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# Setting the PHP maximum execution time in .htaccess

> Discover how to set PHP script execution time using max_execution_time in .htaccess, complete with code snippets.

This article describes how to set the maximum execution time for PHP scripts by using the **max\_execution\_time** directive in an *.htaccess* file.

<Warning>
  **Important**

  The information in this article only applies to certain types of hosting accounts. To determine whether or not the information below applies to your account, please see [this article](/docs/changing-php-settings-and-versions).

  📘 Note

  This article assumes that you have already set up a custom *.htaccess* file. If you have not already set up a custom *.htaccess* file, please read [this article](/docs/custom-htaccess-files-for-php-settings) first.
</Warning>

## Using the max\_execution\_time directive

By default, the maximum execution time for PHP scripts is set to 30 seconds. If a script runs for longer than 30 seconds, PHP stops the script and reports an error. You can control the amount of time PHP allows scripts to run by changing the **max\_execution\_time** directive in an *.htaccess* file.

To change the maximum execution time for your PHP scripts, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your account [using SSH](/docs/using-ssh-secure-shell).

2. Use a text editor to add the following line to the *.htaccess* file. Replace *30* with the maximum execution time value that you want to set, in seconds:

   ```
   php_value max_execution_time 30
   ```

3. Save the changes to the *.htaccess* file and exit the text editor.

4. To verify that the new setting is active, create a PHP test file that contains the following code in the same directory where the *.htaccess* file is located:

   ```
   <?php phpinfo(); ?>
   ```

5. Load the test file in your web browser, and then search for the name of the directive. The **Local Value** column should display the new setting that you specified in the *.htaccess* file.

## More information

* To view a complete list of PHP directives, please visit [http://www.php.net/manual/en/ini.list.php](http://www.php.net/manual/en/ini.list.php).

* For more information about the **max\_execution\_time** directive, please visit [http://www.php.net/manual/en/info.configuration.php#ini.max-execution-time](http://www.php.net/manual/en/info.configuration.php#ini.max-execution-time).

## Related articles

* [Custom .htaccess files for PHP settings](/docs/custom-htaccess-files-for-php-settings)

* [Using PHP directives in custom .htaccess files](/docs/using-php-directives-in-custom-htaccess-files)