How to Fix the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error?

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By Lokesh Joshi

While using any browser such as Google Chrome, you must have experienced the error message “Err_Connection_Timed_Out.” This generally shows up as an error that signifies the page can’t be loaded. It simply implies that the server is taking too long to respond. Perhaps it is one of the most bothersome errors that you may face while surfing the web.

At the point when a site or page takes too long to respond, or in case of connection timed out, Google Chrome recommends three different ways to eliminate the issue:

  • Checking the connection
  • Checking the proxy and firewall
  • Running windows network diagnostics

However, these limited or ineffective suggestions don’t work as expected against many issues, including the Err_Connection_Timed_Out, and you need to look for some other methods. to eliminate the problem. On the off chance that you have no clue about such methods, this article will help you to learn about them.

We will be discussing the best methods to eliminate the Err_Connection_Timed_Out issue and save you from getting stressed out as these methods are extremely easy to follow.

What is ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT?

When there is no communication between the internet browser and the site, the Err_Connection_Timed_Out error happens. There is a likelihood that the browser didn’t get the requested information from the site or the site took too much time to respond. This occurs because every time the query is sent to the server, and it doesn’t respond within 30 seconds, then the browser terminates the communication attempt.

Chrome exhorts three solutions, however, they are mostly ineffective in eliminating this issue. ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT is quite common among Chrome users, and assuming you are confronting this mistake, don’t freeze, because you are not alone.

What Causes ERR_CONNECTION _TIMED_OUT error?

As we are discussing the err_connection_timed_out error, you should think about the reason for this issue before finding the solution. Here is a set of the possible reasons that could prompt this issue:

  • The server is unable to process the requests made by your browser.
  • The server is delaying responses for more than 30 seconds.
  • Both the server and the browser have compatibility issues and are unable to establish a connection.
  • You’ve entered an invalid URL.
  • You have a restricted internet or access is not available.

Ways to fix ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error

1. Check the Internet Connection

The most common reason for connection error is internet issues. So make sure to check that your internet is connected properly before hopping on time-taking processes of resolving the same.

Likewise, ensure all hardwares are associated properly. In case if you are utilizing a modem or Wi-Fi that is connected with several devices, check whether the connections are working correctly or not. You can go through the following basic steps:

Restart your router: This process requires only few minutes and is an efficient way to resolve various internet-related issues, including ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error. Detach the power supply and afterward stand by 30 seconds prior to plug it back in again.

Check for Wifi speed: If your wifi speed is much slower, then youll end up facing this error after 30 seconds of leading time. Typically, you’re more likely to face this error in public wifi because they serve lots of users at a time.

2. Clear Browsing Data and Cache

Browsers store data in the cache on your PC. Information such as browsing history, saved login details, and even cookies are all recorded to load the frequently visited pages quickly. They also help in creating smooth communication with the target server.

In spite of the fact that they’re helpful, this storage can cause various issues when they become obsolete. Luckily, this can be settled by clearing the data and cache. Deleting them in regular intervals helps to prevent errors like Err_Connection_Timed_Out. Follow the steps mentioned below to clear data and cache in Google Chrome:

  • Click on the three dots present on the top-right corner of your browser.
  • Now click on the “Settings” and scroll down and click on “Advanced”.
  • Under the first section that is labeled as “Security and Privacy,” click on “Delete browser data”
  • A pop-up window will appear containing various options to delete selectively. Here you can opt to delete specific browser data depending on factors such as time frame. However, it is suggested to go with clearing all data for removing the time-out error.

 

In this way, you’ll be able to clear all your data and cache from your device. Now check the webpage again and see if it’s loading properly or not. If the error continues, try the next method.

3. Temporarily Disable Firewalls and Antivirus Software

Firewalls and antivirus programming are expected to secure clients and computers from various unwanted threats. They check the system consistently and naturally block any dubious action. In some cases, these sorts of safety measures can result in a connection error.

This is because often firewalls and antivirus programs can regularly hinder pages they don’t have to. To check whether this is the situation for you, disable the firewall and/or the antivirus software on your computer. Obviously, this is possibly encouraged if you are sure that the site you’re visiting is secure.

Moreover, you should just incapacitate this software only for a limited time. Switch them back on after verifying whether the error has been settled or not.

4. Disable Proxy

If you are using a proxy server, the Err_Connection_Timed_Out issue may occur on a few websites. The occurrence of this error due to proxy occurs on rare occasions and majorly happens on the client-side. To disable proxy you need to follow the below-mentioned steps:

  1. Open settings in your Chrome and click on advanced options and then further go under the system section. There you have to click on “open proxy settings”.
  2. Windows users have to click on the LAN Settings and uncheck the usage of the proxy from there. Now uncheck the proxy protocols and check whether the error is resolved or not.
  3. If you’re using a third-party VPN service for your computer, disable it temporarily and check if the error is resolved.

5. Change DNS Servers

You can try changing your DNS servers that are automatically assigned to your ISP. Temporarily changing them to public DNS servers such as Cloudflare may help in eliminating the connection issue.

  • A lot of people decide to go with Google’s public DNS because of its reliability factor that works for a longer term.
  • Cloudflare also has a free, fast, and secure DNS that is also a go-to choice for a majority of people.

Also, if you’re already up to any free DNS server and still facing this issue, try switching back to the default one to fix the issue. There have been cases in which reverting back to default configurations has resolved the Err_Connection_Timed_Out issue.

6. Flushing the DNS

Flushing the DNS cache is also a possible way to resolve the connection error. Having the cache issues will eventually make the website disconnect from all the incoming IP addresses. In case of migration to a new host, wait for a maximum of 24 hours to allow things to propagate. This speed of propagation completely depends upon your DNS provider and the TTL value of your DNS records.

7. Check Your Hosts File

Every computer has a local host file. This is a file that contains manual DNS entries that are mapped to specific IP addresses. Typically, this is only edited when you want to preview your DNS before switching over domains to a new host. Or perhaps you have a local development site running using a tool like DevKinsta, Vagrant, or Docker.

8. Check Maximum Execution Time

This way of resolving the error includes the configuration of the website or server. First and foremost, check the maximum execution time for the website and if it’s not apt, modify it. A majority of the servers have set it to 30 seconds by default because this is the average amount of time for PHP scripts to run. Right after these 30 seconds, the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error occurs. Some shared hosting even set it to less than 30 seconds.

If you are using a WordPress website, modify this time from the php.ini file that will be present on your server. It is recommended to take the help of the hosting provider for resolving the issue. For modifying it manually, you can choose between any of the following two options:

1. Using .htacess file

The .htaccess file is typically located within your home directory. To modify it, add the following text at the top of your .htaccess file:

php_value max_execution_time 300

2. Using php.ini file

To do it via the php.ini file, go to your home directory and search for the max_execution_time parameter. By default, it will be 30 seconds and you need to extend it to 300 seconds for eliminating the connection timed out error.

max_execution_time = 300

Preventing “Err_Connection_Timed_Out” to Occur in Future

The Err_Connection_Timed_Out error occurs because of certain minor problems that can be eliminated within no time. However, for preventing them, it is necessary to follow the below-mentioned points:

  • Keep browser and security software updated: If you are running older versions of the browser or security software, chances for the occurrence of Err_Connection_Timed_Out will be higher. So, keep everything updated for eliminating such types of errors to happen.
  • Clear browsing data and cache: Clearing the browser data and cache regularly will minimize the chances of connection timed-out error to a great extent.
  • Cleaning DNS cache: The DNS cache can also be the reason for the Err_Connection_Timed_Out error. Therefore, it is also necessary to keep clearing the cache of the DNS server frequently.

Conclusion

The ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT is one of the most common errors that occur mostly in Google Chrome. This error can occur due to reasons such as incompatibility between browser and server, delay in responses, etc. that can be resolved easily. However, as there is no particular reason for this error to occur, one has to try out different ways to resolve the same.

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