ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT occurs when accessing a website. It signifies that your browser waited too long for a server response, resulting in the webpage failing to load.
This error is categorized as a network timeout issue. In simpler terms, it means the server you’re trying to access isn’t responding within the expected timeframe.
Choosing the right WordPress hosting service to handle your site’s traffic and demands is vital for the best performance.
Our article will explain every step to fix the error and smoothly restore your website to full functionality.
Understanding the ‘ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT’ Error
This error happens when your browser cannot connect to the website you’re attempting to access. It’s like trying to make a phone call but not being able to connect with the other person on the line.
When your browser requests to load a webpage, it expects a response from the server within a certain timeframe. If this response is not received in time due to factors like slow internet or server issues, you may encounter the ‘ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT’ message.
This error can be frustrating and confusing for many users, especially if you’re unfamiliar with technical jargon. But fear not! By understanding its root causes and implementing some troubleshooting steps, you’ll be well on your way to resolving this issue and getting your WordPress site back on track.
Causes of the Error
When it comes to the ‘ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT’ error in WordPress, there are several underlying causes that could be contributing to this frustrating issue.
One common reason for this error is a slow internet connection or network connection issues. This can often be resolved by simply refreshing the page or trying to access the site from a different network.
Another possible cause of this error is an issue with your WordPress website’s configuration or settings. This could be due to a corrupted .htaccess file, incorrect database credentials, or a misconfiguration in your WordPress settings.
Conflicts with themes or plugins on your WordPress website can sometimes cause the ‘ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT’ error.
Lastly, this error could also be triggered by server-related problems. Any issues with your web host’s server can result in a slow response time and cause the connection to time out.
Error Message in different browsers
This error may vary depending on your web browser. Some browsers display the error message directly, while others indicate that the server isn’t responding, took too long to reply, or that the connection timed out.
How to fix WordPress’s ‘ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT’ Error
1. Check your Configuration
- Check your internet connection
See your internet connection’s speed & stability to prevent connectivity issues.
- Clearing Browser Cache
Clearing your browser cache can fix WordPress’s ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error.
When you visit a site, your browser caches data such as images and other files to make future visits quicker. However, this cached data can sometimes cause connectivity issues.
To clear the browser cache, see your web browser’s settings menu. Choose options like “History” or “Privacy” to find the option to clear browsing data. Select the time range and types of data to delete.
After clearing the cache, try to reload the WordPress site. You may see an improvement in loading speed and connectivity as your browser fetches new data from the website’s server.
- Check security measures
Disable your firewall or antivirus settings temporarily to see if they block website access. Remember to re-enable them after resolving the error.
- Verify domain DNS settings
Ensure that DNS records are configured correctly to the right servers or services.
2. Check Maximum Execution Time
The maximum execution time setting determines how long PHP scripts can run on a website. If scripts exceed this limit, the server closes them, potentially causing the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error.
Changing this time limit is a temporary solution rather than a permanent solution.
If a script consistently reaches the execution time limit, it indicates deeper performance issues that need to be addressed, such as unoptimized code, inefficient database queries, or inadequate caching.
Maximum execution time refers to the period, typically set by the hosting provider, within which PHP scripts are allowed to run. The default is often around 30 seconds but varies depending on server configurations.
To adjust the maximum execution time:
- Log in to your cPanel.
- Navigate to the Files > File Manager.
- Go to the root directory (public_html) of your website.
- Look for the php.ini file in the directory.
- Add the following code:
max_execution_time = 300 ; // Sets the maximum execution time to 60 seconds
3. Increase Your Site’s Memory Limit (Temporary Fix)
Here’s how to increase your website’s memory limit to potentially fix the problem:
1. Edit the wp-config.php file:
- Open your wp-config.php file using cPanel’s file manager.
- Add the below code:
define(‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’); // Sets the WordPress memory limit to 256MB
2. Update the .htaccess File:
- Do changes to the .htaccess file located in the public_html (root) directory.
- Add the following code to increase the PHP memory limit for sites hosted on Apache servers:
php_value memory_limit 256M
3. Troubleshooting:
If increasing the memory limit doesn’t fix the issue, contact your hosting provider for help with finding and fixing the problem.
4. Turn Off Your WordPress Theme
A faulty WordPress theme can cause the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error because of code conflicts or compatibility issues.
To deactivate your WordPress theme, follow these steps:
- Log into your cPanel.
- Inside public_html, locate the wp-content > themes directory.
- Choose the folder of your active theme and rename it (e.g., add “_old” to the end of the folder name, For example, “hello-elementor_old”). This action disables the theme.
If WordPress cannot find the current theme, it will revert to one of the default themes, like Twenty Twenty-Four, if available.
With the default theme activated, check your site for the error. If the error is fixed, the deactivated theme is likely the cause.
5. Check your plugin
- Log into your cPanel account.
- Inside the root directory (public_html), locate the wp-content > plugins.
- Inside the plugins folder, temporarily rename the plugin folder to “plugins.off” to prevent WordPress from accessing your plugins.
Deactivate each plugin one by one by adding “.off” to each plugin’s folder name. Reload the site after each change to check if the error persists.
The last plugin you disabled before the error was fixed is likely the cause. Check for updates to this plugin or consider removing it.
4. Checking Server and Firewall Settings
When facing the ‘ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT’ error on your WordPress website, checking your server and firewall settings is crucial.
Start by ensuring that your server is running smoothly without any issues or overload. Check if any restrictions in place could be blocking the connection to your site.
Next, check your firewall settings to see if they might be preventing access to your WordPress site. Make sure that the firewall rules are not too strict and allow necessary traffic through.
It’s also important to verify if any recent changes have been made to the firewall configuration that could be causing the timeout error.
Taking the time to investigate and adjust your server and firewall settings can help resolve connectivity issues with your WordPress site efficiently.
How Can I Avoid Getting ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Errors in the Future?
To prevent ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT errors in the future, consider optimizing your network settings, disabling VPN or proxy services, clearing your browser cache & cookies, and using a different web browser.
Conclusion
The ‘ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT’ error can be easily resolved. By updating WordPress and plugins, checking server and firewall settings, and clearing browser cache, you can effectively tackle this issue.
Remember to always keep your WordPress installation up to date to prevent compatibility issues that may lead to such errors. Additionally, regularly monitoring your server settings and ensuring proper firewall configurations are essential for a smooth-running website.
Author Bio
Rajiv R.
I am an experienced professional in web hosting with 20 years of expertise. He’s well-known for his deep understanding of the industry and has made valuable contributions to the success of many projects throughout his career. He is highly experienced in server management, security protocols, and new technologies. Recognized for his dedication and innovative solutions, he continues to play a crucial role in the ever-changing world of web hosting.
