How to Resolve the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error

You’ve entered a website address into your web browser, but instead of loading the page, you encounter the frustrating ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error message. What does this error mean, and how can you resolve it? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various solutions to fix the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error on both your browser and website. By the end of this article, you’ll have the knowledge and tools to overcome this issue and get back to browsing the web seamlessly.

What is the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error?

The ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error is a common network-related error that occurs when your web browser (typically in Google Chrome) is unable to establish a connection to a website. This error message indicates that the browser’s request to the web server hosting the site was not successful within a certain time frame.

Here’s what the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error means:

1. Connection Attempt Failed: When you try to access a website, your browser initiates a connection to the web server hosting that site. The ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error occurs when your browser’s request to establish this connection fails.
2. Timeout Occurs: The “timed out” part of the error means that the connection attempt took longer than the expected time, and the browser eventually gave up waiting for a response from the server.
3. User Experience: When you encounter this error, you will see a message in your browser stating “This site can’t be reached” or a similar message, along with the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error code. The webpage you were trying to access will not load.

What are some possible causes of the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error?

This error can result from various factors, including:

• Slow or unstable internet connection.
• Problems with the website’s server or hosting provider.
• Incorrect DNS (Domain Name System) settings.
• Firewall or security software blocking the connection.
• Browser extensions or settings causing conflicts.

Now that you understand what the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error is, and what could cause it, let’s take a look at how to resolve the error.

How to fix the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error:

1. Check Your Internet Connection

One of the first steps in troubleshooting the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error is to ensure that your internet connection is stable. A poor or intermittent connection can prevent a website from reaching your computer in a timely manner. Here are some steps to check your internet connection:

• Restart your router and modem to refresh the connection.
• Connect to a different network, such as a mobile hotspot, to determine if the issue is specific to your current network.
• Check for any network outages or maintenance in your area by contacting your internet service provider (ISP).

If the problem persists after checking your internet connection, proceed to the next solution.

2. Disable Proxy Server Settings or VPN

Proxy servers and virtual private networks (VPNs) are commonly used to enhance privacy and security online. However, they can sometimes interfere with your connection and result in the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. To check if your proxy server settings or VPN are causing the issue, follow these steps:

1. Windows 10: Press the Windows logo key, search for “Control Panel,” and open it. Go to Network and Internet > Internet Options.

2. In the Connections tab, click on LAN settings and make sure all proxy settings are unticked.

1. macOS: Open System Preferences > Network and select your active network connection.
2. Click on Advanced and go to the Proxies tab.
3. Uncheck all proxy server options.

If you were using a VPN service, try changing the VPN protocol or temporarily disabling the VPN to see if the error persists.

3. Clear Browsing Data

Your browser stores temporary files, cookies, and other data to improve your browsing experience. However, over time, this data can accumulate and cause issues, including the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Clearing your browsing data can often resolve this issue. Here’s how to clear browsing data in Google Chrome:

1. Click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner of the browser.
2. Select More tools > Clear browsing data.

3. In the pop-up window, choose the time range for which you want to clear the data. Select All time to clear everything.
4. Make sure the checkboxes for Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files are selected.
5. Click on the Clear data button to remove the selected data.

If you’re using a different browser, refer to its documentation or settings to find the option to clear browsing data.

4. Change DNS Servers

DNS servers are responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses. Your ISP typically provides default DNS servers, but they may not always offer optimal performance. By switching to alternative DNS servers, such as Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS, you may be able to resolve the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Here’s how to change DNS servers on Windows 10:

1. Press the Windows logo key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “control” and press Enter to open the Control Panel.
3. Go to Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
4. Click on Change adapter settings on the left-hand side.

5. Right-click on your active network connection and select Properties.

6. Select either Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6), depending on your network setup.
7. Click on Properties.

8. Select the option to Use the following DNS server addresses.
9. Enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses. For Google DNS, use 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. For Cloudflare DNS, use 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
10. Click OK to save the changes.

For macOS users, you can change DNS servers by going to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > DNS and adding the desired DNS server addresses.

5. Flush DNS and Renew IP Address

Flushing the DNS cache and renewing your IP address can help resolve network-related issues, including the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Here’s how to do it on Windows 10:

1. Press the Windows logo key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “cmd” and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns
4. Wait for the command to complete, then type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each command:
   • ipconfig /registerdns
   • ipconfig /release
   • ipconfig /renew
   • netsh winsock reset
5. Restart your computer and check if the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error persists.

On macOS, you can flush the DNS cache by opening the Terminal application and running the command dscacheutil -flushcache.

6. Temporarily Disable Firewall or Antivirus Software

Firewall or antivirus software can sometimes interfere with your network connection and cause the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Temporarily disabling these security programs can help determine if they are the cause of the issue. Here’s how to disable the Windows Firewall:

1. Press the Windows logo key and search for “Windows Security”.
2. Open Windows Security and click on Firewall & network protection.
3. Select the active network connection and click on Turn off.

4. Confirm the action by clicking Yes.

On macOS, you can disable the firewall by going to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall and clicking on Turn Off Firewall.

Remember to re-enable your firewall or antivirus software after troubleshooting to ensure your computer remains protected

7. Check the Hosts File

The hosts file on your computer maps domain names to IP addresses. Occasionally, incorrect entries in the hosts file can cause the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Here’s how to check and edit the hosts file:

1. Open a text editor with administrator privileges (e.g., Notepad on Windows).
2. Go to File > Open and navigate to the following directory:
   • Windows: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\
   • macOS: /private/etc/
3. Choose the hosts file and click Open.
4. Review the file for any entries related to the website you’re trying to access.
5. If you find an entry, delete it or comment it out by adding a “#” at the beginning of the line.
6. Save the changes and try accessing the website again.

8. Update Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated or incompatible network adapter drivers can cause connectivity issues, including the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Updating your network adapter drivers can potentially resolve these issues. Here’s how to update network adapter drivers on Windows 10:

1. Press the Windows logo key + X and select Device Manager.
2. In the Device Manager window, expand the Network adapters category.
3. Right-click on your network adapter and select Update driver.
4. Choose the option to Search automatically for updated driver software.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver update process.
6. Restart your computer and check if the error persists.

For macOS, regularly updating your operating system should include updates for network adapter drivers.

9. Fix ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT on the Website and Server Level

If you’re encountering the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error on your own website, the issue may be related to the website or server configuration. Here are some troubleshooting steps to address the error at the website and server level:

1. Disable Any New Scripts

If you recently added or modified scripts on your website, they may be causing conflicts or performance issues leading to the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Consider disabling any new scripts to see if the error resolves. Make sure to back up your website before making any changes.

2. Check the Maximum Execution Time

The maximum execution time is the duration a PHP script can run on a website. If a script exceeds this time limit, it can result in the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Check your hosting provider’s PHP configuration settings to ensure that the maximum execution time is set appropriately. Increase the limit if necessary, but be mindful of the potential impact on server performance.

3. Increase PHP Memory Limit

Certain PHP scripts may require more memory than allocated, causing the website to take longer to respond. Increasing the PHP memory limit can help resolve this issue. However, be cautious not to exceed the maximum memory available on your hosting plan. Consult your hosting provider’s documentation or support for guidance on adjusting the PHP memory limit.

4. Temporarily Deactivate WordPress Plugins

WordPress plugins can sometimes conflict with each other or consume excessive resources, leading to the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Temporarily deactivate all plugins and check if the error persists. If the error is resolved, reactivate the plugins one by one to identify the culprit. Consider updating or replacing the problematic plugin if necessary.

5. Temporarily Activate the Default WordPress Theme

A poorly coded or incompatible theme can also cause the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Temporarily switch to a default WordPress theme, such as Twenty Twenty-One, Twenty Twenty, or Twenty Nineteen, to see if the error disappears. If the error is resolved, consider updating or replacing the theme causing the issue.

FAQs about ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT

Q: How can I avoid getting ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT errors in the future?

A: To prevent future ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT errors, consider the following steps:

• Maintain a stable and reliable internet connection.
• Regularly update your browser, firewall, and antivirus software.
• Optimize your website’s performance, including script efficiency and server resources.
• Use reputable and compatible plugins and themes.
• Monitor server logs for any performance or connectivity issues.

Q: What are some common ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error messages?

A: While the specific error message may vary depending on the browser, some common variations include:

• ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT (Google Chrome)
• Safari Can’t Open the Page (Safari)
• This site can’t be reached (Microsoft Edge)
• The connection has timed out (Mozilla Firefox)

Regardless of the specific message, the underlying cause and troubleshooting steps remain similar.

Prevent Future ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Errors

To avoid encountering the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error in the future, follow these best practices:

• Maintain a stable and high-speed internet connection.
• Regularly update your browser, firewall, and antivirus software.
• Optimize your website’s performance by using efficient scripts and caching mechanisms.
• Monitor and address any server or hosting issues promptly.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest security practices and keep your website and server software updated.

By implementing these preventive measures, you can minimize the chances of experiencing the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error and ensure a smooth browsing experience.

To summarise

In conclusion, the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can resolve it and get back to browsing the web. By checking your internet connection, disabling proxy servers or VPNs, clearing browsing data, changing DNS servers, flushing DNS, and renewing your IP address, you can address common causes of the error. Additionally, by considering website and server-level solutions, such as disabling new scripts, adjusting maximum execution time and PHP memory limit, and deactivating plugins or switching to a default theme, you can troubleshoot the error on your own website. Remember to stay informed about the causes and preventive measures to minimize future ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT errors.

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