Ever encountered an ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error in your browser? You’re not alone. Many users come across this disruptive message at some point. It usually means that the web page you’re trying to access is taking its sweet time to respond.
But don’t panic! Here’s a beginner guide to help you understand what the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error is and how to troubleshoot it easily. Let’s get started!
What is ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT?
The ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT message means your browser failed to establish a connection to a website’s server within 30 seconds. The issue could stem from various factors, such as your internet connection, the website server, browser, or even firewall settings.
Experts say that this error occurs when a website tries to perform more operations than the server can handle. Often, it’s an indicator that the website utilises shared hosting, which comes with limited memory.
If it fails, the connection is terminated, and the browser returns an “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” message, signaling a communication issue as shown below:
As you can see, in Google Chrome, this error is being displayed as “This site can’t be reached. www.peoplestrong.com took too long to respond.”
How to Fix the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Issue in 8 Easy Steps
Check Your Connection
The first thing your browser will recommend you to do is check your network connection. Poor connectivity is a common cause of the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. To check your connection:
- Restart your router: Unplug the power supply of your home or office router. Then, wait for at least 30 seconds before plugging it back in.
- Check your Wi-Fi connection: Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi hotspots as they get plenty of traffic and are unreliable. Instead, connect to a stable network.
You can also try using another device to see if you can access the site.
Hit F5!
Try refreshing the page to see if that resolves the issue. Sometimes, this is all it takes. The problem is usually temporary, and a simple refresh should do it.
If the error persists, it might be specific to your current browser. Try accessing the site from a different one. A simple switch from Google Chrome to Mozilla Firefox might do the trick.
Disable the Proxy Settings
If you’re using a proxy service, note that it might be causing the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Disabling it can resolve the issue. Here’s how to do it:
In Chrome:
- Open Settings in your browser.
- Scroll down and click on Advanced.
- Under System, click Open your computer’s proxy settings.
For Windows users:
- In the Internet Properties window that opens, click LAN settings.
- Ensure that the option Use a proxy server for your LAN is unchecked.
For Mac users:
- In the Network settings, select your active network connection.
- Click Advanced, go to the Proxies tab, and ensure no proxy protocols are selected.
If you’re using a VPN, disconnect it temporarily to see if it works. Remember, VPNs can sometimes cause connection problems depending on their settings and server locations.
Renew or Flush DNS
Refreshing your DNS cache can also resolve issues with IP address resolution. Here’s how to do it:
- Windows: Open Command Prompt and enter ipconfig /flushdns.
Look for a “Successfully flushed the DNS resolver Cache” message to confirm.
- Mac: Open Terminal and enter dscacheutil -flushcache. Note that there’s no confirmation message, but the command will work.
Look Up the DNS of Your Domain for Accuracy
Ensure your domain’s DNS settings are correct:
- Wait it out: If you’ve recently changed DNS settings, remember that it may take up to 24 hours to propagate. Use an online tool to check if the DNS changes have taken effect globally.
Clear Your Browser Cache
Over time, your browser’s cache can become outdated. This leads to loading issues. Follow these steps to resolve this:
- Clear cache: In Chrome, navigate to More Tools > Clear browsing data. Select all file categories and clear the data.
- Test in incognito mode: If you encounter browser issues, one troubleshooting step is to access the webpage in an Incognito or private browsing window. To do this, simultaneously press Ctrl + Shift + N on Windows or Cmd (⌘) + Shift + N on Mac to open a new incognito window. If the webpage loads successfully in this mode, it suggests that the problem may be related to your browser settings or data. In such cases, you can explore browser-specific solutions to resolve the issue.
Check the Maximum Execution Time
Scripts running longer than the maximum execution time can cause timeout errors. To address this:
- Modify the maximum execution time in the php.ini file: If you can access your server’s php.ini file, increase the max_execution_time setting to 300 seconds. If you cannot, contact your hosting provider for assistance.
- Modify Max Execution Time in the .htacess File: If the technique above doesn’t work, you can change it within your .htaccess file. This is also located within your home directory. You have to place php_value max_execution_time 300 on the top of your .htaccess file.
Disable Your Plugins Temporarily
A faulty plugin can trigger errors. Disabling all plugins can help resolve the issue.
Rename the plugins folder using SFTP to disable all plugins. Check your site to see if the error is resolved. Finally, rename the folder back and reactivate plugins one by one to pinpoint the problematic one.
Don’t Let the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error Keep You
Troubleshooting connection and timeout errors are hardly fun to face. But with the steps outlined here, you can tackle the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error efficiently.
Remember, this error can stem from issues on your end—you may be facing network problems or from the server hosting of your site. Addressing the problem will ensure you can access your site without any issues.
