Are you lot seeing the "ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT" mistake in your browser? Non a very helpful error message, is it? If you are a daily WordPress user, then it'southward always skilful to exist aware of common errors similar these that might forbid 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" error and examine why you might see this and what you can practice to set up it rapidly. Simply put, it's an indication that the arrangement is unavailable and the time given for one to connect has elapsed, and at present the request has timed out. Merely what does that really mean?

Permit's find out!

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What is the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error?

An ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error typically means in that location is something wrong with your local network connection. Nevertheless, that'south non always the instance.

According to the WordPress back up documentation, a connection timed out error appears when your website is trying to do more than your server tin can manage. It's particularly mutual on shared hosting where your memory limit is restricted.

When you visit a website and it doesn't load, your browser volition try for around 30 seconds or so until it terminates the connection. After which it will render an "ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT" error, indicating a communication problem. In Google Chrome you might encounter this as "This site tin't exist reached. Domain.com took too long to answer."

ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error in Chrome
ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error in Chrome

Due to all the different web browsers, operating systems, and servers, the error tin present itself in a number of different ways. Merely most of them have the same or similar significant. "ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED" and "ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED" are ii very closely related errors that can usually exist solved with the aforementioned 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 means the domain that was requested doesn't exist.

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

Mozilla Firefox

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

ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error in Firefox
ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error in Firefox

Microsoft Edge

In Microsoft Edge, the error volition bear witness as "Hmmm… tin can't attain this page. Domain.com took besides long to respond." In Edge, however, it does also contain the "ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT" error.

ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error in Edge
ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error in Edge

Safari

In Safari, the mistake will show equally "Safari Can't Open up the Page. Safari can't open the page domain.com because the server where this page is located isn't responding."

ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error in Safari
ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT mistake in Safari

How to Fix the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error

Where should you showtime 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 (problems with your network connexion or firewall) or an issue with the server at which the site is hosted (retentiveness limits, execution times, etc.).

ane. Check Your Connexion

Google Chrome, Firefox, and Edge all recommend that y'all should check your network connectedness. While this might sound obvious, they all betoken to checking your connectedness get-go as it's i of the most common reasons for the fault. Hither are a few things nosotros recommend:

  • Restart your domicile or office router. This only takes a few minutes and solves more problems than a lot of people would like to admit. To completely power cycle it, disconnect the power supply then wait 30 seconds before plugging information technology dorsum in.
  • Check to see if you're on a bad or irksome wifi connectedness. This is a mutual occurrence on busy public wifi hotspots such every bit coffee shops or airports.

ii. 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 whatever suspicious activity. Yet, this type of security can at times pb to connection issues.

This is because firewalls can often block pages they don't need to or reject content that is completely safe. We've seen this happen many times with software like AVG. To check whether this is the instance for yous, try disabling your firewall and antivirus programs. Of course, this is just advised if yous know for sure that the site yous're intending to visit is safety.

Additionally, you should only disable this kind of software temporarily. Switch it back on later on you've finished checking to see whether the error has been resolved, so you don't get vulnerable to attacks. If you repeatedly meet errors because of your firewall or antivirus software, yous may want to consider changing what yous're using.

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

  • AVG simulated positive form
  • Norton imitation positive grade
  • Sophos false positive form

3. Disable Proxy Settings

Sometimes you might see the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error if you are utilizing a proxy service. This is usually pretty rare, peculiarly on the client-side. Nevertheless, one might have been fix without you even knowing it. To disable or check to ensure no proxy settings are enabled, follow these steps.

Access the Settings carte in your Chrome browser. This will open up the consummate menu of options. Nether the System section (you'll need to click Advanced at the lesser to see this), y'all should find an entry titled Open proxy settings. By selecting it, you'll exist taken to the corresponding carte du jour:

Open Proxy Settings in Chrome
Open Proxy Settings in Chrome

Your next pace depends on the system you're currently using. Windows users volition want to click on LAN Settings and uncheck the Employ proxy server for LAN selection. If you're a Mac user, you should immediately detect yourself in the relevant menu. You lot'll then have to uncheck all selectable proxy protocols and 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 lot will see a "Local Area Network (LAN) Settings" window announced. You will want to ostend that the "Use a proxy server for your LAN" pick is unchecked.

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

The same goes if you lot're using a VPN like ExpressVPN or TunnelBear. Make sure you're not connected by blow.

4. Modify DNS Servers

The next matter you can try is irresolute your DNS servers. Past default, DNS servers are automatically assigned by your ISP. Merely yous could try temporarily changing these to a public DNS server, such as Google or Cloudflare.

  • Some prefer to utilise Google's public DNS (8.8.viii.8 and 8.eight.4.four) long-term due to them sometimes being more reliable.
  • Cloudflare besides offers secure and blazing fast gratis DNS (1.1.one.i and 1.0.0.1) which we will be using in this example. If you want to use Google's the steps are the same, y'all but replace the DNS server addresses with Googles.

Tip: If you're already using a gratis DNS server and having issues, removing it and defaulting back to your Internet access provider'due south DNS servers also sometimes fix things.

Google and Cloudflare aren't perfect 100% of the time and at that place accept been a few instances where we've noticed switching back has resolved the issue. This is especially true if you lot're using a Wifi hotspot in an airport or coffee store.

Windows

In Windows simply open up Command Prompt by pressing the Windows logo key and R. Then type "control panel" and striking Enter.

Run Control Panel Windows
Run Control Panel Windows

Click on "Network and Internet" and so "Network and Sharing Eye." On the left-hand side, click on "Change Adapter Settings."

Change adapter settings
Change adapter settings

Right click on your current connectedness, this will either be Local Area Connection or Wireless Network Connection based on how you're connecting. And then click on "Backdrop."

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Wireless connection properties
Wireless connectedness properties

Select Cyberspace Protocol Version four (or Version 6 if desired) and click on "Backdrop."

IPV 4 properties
IPV 4 properties

Make a notation of any existing settings in case you need to revert back. Click "Utilize the following DNS server addresses." Enter the following, or supercede the existing with these:

For IPv4:1.1.1.i and1.0.0.i
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 alter DNS servers on a Mac, go to System Preferences…

Mac system preferences
Mac system preferences

Click on the network icon and and then click "Advanced."

Mac network advanced
Mac network avant-garde

Click on the "DNS" tab.

Mac DNS
Mac DNS

Then add Cloudflare'south DNS server addresses.

For IPv4:1.1.1.1 and1.0.0.one
For IPv6:2606:4700:4700::1111 and2606:4700:4700::1001

five. Flush/Renew DNS

You can also try flushing your local DNS cache. This is similar to immigration your browser cache. Information technology could be that the site you lot're trying to visit isn't resolving to the right IP address. If you've just migrated your WordPress site to a new host, it's important to await for things to fully propagate. This can sometimes take up to 24 hours, although it tin can exist as niggling as a few minutes. This depends on your DNS provider and the TTL value of your DNS records.

Windows

In Windows just open upward Control Prompt and enter the following:

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

You should see a "Successfully flushed the DNS resolver Enshroud" if it worked.

Mac

For macOS users, you can enter the following in the terminal:

dscacheutil -flushcache
dscacheutil -flushcache
Mac affluent cache

Note: There is no success message on Macs.

vi. Check Your Hosts File

Every computer has what they phone 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 you want to preview your DNS before switching over domains to a new host. Or possibly y'all have a local development site running using a tool like DevKinsta, Vagrant or Docker.

In that location is a multitude of different ways this file could have been changed or edited. Therefore, it'south always proficient to check to ensure the website you're trying to admission isn't in there. Merely follow the steps below.

Windows

The hosts file typically requires boosted access. So the first pace is to open up up your text editor as an administrator. Simply click on your start menu, search for your text editor, correct-click on it and select "Run as administrator." This tin can be done in whatsoever text editor such as Notepad, Notepad++, Atom, etc. We are using Sublime in our example below.

Run text editor as administrator
Run text editor as administrator

Within your text editor click File → Open up 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 brand sure the website you're trying to visit isn't listed in there. If information technology is, remove information technology.

Mac

To cheque your hosts file on a Mac, we recommend getting Gas Mask. It's a complimentary application which can be used as hosts file manager, hosts files editor, and switch between them. It makes everything quick and piece of cake! Otherwise, you tin can follow the steps below to edit your hosts file on Mac manually.

Go to Utilities then click on "Terminal."

Mac utilities terminal
Mac utilities terminal

Enter in the following command and press Enter (you will most likely be prompted for your administrator password as well).

sudo nano /individual/etc/hosts

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

Edit hosts file on Mac
Edit hosts file on Mac

7. Check the DNS of Your Domain

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

8. 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 gild to load the relevant pages more than quickly the next time they're visited.

Although they're useful, caches can cause numerous issues when they get outdated. Fortunately, this problem is easily solved by clearing your cache.

But before yous do that, you lot tin can easily check to see if it's a browser cache result by first opening upward your browser in incognito way. Or y'all tin effort a different browser. If you're however seeing the error, and then you will want to proceed with clearing your cache.

In this example, we'll be using Google Chrome. Brainstorm past opening up the primary menu (in the top-right corner of your browser window). From there, select More Tools: Yous can then click on Clear browser data.

Chrome clear browsing data
Chrome clear browsing information

On the resulting page, you'll need to make certain that all listed file categories are selected. If they aren't, Chrome won't be able to empty the entire cache. Instead, information technology will only remove the almost recent entries, which won't result in the desired effect:

Clear browsing data
Clear browsing data

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

chrome://settings/clearBrowserData

The resulting screen should grant you lot access to the aforementioned options we've outlined above. Here are some other helpful links for clearing cache.

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

nine. Look at The Maximum Execution Time

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

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

You tin can't easily modify this from WordPress equally the php.ini file is located on your server. To modify this, we recommend reaching out to your hosting provider to see if they can help. At Kinsta, we prepare the default maximum execution time to 300 seconds.

If you lot want to try and modify this yourself, it tin unremarkably be done with i of the post-obit options. Both will depend on how your hosting provider configures their servers.

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

If you lot have a php.ini file in your dwelling house directory, find the max_execution_time parameter and alter it. For instance, if information technology's prepare to 30 seconds, yous can increase it to 300 seconds.

max_execution_time = 300

Option two – Modify Max Execution Time in .htacess File

If the above option doesn't piece of work, you might be able to alter it within your .htaccess file. Just like with the php.ini file, this is typically located inside your home directory. Identify the following in the pinnacle of your .htaccess file:

php_value max_execution_time 300

10. Temporarily Disable Your Plugins

Every bit with about WordPress errors, a plugin tin definitely be the root of the problem. To make up one's mind if that'southward what's happening, you'll demand to disable all of your site'due south plugins. However, if yous're getting the "ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT" mistake it means you don't have access to your WordPress admin expanse. This ways you will need to SFTP into your site. Nosotros recommend using FileZilla.

In one case your SFTP client is set, connect to your website through it and navigate to your WordPress root folder. In instance you tin't find it, it'due south unremarkably called public_html, html, public, www, or your site'due south name. If you're a Kinsta customer, information technology's your public binder.

WordPress root folder SFTP
WordPress root folder SFTP

Open that folder, and navigate to the wp-content directory. Inside, yous'll meet a binder calledplugins, which contains private subdirectories for each of the plugins installed on your site (both agile and inactive).

What you're going to do now is correct-click on the plugins folder, and rename it to something else. We recommendplugins.sometime orplugins.deactivated, and so y'all can easily recognize it later.

WordPress plugins folder renamed
WordPress plugins binder renamed

WordPress will now non be able to find any of your plugins. When that happens, it will automatically disable those plugins.

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

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

To practise this, open up thewp-content/plugins directory. Inside, you'll find ane folder for each of your plugins. The procedure yous're going to follow is much the same as before:

  1. Kickoff with the first binder, 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 binder from the previous stride to its original proper noun.
  4. Move on to the next plugin on your list, repeating the higher up steps.

This process tin can take a while if you take a lot of plugins, but it'southward vital to bank check each plugin in turn. If at whatsoever point you identify the plugin that'southward causing the fault, you can uninstall information technology or replace it with another tool.

If you lot make information technology to the end of these steps without finding a solution, you can motion on to the side by side stage of troubleshooting.

eleven. Temporarily Revert to Default Theme

Now that you've ruled out your plugins as the crusade of the timeout fault, it'due south time to do the same with your agile theme. In fact, your theme could besides be creating compatibility issues.

Unfortunately, the process doesn't piece of work the same as above. WordPress won't revert to the default theme if merely rename the theme folder, you would end upward with an fault like "The theme directory "theme name" does not exist." Or if you endeavor to rename the entire theme directory folder, you cease up with "Fault: The themes directory is either empty or doesn't be. Please bank check your installation."

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

MyKinsta phpMyAdmin
MyKinsta phpMyAdmin

Click into the "wp_options" table, and so click on the "Search" tab. Yous will want to search under the "option_name" fortemplate.

phpMyAdmin wp_options table
phpMyAdmin wp_options table

Under the "option_value" column y'all will come across the current proper name of your theme. Modify this to ane 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, it simply means it's a problem with your WordPress theme and yous might desire to endeavour reinstalling it or reverting to your well-nigh recent backup.

12. Increase the Memory Limit

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

You tin increase the memory limit by calculation the following to your wp-config.php file. This must be placed to a higher place the wp-settings.php inclusion.

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

Not sure what your current PHP retention limit is set to? If you have access to your WordPress dashboard and are running WordPress v.two or above, you can meet the PHP retentiveness limit under the "Site Wellness" tool.

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

Tin can't reach your site because of the *ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT* error message? Here are 12 possible ways to set up information technology! 💻😱 Click to Tweet

Summary

Connection and timeout errors are never fun to troubleshoot, but hopefully, yous accept a footling more knowledge in your toolbelt now to assist resolve it quickly.

It'due south important to call back that the "ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT" error exist a consequence of a client-side trouble such as your network connection, or an issue with the server where your WordPress site is hosted. Have any other tips to resolve this mistake? Let us know below in the comments.

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


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