How to Fix the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error

Every one of us is facing the error called, “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT”. It’s not a common error but a web browser error that waited too long for a response from a website server.  

When you try to visit a website, your browser sends a request to the website’s server. The server then sends a response back to your browser. If the browser doesn’t receive a response within 30 seconds, it will display the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. If you browse this specific domain on Google then it will take a long time to respond.

This can happen for a variety of reasons, including:

• Network problems, such as a slow or unstable internet connection
• Problems with the website server, such as a server overload or outage
• Problems with your browser or computer settings

As per WordPress Support Documentation, this error happens when your website performs multiple tasks that your server can manage. It is faced by shared hosting users as they have limited memory or are restricted.

Likewise, all the different web browsers, operating systems, and servers get errors in various ways. But all mean the same which is “ERR NETWORK CHANGED” and “ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED” are two very close terms that can be solved with the same troubleshooting steps below:

Here, you’ll find various ways to fix the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error:

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1. Monitor your Connection:

All popular browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, and Edge recommend to monitor the network connection. I know this is a general setting that I am asking to monitor. However, they all point to the most common reasons for the errors. A few are listed below:

• Restart your residential or workplace router: This is the easiest way to solve problems and most of you will agree too. You’ve to disconnect the power supply and then wait for 30 seconds before plugging it back in.
• Check the nature of the connection like a bad or slow WiFi connection: This is a common error that occurs on busy public WiFi hotspots.

2. Stop Firewall and Antivirus Software Temporarily

The reason is very simple firewalls can often block pages they don’t need to or eliminate the content that is safe to use. This usually happens multiple times with software like AVG. In your case, you can monitor by disabling the firewall and antivirus programs. This is the only technique to check whether the device is safe or not.

Firewalls and antivirus software are useful to protect the users and their systems. They scan the device regularly and automatically erase suspicious activity. However, this type of security leads to connection issues.  

Ahead, you can stop working on such a device temporarily. It is easy to switch back on it after checking that the error has been resolved. This avoids the vulnerability to attacks. If you repeatedly encounter errors due to firewall or antivirus software, then opt for changing what you’re using. Such types of tools are called “false–positive” reports you can fill out. If you’re confident enough to know that website is blocked then contact the software developer to resolve the issue.

Read: 25 Ordinary WordPress Errors You Shouldn’t Miss It (And How to Fix Them)

3. Disable Proxy Settings

Sometimes you might come across the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error, this happens with proxy service. This error rarely happens on the client side. However, one might have been set without even knowing it. To stop or check just ensure the settings of the proxy, and follow these steps:

Go to the settings menu in your Chrome browser. This will open up the complete menu of options. Under the System section > click on Advanced at the bottom, you should find an entry titled Open Proxy settings > Corresponding menu.

The next step is to rely on the system you’re currently using. Windows users will click on LAN settings and uncheck the use proxy server for LAN option. If you’re a Mac user, then you should check the relevant menu where you’ve to uncheck all selectable proxy protocols and check to see if the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT message has been solved.

On Windows, you’ll see the “Local Area Network (LAN) Settings” window appear. You want to tick on “Use a proxy server for your LAN” as an option is unchecked.

Follow the same, if you’re using a VPN like ExpressVPN or TunnelBear. Make sure you’re not connected by accident.  

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4. Change DNS Servers

Change DNS Servers: Windows

1. Open the Control Panel.

2. Click on Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center

3. Click on Change adapter settings.

4. Right-click on the network connection you want to change the DNS servers for and select Properties. After that Click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties.

5. Select Use the following DNS server addresses.

6. Enter the IP addresses of the DNS servers you want to use in the Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server fields.

7. Click OK.

On Mac:

1 Open System Preferences

2. Click on Network > select the network connection you want to change the DNS servers for and click on Advanced.

Click on the DNS tab.

3. Click on the + button to add a new DNS server.

4. Enter the IP address of the DNS server you want to use and click on OK.

5. Repeat steps 5 and 6 to add any additional DNS servers you want to use.

6. Click on OK.

On other devices:

The steps for changing DNS servers on other devices may vary depending on the device. Please consult your device’s documentation for specific instructions.

Here are some popular public DNS servers that you can use:

• Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
• Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.1.1.2
• Quad9 DNS: 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112

Please note that changing your DNS servers may affect your internet performance and reliability. It is recommended that you test different DNS servers to see which ones work best for you.

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5. Clear Browser Cache

Web browsers keep the information in the cache on your computer. This considers browsing history, saved login data, and cookies – all of which are recorded in order to load the relevant pages quickly for the next time visit of the user.

To clear your browser cache, you can follow these steps:

Chrome:

1. Open Chrome.
2. Click the ellipses in the top right corner of the window.
3. Click More Tools.
4. Click Clear browsing data.
5. At the top, choose a time range. To delete everything, select All Time.
6. Next, you’ve to click on “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files,” check the boxes > and Click Clear data.

Firefox:

1. Open Firefox.
2. Click the three lines in the top right corner of the window.
3. Click History.
4. Click Clear Recent History.
5. At the top, choose a time range. To delete everything, select Everything.
6. Next to “Cache” and “Cookies,” check the boxes.
7. Click Clear Now.

Edge:

1. Open Edge.
2. Click the ellipses in the top right corner of the window.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click Privacy, search, and services.
5. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
6. At the top, choose a time range. To delete everything, select All Time.
7. You have to click on “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data,” check the boxes, and click Clear now.

Safari:

1. Open Safari.
2. Click Safari in the menu bar.
3. Click Clear History and Website Data.
4. At the top, choose a time range. To delete everything, select All History.
5. Check the box next to “Remove all website data.”
6. Click Clear History.

Once you have cleared your browser cache, you may need to log in to websites again.

Please note that clearing your browser cache will not delete your cookies. To delete your cookies, you will need to follow the steps above and also check the box next to “Cookies and other site data” when choosing what to clear.

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Closing Words!

Connection and timeout errors are not easy to troubleshoot, but you can understand a little bit with this piece of information. It is crucial to keep in mind that the “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” is a client-based error with problems like network connection, or an issue with the server where your WordPress website is hosted. However, WordPress users can overcome their problem by disabling plugins, updating themes, and plugins, and checking the firewall settings. You can get help from this article and try to sort out the error on your own.