How to Fix the “err_connection_timed_out” Error

The ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error is a common issue that occurs when a website takes too long to load, causing the browser to time out the connection. This error typically indicates that your connection to the website’s server is taking too long and is often related to network issues, misconfigured settings, or problems with the website itself. This guide covers several methods to resolve this issue.

What Causes the “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” Error?

This error can occur due to a variety of reasons, including:

• Network connectivity problems.
• Incorrect DNS server settings.
• Blocked connections by a firewall or antivirus software.
• Browser cache or cookies causing issues.
• Website server being down or unresponsive.

Methods to Fix the “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” Error

Method 1: Check Your Internet Connection

The first thing to do when you encounter the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error is to ensure that your internet connection is working properly.

1. Restart Your Router: Unplug your router from the power source, wait for 10-15 seconds, and plug it back in. This refreshes your connection.
2. Test Other Websites: Try visiting different websites to see if the problem persists. If other websites load properly, the issue might be with the specific website you’re trying to reach.
3. Switch Networks: If possible, switch to a different network (e.g., use a mobile hotspot) to check if the issue is with your primary network.

Method 2: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Sometimes, outdated or corrupted cache and cookies can cause connectivity issues.

1. Open Chrome and click on the three dots menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.
2. Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.
3. Choose All time as the time range and select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
4. Click Clear data.

Restart Chrome and try to access the website again.

Method 3: Change DNS Server

Your DNS server may be causing the connection to time out. Switching to a public DNS like Google DNS or OpenDNS can help resolve the issue.

1. Open Network Settings:
   • On Windows: Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
   • Right-click on your active network and select Properties.
2. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
3. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:
   • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
   • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
   • (These are Google’s DNS servers. You can also use OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220)
4. Click OK to save the changes.

Restart your computer and see if the error persists.

Method 4: Disable Firewall and Antivirus Temporarily

Your firewall or antivirus software might be blocking the website you’re trying to visit.

1. Disable Antivirus Software temporarily from the software settings.
2. Disable Windows Firewall:
   • Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
   • Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
   • Select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall for both private and public networks.

After disabling these, try accessing the website again. If the error is resolved, you may need to adjust the firewall or antivirus settings to allow the website. Remember to re-enable the firewall and antivirus afterward.

Method 5: Flush DNS Cache

Flushing the DNS cache can help clear out any outdated or corrupted DNS records that might be causing the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error.

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator:
   • Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   ipconfig /flushdns

This command will clear your DNS cache. Restart your computer and try accessing the website again.

Method 6: Reset TCP/IP Stack

Resetting your TCP/IP stack can resolve network-related issues:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Run the following commands one by one:
   netsh int ip reset
   netsh winsock reset
   ipconfig /release
   ipconfig /renew
3. Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Method 7: Disable Proxy Settings

If you are using a proxy server, it could be interfering with your connection. Disabling it might help:

1. Open Chrome and go to Settings > System > Open your computer’s proxy settings.
2. In the Internet Properties window, go to the Connections tab.
3. Click LAN settings.
4. Uncheck the box that says Use a proxy server for your LAN and make sure Automatically detect settings is checked.
5. Click OK to save the changes.

Try accessing the website again.

Method 8: Increase the Connection Timeout Limit (Advanced)

For advanced users, you can increase the connection timeout limit in Google Chrome:

1. Right-click on your Chrome shortcut and select Properties.
2. In the Target field, add the following at the end:
   –explicitly-allowed-ports=80,443
3. Click Apply and OK.

This setting can extend the time Chrome waits before displaying the error, but it is typically not recommended for regular users.

Method 9: Check Website Status

If the website is down or experiencing server issues, you will get a connection timed out error. Use a website like DownDetector or Is It Down Right Now to check the status of the website you’re trying to access.

1. Visit https://www.downforeveryoneorjustme.com or similar services.
2. Enter the website URL and check if the site is down.

If the website is down, you may need to wait for the site’s administrators to resolve the issue.

Summary

The ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error can be caused by various factors, ranging from network issues to misconfigured settings. By following the methods outlined above, you can troubleshoot and fix the error effectively. If the problem persists after trying these solutions, it may be worth contacting your ISP or checking with the website’s support team for further assistance.