How to Fix the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error

The “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” error is a common issue that occurs when your browser cannot connect to a website. This error can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to access an important site. It typically happens due to network connectivity issues, problems with the website’s server, or misconfigurations in your browser or computer.

This article will guide you through various methods to troubleshoot and fix the “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” error across different platforms.

What Causes the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error?

Before diving into the solutions, it’s helpful to understand the common causes of this error:

1. Network Connectivity Issues: Poor or unstable internet connection can lead to a timeout error.
2. DNS Settings: Incorrect DNS configuration or an issue with the DNS server can prevent your browser from resolving the website’s domain.
3. Firewall or Security Software: Firewalls, antivirus, or other security software might block your connection to certain websites.
4. Browser Cache and Cookies: Corrupted or outdated browser cache and cookies can cause connection issues.
5. Outdated Browser: An old version of your browser may lead to compatibility issues and cause this error.
6. Website Server Issues: Sometimes, the problem isn’t on your side—the website’s server may be down or overwhelmed with traffic.
7. IP Address Blocking: In rare cases, your IP address might be blocked by the website’s server.

How to Fix the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error

Here are several solutions that can help you resolve the “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” error.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

The first step is to ensure that your internet connection is working properly. To do this:

• Restart your modem or router.
• If you’re on Wi-Fi, try switching to a wired connection or vice versa.
• Test other websites to see if they load properly. If all websites are timing out, the problem likely lies with your internet connection.

2. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can resolve the issue if the error is caused by corrupted or outdated data.

In Google Chrome:

1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner and select Settings.
2. Scroll down and click Privacy and security.
3. Click Clear browsing data.
4. Select Cached images and files and Cookies and other site data.
5. Click Clear data.

After clearing the cache, try accessing the website again.

3. Change DNS Servers

If the issue is related to DNS, changing your DNS servers to Google’s Public DNS or OpenDNS may resolve the error.

On Windows:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog and type ncpa.cpl, then press Enter.
2. Right-click your active network connection and select Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
4. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the following:
   • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
   • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
5. Click OK and restart your browser.

On macOS:

1. Go to System Preferences > Network.
2. Select your active connection and click Advanced.
3. Go to the DNS tab and click the + button to add the following:
   • 8.8.8.8
   • 8.8.4.4
4. Click OK and restart your browser.

4. Disable Firewall or Antivirus Software

Sometimes, your firewall or antivirus software can block access to certain websites, resulting in the “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” error. Temporarily disabling your firewall or antivirus software can help you determine whether they are the cause.

On Windows:

1. Press Windows + R, type control panel, and press Enter.
2. Go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
3. Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off on the left-hand side.
4. Select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall for both private and public networks and click OK.

If the site loads after turning off your firewall, add an exception for the website in your firewall or antivirus settings.

Note: Don’t leave your firewall or antivirus disabled for long. Re-enable them after testing.

5. Flush DNS Cache

Flushing your DNS cache can clear outdated records and resolve DNS-related issues.

On Windows:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator by typing cmd in the search bar, right-clicking Command Prompt, and selecting Run as administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:bashCopy codeipconfig /flushdns

On macOS:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:Copy codesudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
3. Enter your password if prompted and press Enter.

After flushing the DNS, restart your browser and try accessing the website again.

6. Reset TCP/IP Settings

Resetting your network settings can resolve connectivity issues that cause the error.

On Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Enter the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:perlCopy codenetsh int ip reset netsh winsock reset

After resetting TCP/IP settings, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

7. Use a VPN or Proxy

Sometimes, your IP address may be blocked by the website or your ISP might be limiting access to certain websites. Using a VPN or proxy can bypass these restrictions.

• Choose a reliable VPN service and connect to a server in a different location.
• Alternatively, you can use a web-based proxy service to access the website.

If the site loads while using a VPN or proxy, your IP address might be restricted from accessing the site, or there could be regional limitations.

8. Update or Reinstall Your Browser

Outdated or corrupted browser files can also cause connection timeouts. Make sure your browser is up to date, or try reinstalling it completely.

• In Chrome, go to Settings > About Chrome to check for updates.
• If you’re already using the latest version, try uninstalling and reinstalling the browser to see if this fixes the issue.

9. Check the Website Status

If none of the above solutions work, the problem may lie with the website itself. The server might be down or under maintenance. You can check whether the website is down for everyone or just you by using services like Down For Everyone Or Just Me.

10. Contact Your ISP

If you continue to experience the error after trying all the solutions, the issue might be with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Contact your ISP for assistance, as they may be able to identify network issues on their end.

Conclusion

The “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” error can be caused by various factors, including network issues, DNS configuration, and browser settings. By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve the error and access the website again. Remember, some issues may be temporary or related to the website’s server, so patience and methodical troubleshooting are key to fixing this error.