ Backend / define ((‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘96M’)

Poor Caching System

Clear your caches. This simple hack is certainly proven by our own troubleshooting process and the client’s experience. 

Why it works:

Some corrupted caches can create the Divi Builder Timeout Error issue. Cached data prevents you from making any changes.

Fixing Method:

You have to deal with the following types of caches for this troubleshooting walkthrough.

• Divi Cache: Divi’s default static CSS file generation support helps browsers easily cache and speed up your website’s loading time. But, these cache files can prevent browsers from updating. 

To clear the Divi cache, follow the file path below:

NB: You can also enable or disable this option.

• Server Cache: Your hosting service relies on the caching system to faster its server. Clear this cache too. 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.

Quick fix: Try another browser.

Check this link for learning to remove your browser cache.

• Content Delivery Network (CDN) Cache: A CDN process by caching the site’s content such as images, videos, and webpages. So, if you are using a CDN, then you need to purge its cache. Commonly, you will find a “Cache Purge” option with a purge button (“Cache Purge system differs with the different CDN services).

NB: You shouldn’t purge all the caches.

Use Caching Plugin: Install a caching plugin to clear the cache. It’s recommended for resolving your Divi builder’s timeout error. 

• LiteSpeed cache
• WP Rocket 
• W3 Total Cache
• WP Fastest Cache 

Choose any of the above plugins, these are the popular choices for deleting cache. From these plugin settings, you will find an option to clear cache.

Check Plugin Conflicts

Although it’s unlikely that the Divi Builder timeout error is due to a plugin conflict, it’s worth checking to see if there’s a plugin-related issue.

Why it works: 

A plugin can develop this problem in two situations: either you are using an outdated plugin or there is a Divi incompatible plugin. So, removing that particular plugin will help to get rid of this problem.

Fixing Method:

We will show you two fixes here. 

First One: This is a manual way to detect and solve the problem. Uninstall all the plugins except Divi. If there is not any Divi builder timeout error, CONGRATS you are just one step away from the solution. 

Then, install again all your plugins one by one and check the Divi builder simultaneously. In the meantime, you will detect the culprit plugin. Try to resolve the plugin issue or find an alternate one.

Second One: You can use a plugin like Health Check & Troubleshooting to identify some common issues with your other plugins.

Child Theme Conflicts

Sometimes, an issue with your child theme can cause a Divi builder timeout error. 

Why it works: 

For your Divi child theme, WordPress needs to read two files at the same time. Thus, the load speed often disrupts. So, disabling the child theme and switching to the parent theme can be a way out.

Fixing Method:

From your WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance> Themes and activate your Divi (Parent) theme. Next, use your Divi builder and if there is no timeout error then the problem is related to your child theme.

Check Divi Theme And Plugins Update

Outdated Divi theme and other plugins can slow down your site and cause a Divi builder timeout error.

Why it works: 

Developers don’t only bring an update with a new feature. But also fix other security and bug issues. And, these upgrades also improve the performance of your website.

Fixing Method:

To find out an available update, navigate to WordPress Dashboard > Updates. You will see the theme and plugins which can be updated to a newer version.

Is the Divi builder timeout error still there? Follow the next fix.

Clear Your Local Storage

Clearing your browser’s local storage could be a quicker way to amend the Divi builder timeout error. 

Why it works: 

A deficiency in your browser’s local storage may cause errors in your database connection. That’s why the builder can’t load properly.

Fixing Method:

To proceed with this method, you need to access the developer tools console. For instance, in the case of your Chrome browser: you can do it by right-clicking on your website then in the next pop-up, click the Inspect option. 

NB: F12 or Ctrl+Shift+I are the alternative short keys for this method.

This will bring the developer tools console. Then, do the following:

• First select the “Application” from the top menu.
• Then, click “Local Storage” at the left menu.
• From the dropdown, right-click on your website URL.
• Lastly, hit Clear.

And, you have successfully cleared your local storage. 

Switching Host

The last attempt to fix the Divi builder timeout error could be switching to a new host. 

Why it works: 

You must go for a Divi-compatible hosting service. You will never have a fully functioning Divi website if your hosting site doesn’t meet the proper requirements.  

Fixing Method:

Apply this method only if you are sure of its effectiveness. Changing your host can take a lot of hassle. This switching is also very time-consuming.

However, once you decide to change your hosting service. We strongly recommend you get a Divi hosting service. Having such a service will prevent any future hosting issues.

Final Words

So, these were our top 10 solutions on how to fix the Divi Builder timeout error. This guide is exclusively from our Divi developer team side. The overall suggestion they have for this issue is, Divi builder users must go through every troubleshooting process one by one for the timeout error.

The error may occur from your host, browser, child theme, or poor internet connection. Further, memory limitation could be the reason. 

Use your best judgment to find potential errors or start with simple solutions and gradually move to complex solutions.

Or, if you know of any other fixes that work, please let us know in the comments below.