How to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT

The ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error is a common issue that occurs when your browser is unable to establish a connection to the server within a reasonable time. This timeout happens because the server took too long to respond, or there are issues with your internet connection.

If you’re experiencing this issue, it can be frustrating, especially when you don’t know where the problem lies. This article will guide you through the causes and solutions to fix this error effectively.

What is ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT?

When your browser attempts to load a website, it communicates with a server. If the server doesn’t respond in time, your browser throws the “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” error. This means the connection request exceeded the timeout period, and the browser gave up.

Common Causes of ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT

Several factors can trigger this error:

1. Poor Internet Connection: Slow or unstable internet connections can prevent the browser from connecting to the server.
2. Overloaded Server: The website you’re trying to access may be facing server-side issues, causing it to respond too slowly.
3. Firewall or Antivirus Block: Sometimes, your firewall or antivirus software may block the connection, thinking it’s suspicious.
4. DNS Issues: Incorrect or outdated DNS settings can prevent the website from being loaded.
5. Browser Issues: Corrupted cache or outdated browser versions might cause connection timeouts.

How to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT

Here are a few troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue:

1. Check Your Internet Connection:
   • Ensure your internet is working properly by checking your connection to other websites or services.
   • Try restarting your router and device to see if the problem persists.
2. Disable Your Firewall/Antivirus Temporarily:
   • Firewalls and antivirus software might block the connection. Disable them temporarily to check if they’re the cause of the error.
3. Change Your DNS Server:
   • Similar to other DNS errors, changing your DNS server to a more reliable one like Google DNS or OpenDNS can help.
4. Clear Your Browser Cache:
   • Old or corrupted data stored in your browser cache can cause problems. Clear it by navigating to your browser settings and selecting “Clear browsing data.”
5. Disable Browser Extensions:
   • Some browser extensions, especially ad-blockers or VPN extensions, may interfere with the connection. Disable them and check if the issue is resolved.
6. Increase Timeout Settings in Chrome:
   • You can increase the timeout settings in Chrome by typing chrome://flags in the address bar and enabling “Increase the timeout for certain requests.”
7. Contact Your ISP or Website Admin:
   • If the error persists, it might be due to server-side issues. Contact the website administrator or your ISP for further assistance.

Conclusion

The ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error can be caused by several factors, including network issues, server overload, or local settings. By following the troubleshooting steps above, you should be able to resolve the issue and get back to browsing. If the error persists, contacting the website administrator or your ISP may be necessary.