How to Quickly Fix the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error

Have you ever been browsing your favourite website only to be greeted by the dreaded ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. This frustrating issue can leave even the most tech-savvy user scratching their head. But fear not because we’ve got your back! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the causes of this error and arm you with the tools and knowledge needed to fix it quickly and get you back to your online activities.

By understanding the root causes of the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error and following our step-by-step instructions, you’ll learn how to address both client-side and server-side issues and advanced solutions for complex cases. So, without further ado, let’s unravel the mysteries of this error and get you back on track!

Short Summary

• Understand the root causes of ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT errors, such as connection problems, local configuration issues and server-side resource limitations.
• Troubleshoot client-side issues by checking your internet connection, disabling proxy servers/VPNs and clearing browser cache & data.
• Address server-side issues with solutions like increasing PHP memory limit or deactivating plugins/themes in WordPress to fix complex cases of this error.

Understanding ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error

The ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT. An error is an unwelcome visitor that can appear in any web browser, causing confusion and frustration. This error occurs when a website takes too long to respond to your request, resulting in a timeout error. It’s like waiting in a queue for a concert, only to be told the doors are closed because the venue is full. The error message you see will depend on the browser you’re using, with Google Chrome displaying “This site can’t be reached,” Mozilla Firefox showing “The connection has timed out,” and Microsoft Edge stating “Hmmm…can’t reach this page.”

To tackle this issue, it’s essential to understand its root causes. The ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUTS. Errors can stem from various factors, including connection problems, local configuration issues, firewall or antivirus blocking access, and server-side resource limitations. Identifying the specific cause in your case is crucial for choosing the right course of action to resolve the error.

Now that we have a basic understanding of what the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error is and why it occurs, let’s delve into the different ways it manifests across various browsers and the potential causes behind it.

Causes of ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error

The ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT. Several factors can trigger errors. One common culprit is an unstable internet connection or an unavailable website. Local configuration issues, such as incorrect browser settings or improperly configured DNS settings, may also lead to this error. In some cases, your firewall or antivirus software might inadvertently block access to a website, causing the error. Finally, server-side resource limitations, such as a site attempting to utilize more resources than what is available, can also trigger the error.

Understanding the potential causes of the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error is the first step in troubleshooting. By pinpointing the specific cause, you can take the appropriate measures to resolve the issue and prevent future connection errors.

How the Error Appears in Different Browsers

As mentioned earlier, the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error appears differently in various browsers. In Google Chrome, you’ll encounter an error. The message reads as “This site can’t be reached”. Firefox users won’t see a specific error code; instead, they’ll be notified that the allotted time for the connection has expired. Microsoft Edge users will encounter the message “Hmmm…can’t reach this page”. Lastly, the Opera browser displays the error code err_connection_timed_out.

Knowing how the error appears in different browsers helps you identify the issue quickly and take the necessary steps to resolve it.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error and its various causes let’s move on to troubleshooting client-side issues.

Troubleshooting Client-Side Issues

Client-side issues are common culprits behind the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. These issues can often be resolved through simple troubleshooting steps, such as checking your internet connection, disabling the proxy server and VPN, clearing browser cache and data, and changing DNS servers. By following these steps, you can eliminate potential issues from your local network connection or browser settings and get back to browsing in no time.

Let’s explore these client-side troubleshooting steps in more detail, starting with checking your internet connection.

Checking Internet Connection

Often, the simplest explanation for the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error is a weak or unstable network connection. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge all suggest checking your network connection as a common cause of this error. To verify your internet connection, try accessing other websites or using different devices to ensure the issue is not specific to the site you’re trying to visit. If your internet connection is the problem, consider switching to a different network or restarting your router.

If the issue persists, move on to the next troubleshooting step. Remember, although it’s easy to overlook, checking your internet connection should always be your first step in addressing connection-related issues.

If your internet connection does not cause the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error, it’s time to explore other potential solutions.

Disabling Proxy Server and VPN

Proxy servers and VPNs can sometimes interfere with your ability to access certain websites, resulting in the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. To check if a proxy server or VPN is enabled, access the Settings menu in your browser and look for options related to IP addresses or proxy settings. In Chrome, look for “Open proxy settings” under the System section. For Windows users, click on LAN Settings and check the “Use proxy server for LAN” option. Mac users will find themselves in the relevant menu immediately.

To disable the proxy server or VPN, deselect the appropriate IP address or disable proxy settings options. After disabling the proxy server or VPN, try reaccessing the website. If the error disappears, you must reconfigure your IP address or proxy settings or switch to another provider.

If the error persists, continue to the next troubleshooting step.

Clearing Browser Cache and Data

Your browser cache and data can sometimes cause the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error, especially if the cached data is outdated or corrupted. Before clearing your cache and data, you can check if the issue lies with your cache by opening the website in incognito mode or using a different browser. If the website loads correctly in these modes, your browser data is likely causing the issue.

To clear your browser cache and data, use the keyboard shortcut CTRL + Shift + Delete to open the relevant window, select the desired time range, and then select Clear. Once you’ve cleared your browser data, reaccess the website to see if the error is resolved. If not, move on to the next troubleshooting step.

Changing DNS Servers

Sometimes, your DNS servers may be causing the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Changing DNS servers can help improve website performance and potentially resolve the issue. To change your DNS servers, follow the tutorials provided for Windows and macOS users.

Change the DNS servers and then try to reaccess the website. See if that solves the issue. If the error is still present, it’s time to explore server-side issues and advanced solutions for complex cases.

Addressing Server-Side Issues

If the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error persists after addressing client-side issues, the problem may lie on the server side. Slow internet connections, server overloads, and depleted server resources are all potential causes of this error. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to address these server-side issues, such as increasing the PHP memory limit, adjusting the maximum execution time, and deactivating plugins and themes in WordPress.

Let’s explore these server-side troubleshooting steps in more detail, starting with increasing the PHP memory limit.

Increasing PHP Memory Limit

Some scripts may exceed the allotted memory, resulting in a delayed response to the browser and causing the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. To resolve this issue, you need to increase the PHP memory limit by editing the .htaccess file with the maximum available memory to prevent your website from responding too slowly.

Access the “Site Health” tool in the WordPress dashboard to check your PHP memory limit if you’re running WordPress 5.2 or higher. Increasing the PHP memory limit allows your website to utilize more resources, which can help prevent the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error from occurring.

If increasing the PHP memory limit doesn’t resolve the issue, continue to the next server-side troubleshooting step.

Adjusting Maximum Execution Time

The maximum execution time of a PHP script is typically pre-configured by your hosting provider, with a default timeout setting of 30 seconds. However, some scripts may require more time to complete, resulting in the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error.

To address this issue, you can check and increase the maximum execution time of your PHP script. It’s recommended to set the maximum execution time between 120 and 180 seconds to ensure your website has sufficient time to respond. By adjusting the maximum execution time, you allow your website to complete resource-intensive tasks without triggering the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error.

If this solution doesn’t resolve the issue, continue to the next server-side troubleshooting step.

Deactivating Plugins and Themes (WordPress)

In some cases, WordPress plugins and themes may be causing the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. To identify the problematic plugin or theme, you can deactivate them individually and check if the error is resolved after each deactivation. If you can’t access the WordPress dashboard, you can use an FTP client like FileZilla to access the wp-content directory and rename the plugins folder.

Once you’ve identified the plugin or theme causing the error, you should first check if it’s up-to-date and, if not, update it. If updating doesn’t resolve the issue, contact the plugin or theme developers for assistance.

Consider replacing the problematic plugin or theme with an alternative solution if all else fails.

Advanced Solutions for Complex Cases

Sometimes, the aforementioned troubleshooting steps may not resolve the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. For more complex cases, advanced solutions such as flushing the DNS cache and renewing the IP address, updating network adapter drivers, and examining the hosts file may be necessary.

These advanced solutions require a deeper understanding of your computer’s network settings and configuration but can effectively resolve persistent cases of the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Let’s explore these advanced solutions in more detail, starting with flushing the DNS cache and renewing the IP address.

Flushing DNS Cache and Renewing IP Address

Flushing your DNS cache and renewing your IP address can help resolve the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error by resetting your computer’s network settings and ensuring it’s using the most up-to-date information. To flush your DNS cache and renew your IP address, follow the instructions provided for your specific operating system.

After flushing your DNS cache and renewing your IP address, try accessing the website again to see if the error has been resolved. If not, continue to the next advanced solution.

Updating Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated network adapter drivers can also cause the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Updating your network adapter drivers can help ensure your computer has the most up-to-date and compatible drivers, which can resolve the error. Both Windows 10 and macOS update drivers regularly, so checking the functionality of your network adapter drivers should be a priority.

If updating your network adapter drivers doesn’t resolve the issue, continue to the final advanced solution: examining the host file.

Examining Hosts File

Finally, you can check your computer’s host file for blacklisted websites, which may be causing the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. To access the host file, use Notepad on Windows or Terminal on macOS. If you find any incorrect entries in the host file, remove them and save the changes.

After examining and updating your host file, try reaccessing the website. If the error persists, it’s time to consult with a professional or contact the website’s support team for further assistance.

Summary

In conclusion, the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error is an annoying but fixable issue that can arise from various causes, both client-side and server-side. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively resolve the error and get back to enjoying your online activities without interruption.

Remember, it’s essential to first understand the root cause of the error before attempting to fix it. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to choose the appropriate course of action and prevent future connection errors. We hope this guide has been helpful and that you can now confidently tackle the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error the next time it appears.

Frequently Asked Questions