Are you seeing the "ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT" error in your browser? Not a very helpful fault bulletin, is it? If yous are a daily WordPress user, and so it's e'er good to be enlightened of common errors like these that might prevent you from getting access to your website.

In today's mail, we're going to take a deep dive into the "ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT" fault and examine why you might see this and what you can practice to fix it quickly. Simply put, it's an indication that the system is unavailable and the fourth dimension given for one to connect has elapsed, and now the request has timed out. Simply what does that really hateful?

Let'southward notice out!

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What is the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error?

An ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error typically ways there is something wrong with your local network connectedness. However, that's not always the instance.

According to the WordPress support documentation, a connection timed out error appears when your website is trying to exercise more than your server can manage. It'southward particularly common on shared hosting where your memory limit is restricted.

When you visit a website and it doesn't load, your browser will effort for around xxx seconds or and then until information technology terminates the connexion. After which information technology volition return an "ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT" error, indicating a communication problem. In Google Chrome yous might run into this as "This site tin't be reached. Domain.com took too long to respond."

ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error in Chrome
ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT mistake in Chrome

Due to all the different spider web browsers, operating systems, and servers, the error can present itself in a number of different ways. Only most of them have the aforementioned or similar meaning. "ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED" and "ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED" are two very closely related errors that tin can usually be solved with the same troubleshooting steps below.

Another common error code that appears under 'This site can't be reached' is the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN, which is a DNS mistake that essentially ways the domain that was requested doesn't be.

Below are a few examples of how the error might present itself in unlike browsers.

Mozilla Firefox

In Mozilla Firefox the error will show every bit "The connection has timed out." The server at domain.com is taking too long to answer.

ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error in Firefox
ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT mistake in Firefox

Microsoft Border

In Microsoft Edge, the error volition show as "Hmmm… tin't achieve this page. Domain.com took too long to respond." In Edge, yet, it does besides comprise the "ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT" error.

ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error in Edge
ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT fault in Edge

Safari

In Safari, the error will testify as "Safari Can't Open the Page. Safari tin't open up the page domain.com because the server where this folio is located isn't responding."

ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error in Safari
ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error in Safari

How to Fix the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Mistake

Where should y'all commencement troubleshooting if you see this error on your WordPress site? Without a great deal of context, information technology can sometimes be frustrating and overwhelming where to even brainstorm. Typically these are either client-side issues (issues with your network connection or firewall) or an result with the server at which the site is hosted (memory limits, execution times, etc.).

1. Check Your Connection

Google Chrome, Firefox, and Edge all recommend that y'all should check your network connection. While this might sound obvious, they all indicate to checking your connection get-go every bit it's one of the most common reasons for the error. Here are a few things nosotros recommend:

  • Restart your home or office router. This only takes a few minutes and solves more than bug than a lot of people would like to admit. To completely ability cycle information technology, disconnect the ability supply and then expect xxx seconds before plugging it back in.
  • Check to see if you're on a bad or slow wifi connectedness. This is a common occurrence on busy public wifi hotspots such as coffee shops or airports.

2. Disable Firewall and Antivirus Software Temporarily

Firewalls and antivirus software are intended to protect users and their systems. They scan your device regularly and automatically block whatsoever suspicious activity. However, this type of security can at times lead to connectedness issues.

This is because firewalls can often block pages they don't need to or pass up content that is completely condom. Nosotros've seen this happen many times with software like AVG. To check whether this is the case for you, try disabling your firewall and antivirus programs. Of class, this is simply advised if yous know for sure that the site you're intending to visit is prophylactic.

Additionally, you should only disable this kind of software temporarily. Switch information technology dorsum on after y'all've finished checking to see whether the error has been resolved, and then y'all don't become vulnerable to attacks. If yous repeatedly encounter errors because of your firewall or antivirus software, y'all may want to consider changing what you're using.

These types of tools also take what is called a "false-positive" report you can fill out. If you're 100% positive that a site your visiting is blocked and shouldn't be, you tin can let the software developer know. Here are a few quick links:

  • AVG false positive form
  • Norton false positive form
  • Sophos false positive course

3. Disable Proxy Settings

Sometimes y'all might see the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error if you are utilizing a proxy service. This is usually pretty rare, especially on the client-side. All the same, 1 might have been set without you even knowing information technology. To disable or check to ensure no proxy settings are enabled, follow these steps.

Access the Settings menu in your Chrome browser. This volition open the complete menu of options. Nether the System section (you lot'll need to click Advanced at the bottom to encounter this), you should detect an entry titled Open proxy settings. By selecting it, yous'll be taken to the corresponding menu:

Open Proxy Settings in Chrome
Open Proxy Settings in Chrome

Your next step depends on the arrangement you lot're currently using. Windows users will want to click on LAN Settings and uncheck the Use proxy server for LAN pick. If you're a Mac user, you should immediately find yourself in the relevant menu. You'll then have to uncheck all selectable proxy protocols and bank check to see if the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT message has been resolved.

Uncheck proxies on Mac
Uncheck proxies on Mac

If you're on Windows, you will see a "Local Expanse Network (LAN) Settings" window appear. You lot will desire to confirm that the "Use a proxy server for your LAN" choice is unchecked.

Disable Chrome proxy settings in Windows
Disable Chrome proxy settings in Windows

The same goes if y'all're using a VPN similar ExpressVPN or TunnelBear. Make certain you're non continued by accident.

four. Modify DNS Servers

The next thing you lot can try is irresolute your DNS servers. By default, DNS servers are automatically assigned past your Internet access provider. But y'all could try temporarily changing these to a public DNS server, such every bit Google or Cloudflare.

  • Some prefer to use Google'due south public DNS (eight.viii.viii.8 and viii.8.4.iv) long-term due to them sometimes being more reliable.
  • Cloudflare also offers secure and blazing fast free DNS (ane.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) which nosotros will be using in this example. If you lot want to apply Google's the steps are the same, you simply replace the DNS server addresses with Googles.

Tip: If you're already using a free DNS server and having issues, removing information technology and defaulting back to your Isp's DNS servers also sometimes ready things.

Google and Cloudflare aren't perfect 100% of the fourth dimension and there have been a few instances where nosotros've noticed switching back has resolved the issue. This is especially true if you're using a Wifi hotspot in an aerodrome or coffee shop.

Windows

In Windows simply open up upwards Command Prompt past pressing the Windows logo fundamental and R. Then blazon "command console" and hitting Enter.

Run Control Panel Windows
Run Control Panel Windows

Click on "Network and Internet" and then "Network and Sharing Center." On the left-paw side, click on "Change Adapter Settings."

Change adapter settings
Change adapter settings

Right click on your current connection, this will either be Local Expanse Connection or Wireless Network Connection based on how you lot're connecting. Then click on "Properties."

Subscribe At present

Wireless connection properties
Wireless connection properties

Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (or Version half dozen if desired) and click on "Backdrop."

IPV 4 properties
IPV iv properties

Make a annotation of whatsoever existing settings in instance you demand to revert back. Click "Utilize the following DNS server addresses." Enter the post-obit, or replace the existing with these:

For IPv4:1.1.one.1 and1.0.0.1
For IPv6:2606:4700:4700::1111 and2606:4700:4700::1001

DNS server addresses
DNS server addresses

Click OK, then Close. Restart your browser.

Mac

To modify DNS servers on a Mac, go to System Preferences…

Mac system preferences
Mac organization preferences

Click on the network icon then click "Advanced."

Mac network advanced
Mac network advanced

Click on the "DNS" tab.

Mac DNS
Mac DNS

And so add together Cloudflare's DNS server addresses.

For IPv4:i.one.1.one and1.0.0.one
For IPv6:2606:4700:4700::1111 and2606:4700:4700::1001

v. Affluent/Renew DNS

Yous can too endeavor flushing your local DNS cache. This is similar to clearing your browser cache. Information technology could be that the site you're trying to visit isn't resolving to the correct IP address. If you lot've merely migrated your WordPress site to a new host, it's important to wait for things to fully propagate. This can sometimes take upwardly to 24 hours, although information technology tin can be as little every bit a few minutes. This depends on your DNS provider and the TTL value of your DNS records.

Windows

In Windows simply open up Command Prompt and enter the following:

ipconfig /flushdns
Command prompt - flush DNS
Control prompt – affluent DNS

Y'all should see a "Successfully flushed the DNS resolver Cache" if it worked.

Mac

For macOS users, you tin enter the following in the concluding:

dscacheutil -flushcache
dscacheutil -flushcache
Mac flush cache

Note: At that place is no success message on Macs.

6. Bank check Your Hosts File

Every computer has what they call a local hosts file. This is a file that contains transmission DNS entries which are mapped to specific IP addresses. Typically this is only edited when yous desire to preview your DNS before switching over domains to a new host. Or maybe you have a local development site running using a tool like DevKinsta, Vagrant or Docker.

There is a multitude of different ways this file could accept been inverse or edited. Therefore, it'due south always practiced to cheque to ensure the website you're trying to access isn't in there. Just follow the steps below.

Windows

The hosts file typically requires boosted admission. So the first step is to open up upward your text editor as an administrator. Simply click on your outset menu, search for your text editor, right-click on it and select "Run as administrator." This can be washed in any text editor such every bit Notepad, Notepad++, Atom, etc. We are using Sublime in our instance below.

Run text editor as administrator
Run text editor equally ambassador

Within your text editor click File → Open and browse to the following location:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\

Click on the hosts file and "Open."

open hosts file
Open hosts file

Double-check and make sure the website you're trying to visit isn't listed in at that place. If it is, remove it.

Mac

To cheque your hosts file on a Mac, we recommend getting Gas Mask. Information technology's a gratuitous application which can be used equally hosts file manager, hosts files editor, and switch between them. It makes everything quick and like shooting fish in a barrel! Otherwise, y'all tin can follow the steps beneath to edit your hosts file on Mac manually.

Go to Utilities and and then click on "Concluding."

Mac utilities terminal
Mac utilities final

Enter in the following command and press Enter (you will almost probable be prompted for your administrator countersign equally well).

sudo nano /private/etc/hosts

Double-check and make sure the website yous're trying to visit isn't listed in your hosts file. If information technology is, remove it.

Edit hosts file on Mac
Edit hosts file on Mac

seven. Bank check the DNS of Your Domain

You should too verify that the DNS of your domain is correctly pointed to your hosting provider. If y'all're a Kinsta customer nosotros have an in-depth post on how to betoken your domain and or DNS to Kinsta. If y'all recently migrated your WordPress website to a new host, it could be the DNS was cached incorrectly on your reckoner. In which case, step 5 above should resolve that. Or information technology may simply exist too soon and y'all need to look a few hours for the DNS to fully propagate.

eight. Articulate Browser Enshroud

Web browsers store information in cache on your estimator. This includes your browsing history, saved login data, and cookies – all of which are recorded in order to load the relevant pages more quickly the adjacent fourth dimension they're visited.

Although they're useful, caches can cause numerous problems when they become outdated. Fortunately, this trouble is easily solved past clearing your cache.

Only earlier yous do that, you can easily check to see if it's a browser enshroud issue by outset opening upwards your browser in incognito mode. Or y'all can try a dissimilar browser. If you're still seeing the error, then you will want to proceed with clearing your cache.

In this example, we'll be using Google Chrome. Begin by opening up the primary carte du jour (in the top-right corner of your browser window). From at that place, select More than Tools: Yous tin can and then click on Clear browser data.

Chrome clear browsing data
Chrome articulate browsing data

On the resulting page, yous'll need to make sure that all listed file categories are selected. If they aren't, Chrome won't be able to empty the entire enshroud. Instead, it will simply remove the nearly recent entries, which won't result in the desired effect:

Clear browsing data
Clear browsing data

An alternative method of completing this process is to enter the following URL into your accost bar:

chrome://settings/clearBrowserData

The resulting screen should grant you lot access to the aforementioned options nosotros've outlined above. Here are another helpful links for clearing enshroud.

  • How to Force Refresh a Single Folio for All Browsers
  • How to Clear Cache for Google Chrome
  • How to Clear Cache for Mozilla Firefox
  • How to Articulate Cache on Mac (Safari)
  • How to Clear Cache for Internet Explorer
  • How to Clear Enshroud for Microsoft Edge
  • How to Clear Cache for Opera

9. Wait at The Maximum Execution Time

The rest of the troubleshooting steps we'll be diving into are those that accept to practice with the configuration of your WordPress site or server that may help fix the "ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT" error.

The commencement is the maximum execution time set up for your site. On nearly servers, the default fourth dimension is set to 30 seconds. This is the corporeality of fourth dimension a PHP script is allowed to run (after which it times out). On shared hosts, this is typically set low or left at the default.

Y'all can't easily change this from WordPress as the php.ini file is located on your server. To alter this, we recommend reaching out to your hosting provider to see if they tin help. At Kinsta, nosotros ready the default maximum execution fourth dimension to 300 seconds.

If you lot desire to try and change this yourself, it tin usually be done with one of the following options. Both volition depend on how your hosting provider configures their servers.

Option i – Modify Max Execution Time in php.ini File

If y'all accept a php.ini file in your habitation directory, find the max_execution_time parameter and change it. For case, if it'due south gear up to thirty seconds, y'all tin can increment it to 300 seconds.

max_execution_time = 300

Option 2 – Alter Max Execution Time in .htacess File

If the above pick doesn't work, you might be able to change it inside your .htaccess file. Only similar with the php.ini file, this is typically located within your dwelling house directory. Place the following in the top of your .htaccess file:

php_value max_execution_time 300

10. Temporarily Disable Your Plugins

As with most WordPress errors, a plugin can definitely be the root of the problem. To determine if that's what's happening, y'all'll need to disable all of your site's plugins. However, if y'all're getting the "ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT" fault it means you don't accept access to your WordPress admin area. This means you will demand to SFTP into your site. Nosotros recommend using FileZilla.

Once your SFTP customer is ready, connect to your website through it and navigate to your WordPress root folder. In instance you can't find information technology, it'due south usually chosen public_html, html, public, world wide web, or your site's name. If you're a Kinsta client, it'due south your public folder.

WordPress root folder SFTP
WordPress root folder SFTP

Open that folder, and navigate to the wp-content directory. Inside, you'll see a folder calledplugins, which contains individual subdirectories for each of the plugins installed on your site (both active and inactive).

What yous're going to do at present is right-click on the plugins folder, and rename it to something else. Nosotros recommendplugins.old orplugins.deactivated, so you can hands recognize it after.

WordPress plugins folder renamed
WordPress plugins folder renamed

WordPress volition now not be able to find any of your plugins. When that happens, it will automatically disable those plugins.

Now, endeavour accessing your WordPress dashboard. If the timeout error is gone, then you can assume that one of your plugins was the culprit. All you lot have to do is figure out which one was at mistake.

Return to thewp-content directory, and rename your original plugins folder correctly. Then, yous'll need to disable each of your plugins i past 1, until yous find the culprit.

To do this, open thewp-content/plugins directory. Inside, you'll find ane folder for each of your plugins. The process y'all're going to follow is much the same equally before:

  1. Get-go with the first folder, and rename it to anything you like.
  2. Check your website to see if the error is gone.
  3. If it isn't, render the plugin folder from the previous step to its original name.
  4. Move on to the side by side plugin on your list, repeating the in a higher place steps.

This procedure can take a while if you take a lot of plugins, but it's vital to check each plugin in plough. If at whatever point you place the plugin that'due south causing the error, y'all tin can uninstall it or replace it with another tool.

If you make information technology to the end of these steps without finding a solution, y'all tin can motility on to the side by side stage of troubleshooting.

11. Temporarily Revert to Default Theme

Now that you've ruled out your plugins as the crusade of the timeout error, information technology's time to do the aforementioned with your active theme. In fact, your theme could also be creating compatibility problems.

Unfortunately, the process doesn't work the same as above. WordPress won't revert to the default theme if but rename the theme folder, you lot would terminate upward with an fault like "The theme directory "theme name" does not exist." Or if you try to rename the entire theme directory folder, you lot end upward with "ERROR: The themes directory is either empty or doesn't exist. Delight check your installation."

Therefore, you demand to admission your WordPress database by logging into phpMyAdmin. If you're a Kinsta client, this can exist found within the "Info" section of the MyKinsta dashboard.

MyKinsta phpMyAdmin
MyKinsta phpMyAdmin

Click into the "wp_options" tabular array, then click on the "Search" tab. You will want to search under the "option_name" fortemplate.

phpMyAdmin wp_options table
phpMyAdmin wp_options table

Under the "option_value" cavalcade you lot will see the current name of your theme. Change this to one of the default themes, such as "twentynineteen."

wp_options template name
wp_options template name

Bank check your website again to come across if this has fixed the error. If it did, information technology simply means it'southward a problem with your WordPress theme and yous might want to endeavor reinstalling it or reverting to your about recent backup.

12. Increment the Memory Limit

The WP_MEMORY_LIMIT parameter allows yous to specify the maximum corporeality of memory that can be consumed by PHP. If you lot are using shared hosting, it's most likely prepare to a low value such as 64M. At Kinsta, we set the default retentiveness limit to 256M.

Yous tin can increase the retentivity limit by calculation the following to your wp-config.php file. This must be placed above the wp-settings.php inclusion.

define( 'WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M' );
WP_MEMORY_LIMIT in wp-config.php
WP_MEMORY_LIMIT in wp-config.php

Not sure what your current PHP memory limit is set to? If you lot accept access to your WordPress dashboard and are running WordPress 5.2 or higher up, yous can see the PHP memory limit under the "Site Health" tool.

WordPress site health PHP memory limit
WordPress site wellness PHP memory limit

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Summary

Connectedness and timeout errors are never fun to troubleshoot, but hopefully, you take a little more noesis in your toolbelt now to help resolve information technology quickly.

It'due south of import to call up that the "ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT" error be a issue of a client-side problem such as your network connection, or an issue with the server where your WordPress site is hosted. Have any other tips to resolve this error? Let us know beneath in the comments.

(Suggested reading: Learn how to fix the ERR_CACHE_MISS error in Chrome)


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