Elementor Stuck on Loading Screen: 9 Proven Fixes That Actually Work (2026 Guide)

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Elementor Stuck on Loading Screen Safe Mode

Introduction

Elementor Stuck on Loading Screen is one of the most frustrating problems WordPress users face. Instead of opening the editor, Elementor keeps displaying the loading icon forever, preventing you from editing your pages. This issue can happen after updating WordPress, installing a new plugin, changing themes, or modifying your hosting configuration.

The good news is that this problem is usually easy to fix. Over the years, I’ve encountered this issue on multiple client websites, and in most cases, the solution involved adjusting PHP settings, resolving plugin conflicts, or clearing cached files. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every proven fix step by step.

Elementor Stuck on Loading Screen

Table of Contents

  • Why Elementor Gets Stuck on the Loading Screen
  • Common Causes
  • Check Elementor System Requirements
  • Increase WordPress PHP Memory Limit
  • Disable Plugin Conflicts
  • Switch to a Default Theme
  • Clear Cache
  • Enable Safe Mode
  • Update PHP Version
  • Reinstall Elementor
  • FAQs
  • Final Thoughts

Why Does Elementor Get Stuck on the Loading Screen?

Elementor relies on your server, WordPress installation, PHP version, memory limit, and JavaScript files to load properly. If any of these components fail, the editor may stop loading.

Some websites show a white loading screen, while others remain stuck on the spinning loader indefinitely.

Common Causes of the Elementor Loading Issue

Before applying any fixes, it’s helpful to understand what usually triggers this error.

The most common causes include:

  • Low PHP memory limit
  • Outdated PHP version
  • Plugin conflicts
  • Theme compatibility issues
  • JavaScript errors
  • Corrupted Elementor installation
  • Browser cache problems
  • CDN or caching conflicts
  • Server configuration errors

Knowing the cause makes troubleshooting much easier.

Fix 1: Check Elementor System Requirements

Before changing any settings, make sure your website meets Elementor’s minimum requirements.

Verify the following:

  • WordPress is updated.
  • Elementor is updated.
  • PHP 8.1 or newer is installed.
  • Memory Limit is at least 256 MB.
  • MySQL version is supported.
  • HTTPS is enabled.

If your hosting does not meet these requirements, Elementor may fail to load correctly.

External DoFollow Link:
https://elementor.com/help/requirements/

Fix 2: Increase the WordPress PHP Memory Limit

One of the most common reasons for Elementor Stuck on Loading Screen is an insufficient PHP memory limit.

When Elementor loads the editor, it consumes more memory than a normal WordPress page. If your website only has 64 MB or 128 MB available, the editor may never finish loading.

Edit wp-config.php

Open your website’s wp-config.php file.

Locate this line:

/* That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */

Add the following code just above it:

define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

Save the file and refresh Elementor.

Increase PHP Memory in Hostinger

If you’re using Hostinger:

  1. Open hPanel.
  2. Go to PHP Configuration.
  3. Increase Memory Limit to 256 MB or 512 MB.
  4. Save the changes.

After updating the memory limit, clear your website cache before testing Elementor again.

Internal Link:
https://wpwitharb.com/how-to-increase-the-wordpress-php-memory-limit/

Fix 3: Check for Plugin Conflicts

Plugin conflicts are another common reason Elementor refuses to load.

Recently installed security plugins, optimization plugins, caching plugins, and page builder extensions are often responsible.

Follow these steps:

  1. Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins.
  2. Deactivate every plugin except Elementor and Elementor Pro.
  3. Refresh the Elementor editor.
  4. If Elementor loads correctly, reactivate plugins one by one until the conflict appears.

This method quickly identifies the problematic plugin.

Plugins That Commonly Cause Issues

Although any plugin can create conflicts, these categories are more likely to interfere with Elementor:

  • Cache plugins
  • Security plugins
  • JavaScript optimization plugins
  • Minification plugins
  • Old Elementor addons
  • Firewall plugins

If you discover the conflicting plugin, check whether an update is available or contact the plugin developer.

Internal Link:
https://wpwitharb.com/how-to-speed-up-your-wordpress-website-using-litespeed-cache/

Fix 4: Clear Browser and Website Cache

Sometimes Elementor loads an outdated cached version of JavaScript or CSS files.

Clear:

  • Browser Cache
  • LiteSpeed Cache
  • Cloudflare Cache
  • Server Cache
  • CDN Cache

After clearing all cache layers, reload the editor.

Many users solve the loading issue with this simple step.

Elementor Stuck on Loading Screen cache fix

Fix 5: Enable Elementor Safe Mode

If Elementor is still stuck loading, Safe Mode can help determine whether the problem is caused by your theme or another plugin.

To enable Safe Mode:

  1. Open Elementor → Tools.
  2. Click Safe Mode.
  3. Enable the feature.
  4. Reload the Elementor editor.

If the editor opens correctly in Safe Mode, the issue is likely related to your active theme or a plugin conflict.

Fix 6: Switch to a Default WordPress Theme

Sometimes a poorly coded or outdated theme prevents Elementor from loading properly.

Temporarily activate one of the default WordPress themes:

  • Twenty Twenty-Four
  • Twenty Twenty-Three
  • Twenty Twenty-Two

After activating the default theme, try opening Elementor again.

If it works, your original theme needs an update or further troubleshooting.

Fix 7: Update Your PHP Version

Running an outdated PHP version can cause compatibility problems with Elementor.

Most modern WordPress websites should use:

  • PHP 8.1
  • PHP 8.2
  • PHP 8.3 (if supported by your plugins)

How to Update PHP in Hostinger

  1. Log in to Hostinger hPanel.
  2. Open PHP Configuration.
  3. Select the latest stable PHP version.
  4. Save your changes.

After updating PHP, clear your cache and test Elementor again.

Internal Link:
https://wpwitharb.com/how-to-fix-500-internal-server-error-in-wordpress/

Fix 8: Disable JavaScript Optimization

JavaScript optimization features can sometimes prevent Elementor from loading.

If you’re using LiteSpeed Cache, WP Rocket, or another optimization plugin:

Disable:

  • JavaScript Combine
  • JavaScript Delay
  • JavaScript Defer
  • JavaScript Minify (temporarily)

After disabling these settings, clear the cache and reload Elementor.

If Elementor starts working, re-enable each setting one at a time to identify the problematic option.

Elementor Stuck on Loading Screen JavaScript Optimiza

Fix 9: Reinstall Elementor

A corrupted plugin installation can also cause the loading screen issue.

Steps

  1. Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins.
  2. Deactivate Elementor.
  3. Delete Elementor.
  4. Install the latest version from the WordPress Plugin Directory.
  5. Activate the plugin.

Don’t worry—your Elementor pages are stored in the WordPress database, so deleting and reinstalling the plugin won’t remove your designs.

External DoFollow Link:
https://wordpress.org/plugins/elementor/

Enable WordPress Debug Mode

If none of the fixes work, enable WordPress debugging to identify the exact error.

Open wp-config.php and update these values:

define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);

Now reproduce the issue and check:

/wp-content/debug.log

This log usually reveals PHP errors, fatal errors, or plugin conflicts.

External DoFollow Link:
https://developer.wordpress.org/advanced-administration/debug/debug-wordpress/

Check Server Error Logs

Hosting providers maintain server logs that can help identify hidden errors.

For Hostinger users:

  • Open hPanel
  • Navigate to Logs
  • Check the latest PHP error log

Look for messages related to:

  • Memory Exhausted
  • Fatal Error
  • Permission Denied
  • Timeout Error
  • Missing PHP Extension

These logs often point directly to the root cause.

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

Before contacting support, verify the following:

  • ✅ WordPress updated
  • ✅ Elementor updated
  • ✅ PHP 8.1 or newer
  • ✅ Memory Limit 256 MB+
  • ✅ Default theme tested
  • ✅ Cache cleared
  • ✅ Plugins checked
  • ✅ Safe Mode tested
  • ✅ JavaScript optimization disabled
  • ✅ Debug Mode enabled

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many users unknowingly make these mistakes while troubleshooting:

  • Running multiple caching plugins.
  • Using an outdated PHP version.
  • Ignoring plugin compatibility.
  • Editing core WordPress files.
  • Not clearing cache after making changes.
  • Installing Elementor add-ons from unreliable sources.

Avoiding these mistakes saves time and prevents new issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Elementor keep loading forever?

This usually happens because of insufficient PHP memory, plugin conflicts, JavaScript errors, or incompatible themes.

Can LiteSpeed Cache break Elementor?

Improper JavaScript optimization settings can interfere with Elementor. Temporarily disabling JavaScript optimization often resolves the issue.

Is reinstalling Elementor safe?

Yes. Your page content remains stored in the WordPress database. Reinstalling the plugin only replaces the plugin files.

What PHP memory limit should I use?

For Elementor websites, 256 MB is recommended. Large websites or WooCommerce stores may benefit from 512 MB.

Related Articles

Continue improving your WordPress website:

Final Thoughts

The Elementor Stuck on Loading Screen issue can look serious, but it’s usually caused by one of a few common problems—low PHP memory, plugin conflicts, outdated PHP, aggressive cache settings, or JavaScript optimization. By following the fixes in this guide one by one, you can identify the root cause and restore Elementor without risking your website.

After resolving the issue, keep WordPress, Elementor, your theme, and all plugins updated. Regular maintenance, reliable hosting, and proper cache configuration will help prevent this problem from returning.

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