How to Fix the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error?

Surfing the internet is fun and helpful until there is an interruption. The err_connection_timed_out error is one such interruption. It can be frustrating to deal with this error when you instead come to the internet to look up something important. 

This error needs to be fixed to re-establish a smooth information flow from the internet for learning new things. This is crucial for users who encounter it frequently while browsing the internet or attempting to manage websites.

What is the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error?

Users commonly encounter the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error. It occurs when a user tries to access a web page and takes too long to respond. This leads to a timeout, and the process of establishing the connection between the web browser and the web page is terminated.

This is one of the most common errors that persist across various browsers. Other errors, such as ERR_Connection_reset, ERR_Connection_Closed, and ERR_SSL_Protocol_Error, also fall under the same purview.

What Causes the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error?

1. Network Problems—An unstable or weak internet connection can cause an err_connection_time_out error. A poor connection might take too long to load a web page in the browser. 
2. Server Downtime or Overload—The website that a user tries to connect to may be overwhelmed with too much traffic or experiencing downtime due to a technical issue. This prevents a user from reaching the website and extends the time taken. That's why server downtime or overload can cause the err_connection_time_out error. Businesses that provide services such as VPS hosting may encounter such a situation because they are prone to handling heavy traffic all the time. 
3. Firewall or Security Software–It is often noticed that a firewall or security software exempts a browser from accessing a safe website. This is simply a flaw in the safety mechanism because of its imposed protocols. This is why some settings in such software might cause an err_connection_time_out error.
4. DNS Issues—DNS, or the Domain Name System, is a protocol that converts a domain name to its IP address. This helps a web browser locate and access a website. Misconfigurations in a user's DNS server can cause an err_connection_time_out error. This can happen because of the timeout due to problems with the DNS server. 

How to Fix the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error?

Check Internet Connection 

A poor connection can cause an error connection timeout. That's why checking for connection issues with one's internet is paramount. One can do this by checking the router, resetting it, or changing the internet connection once to confirm the connection's stability. 

Lastly, one can also do an internet speed test to check the connection's stability. 

Disable Firewall/Antivirus Temporarily 

Sometimes, a firewall or antivirus stops a safe website from being visited by mistaking it for a threat. To fix the err_connection_time_out error in such a case, a user can temporarily turn off their firewall or antivirus. 

A user can do this for Windows and MacOS by referring to the steps ahead.

For Windows -

1. Go to settings and click on privacy and security.
2. Click on Windows security and then on virus and threat protection.
3. Click on manage settings, and then click on the toggle to turn it off.
4. Allow the administrator panel to show up and click yes.

For macOS -

1. Go to system preferences.
2. Toggle to the firewall option.
3. Disable the firewall or disable the external VPN service that is currently in use.

Flush DNS Cache 

DNS accounts for the IP addresses of web pages it visits to speed up page loading. Though this helps users access web pages rapidly, it can also cause errors such as an err connection timeout.

This is because the DNS cache, where the list of IP addresses is stored, can become outdated or corrupt and cause errors. Thus, it is necessary to flush the DNS cache to eliminate such a situation. 

In Windows, one can do this by opening the Command prompt as an administrator and running the ipconfig/flushdns command. For MacOS, the same can be done by opting for the desacheutil-flushcache command.

Adjust LAN Settings 

Changes in LAN settings can lead to connection errors like the err_connection_time_out error. Adjusting the LAN settings can clear out potential conflicts that lead to such errors. 

This can be done by accessing the control panel and then going to internal settings. Select the LAN settings showing on the connections tab. Proceed by removing parameters for automatic configuration and proxy server sections. Click okay, and restart your browser to see if the error is fixed. 

Increase Server Timeout Limits 

The PHP script's default time limit for connecting the web browser and server is usually 30 seconds. If the server takes longer to load, it results in an err_connection_time_out error. To avoid this, increase the server timeout limit in your PHP settings or contact your hosting provider to adjust the limit.

Reset Network Settings 

Lastly, browser settings can also cause such errors. Therefore, resetting the network settings on a user's operating system is advisable. 

Preventing ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Errors

• Regular Network Maintenance—As an owner, it is recommended that you engage in regular server maintenance to avoid an err connection timeout in the future. This is crucial because a well-performing website supports the owner's online business performance. 
• Server Monitoring–Multiple tools are available to detect and resolve such errors. The benefit of using them is that it gets an owner rid of the error of solving issues repeatedly because such servers do it proactively. 

Conclusion

The err_connection_time_out error is easy to fix and can be approached as follows: A user can start by ensuring their internet connection is stable and fast enough. This is followed by temporarily disabling one's antivirus firewall because it can sometimes misinterpret a safe website as harmful. 

Furthermore, one should flush their DNS cache, which can become outdated and corrupt, leading to an erroneous connection timeout. Lastly, one can try adjusting their LAN settings. Extending a web browser's timeout limit also help fix this error.

Vodien is a Singapore-based company that offers the best web hosting solutions, including VPS hosting and dedicated servers. Thus, one can also rely on Vodien to help solve errors like the err connection timeout. 

FAQs on Fixing an ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error

How is an ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error Fixed?

The err connection timeout can be fixed in various ways, such as troubleshooting problems with internet connection stability, clearing the DNS cache, and more.

When does an ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error Happen?

An err_connection_time_out error occurs when a website takes too long to respond to a web browser's connection request.

How to Stop a Website from Timing Out?

One can stop a website from timing out by increasing the website timeout in the browser settings.

How is the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error fixed in Chrome?

An err_connection_time_out error can be fixed in Chrome using multiple methods. These may include resetting the browser settings, clearing the cache and cookies, clearing its history, and more.

Can Firewall Settings Cause ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error?

The firewall settings sometimes interpret a safe website as harmful or a flaw. This may lead to an err timeout error.

How Can I Prevent an ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error from Happening?

One can prevent the err_connection_time_out error from occurring by frequently engaging in server maintenance and properly monitoring the website server to look out for any issues.

What are the Common ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Messages?

Common err_connection_time_out messages include the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error (for Chrome), "Safari Can't Open the Page" (for Safari), "Hmmm... can't reach this page" (for the Edge browser), and more.