Introduction
The ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error happens when your browser cannot connect to a website. This means the website is taking too long to respond, and the connection request fails. It can occur due to slow internet, server issues, or incorrect settings on your device.
Imagine trying to open a door, but no one answers even after you knock many times. That’s what happens when your browser sends a request, but the website doesn’t respond in time. This error can be frustrating, especially when you need quick access to a site. But don’t worry—it’s usually fixable with simple steps.
In this guide, we will explore the common causes of this error and how to fix it. Whether the issue is from your internet connection, browser, or server, there are ways to troubleshoot and get back online quickly. Let’s solve the problem step by step.
What is the “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” Error?
The ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error happens when your browser tries to load a website but doesn’t get a response in time. It means the connection request has failed because the website is taking too long to reply. This can occur due to network problems, server issues, or incorrect settings on your device.
Think of it as calling someone on the phone, but they never pick up. Your browser keeps waiting, but when there’s no response, it gives up and shows this error. It can happen on any website and in any browser. The good news is that this issue is usually fixable with a few simple steps.
Common Causes of the “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” Error
One common cause of this error is a slow or unstable internet connection. If your network is weak, your browser may struggle to connect to websites. A faulty router or too many connected devices can also slow down your internet and cause this issue.
Another reason is a problem with the website’s server. If the website is down or overloaded, it won’t respond to your request. Incorrect settings on your device, such as a blocked website, outdated browser, or firewall restrictions, can also trigger this error.
How to Fix the “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” Error?
First, check your internet connection. Restart your router and try reconnecting. If you are using Wi-Fi, switch to a wired connection for better stability. You can also test other websites to see if the issue is with a specific site or your entire network.
If your internet is fine, try clearing your browser cache and cookies. Sometimes, stored data can cause loading problems. You should also disable any VPN or firewall temporarily to check if they are blocking the connection. If the problem continues, restart your device or change your DNS settings to a public DNS like Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
You May Read This: Understanding WAN: Key Concepts of Wide Area Networks
Check Your Internet Connection
A weak or unstable internet connection can cause the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Start by restarting your router and modem. This can refresh your network and fix minor issues. If you are using Wi-Fi, try moving closer to the router or switching to a wired connection for a stronger signal.
You should also test your internet speed using an online speed test. If your connection is too slow, contact your service provider for help. Try opening other websites to see if the problem is with just one site or your entire network. If all websites fail to load, your internet may be the issue.
Disable the Proxy Server or VPN Settings
A proxy server or VPN can sometimes block your connection to websites. These tools hide your real location, but they may also slow down your internet or prevent access to certain sites. If you are using a VPN or proxy, try turning it off and check if the error disappears.
To disable a proxy, go to your device’s network settings and turn off any proxy options. For a VPN, open the VPN app and disconnect it. After doing this, restart your browser and try loading the website again. If the error is gone, your VPN or proxy was likely causing the problem.
Temporarily Turn Off Firewall and Antivirus Software
Your firewall and antivirus software protect your device from threats, but sometimes they block safe websites by mistake. This can cause the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. To check if this is the issue, try turning off your firewall and antivirus program temporarily.
Go to your device’s security settings and disable them for a short time. Then, open your browser and try loading the website again. If the site works, your security software might be blocking the connection. Remember to turn them back on after testing to keep your device safe.
Update DNS Server Settings
Your DNS server helps your browser find websites. If the DNS is slow or not working, you may see the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Changing to a public DNS, like Google’s or Cloudflare’s, can help fix this issue.
To update your DNS settings, go to your device’s network settings. Replace the current DNS with 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for Google DNS or 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare DNS. Restart your internet connection after saving the changes. Then, try opening the website again.
Renew IP Address and Flush DNS Cache
Your device stores old DNS data, which can sometimes cause connection issues. Flushing the DNS cache removes outdated data and helps fix the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Renewing your IP address also refreshes your network connection.
Once you have entered the appropriate information, type ipconfig /renew and then press Enter. Restart your device and check if the website loads correctly.
Review Your Hosts File
The host file on your computer stores website addresses. If a website is blocked in this file, you may see the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Checking and editing the host file can help fix the issue.
To review your host file:
- Open Notepad as an administrator.
- Go to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc and open the hosts file.
- Look for any blocked websites or strange entries.
- If you find any, delete them and save the file.
- Try opening the website again after restarting your computer.
Verify Domain DNS Settings
If you are the website owner, incorrect DNS settings can cause the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Your domain’s DNS records must be set up correctly for users to access your site. If the settings are wrong or not updated, the website may not load.
To check your DNS settings, log in to your domain registrar or hosting provider. Ensure that your domain points to the correct server. You can also use online DNS lookup tools to see if the records are working properly. If needed, update the settings and wait for them to take effect.
Clear Your Browser Cache
Your browser stores cache files to load websites faster. But sometimes, these files become outdated or corrupted, causing the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. This issue can be resolved by clearing your cache.
Open your browser’s settings to clear the cache. Find the option for Clear Browsing Data and select Cached Images and Files. Click Clear Data, then restart your browser. Try loading the website again to see if the problem is solved.
Fixing “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” at the Website and Server Level
If you own the website, the error might be caused by server issues. A slow or overloaded server can stop responding, leading to a connection timeout. Check your hosting provider’s status to see if there are any problems. Restarting the server or upgrading your hosting plan can help fix this issue.
You should also check your website’s firewall and security settings. Sometimes, strict rules can block visitors by mistake. Review your server’s settings, disable unnecessary restrictions, and ensure your website is accessible. If the problem continues, contact your hosting provider for further support.
Disable Recently Added Scripts
If you recently added new scripts to your website, they might be causing the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Some scripts can slow down your website or create conflicts, making it unresponsive. Disabling them can help fix the issue.
To do this, access your website’s files through your hosting panel or FTP. Locate the newly added scripts and temporarily remove or disable them. Then, refresh your website and check if it loads correctly. If the error disappears, you may need to fix or replace the faulty script.
Review Maximum Execution Time Settings
The maximum execution time setting controls how long a script can run on your website. If a script takes too long, the server may stop it, causing the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Increasing the execution time can help prevent this issue.
To change this setting, access your php.ini or .htaccess file through your hosting panel or FTP. Look for the max_execution_time value and increase it to a higher number, such as 300. Save the changes and restart your server. Then, check if your website loads properly.
Increase the PHP Memory Limit
If your website runs out of memory, it may cause the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. This happens when a script or plugin needs more memory than the server allows. Increasing the PHP memory limit can help fix this issue.
To do this, access your wp-config.php, php.ini, or .htaccess file through your hosting panel or FTP. Add or update the line define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’); for WordPress sites or memory_limit = 256M in the php.ini file. Save the changes and restart your server. Then, check if the website loads correctly.
Deactivate WordPress Plugins Temporarily
Sometimes, a faulty or outdated plugin can cause the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. A plugin may conflict with your theme or other plugins, making your website unresponsive. Temporarily disabling all plugins can help identify the problem.
To do this, go to your WordPress dashboard and open the Plugins section. Select all plugins and click Deactivate. Then, check if your website loads. If it works, reactivate the plugins one by one to find the faulty one. Once identified, update or replace the problematic plugin.
Switch to Default WordPress Theme Temporarily
A broken or heavy theme can cause the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Some themes have complex code or outdated features that slow down your website. Switching to a default WordPress theme can help check if the theme is the problem.
To do this, go to your WordPress dashboard and open the Appearance section. Select a default theme, like Twenty Twenty-Four, and activate it. Then, refresh your website to see if it works. If the error disappears, your previous theme may need an update or replacement.
Conclusion
The ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error can be frustrating, but it is usually easy to fix. It often happens due to internet issues, incorrect settings, or problems with a website’s server. Simple steps like checking your connection, clearing your browser cache, or updating your DNS settings can help resolve it.
If the error continues, more advanced fixes, like increasing the PHP memory limit or disabling plugins, may be needed. Website owners should also check their server settings and theme compatibility. By following the right steps, you can quickly solve the issue and get back online.
FAQs
1. What causes the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error?
This error happens when your browser fails to connect to a website within a set time. Internet issues, server problems, or incorrect settings can cause it.
2. How can I fix the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error?
You can fix it by checking your internet connection, clearing your browser cache, updating DNS settings, or disabling firewalls and VPNs.
3. Can a slow internet connection cause this error?
Yes, a weak or unstable internet connection can prevent your browser from loading websites, leading to this error.
4. How do I fix this error on my WordPress website?
Try deactivating plugins, switching to a default theme, increasing the PHP memory limit, or checking your server settings.5. Does this error mean the website is down?
Not always. The problem could be on your side, but if multiple users face the same issue, the website server might be down.
