Fix ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT: Internet Connection Timeout Error (ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT) (Internet)

The ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error, commonly seen in web browsers, indicates that your device attempted to establish a connection with a website but did not receive a response within the allotted time. This essentially means the request “timed out” before it could be completed. This can be a frustrating experience, as it prevents you from accessing the content you need. This guide will help you understand the common causes and provide step-by-step solutions to resolve this issue.

🧐 Causes

Several factors can contribute to the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. These can range from simple local network issues to problems with the website’s server itself.

• Your Internet Connection: A slow, unstable, or completely non-existent internet connection is the most frequent culprit. This could be due to issues with your modem, router, or even your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• Router/Modem Issues: Your network hardware might be experiencing a temporary glitch or may need a reboot.
• Browser Cache and Cookies: Corrupted or outdated cache data and cookies in your web browser can sometimes interfere with new connections.
• Firewall or Antivirus Software: Overly aggressive security software can sometimes block legitimate website connections.
• DNS Server Problems: The Domain Name System (DNS) server translates website names (like google.com) into IP addresses. If your DNS server is slow or unresponsive, it can cause timeouts.
• Proxy Server Issues: If you are using a proxy server, misconfigurations or issues with the proxy itself can lead to connection timeouts.
• Website Server Issues: The problem might not be on your end at all. The website you are trying to access could be experiencing high traffic, be temporarily down for maintenance, or have server-side problems.
• VPN Interference: If you are using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), it might be causing the timeout due to server load or network configuration.

🔧 Fixes

Here are a series of troubleshooting steps you can follow to resolve the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error:

1. Check Your Internet Connection

First and foremost, ensure your internet is working. Try loading other websites to see if the issue is specific to one site or widespread. If other sites also fail to load, try the following:

• Restart Your Modem and Router: Unplug both your modem and router from the power source. Wait for at least 30 seconds, then plug the modem back in. Once the modem is fully online (usually indicated by stable lights), plug the router back in. Allow both devices a few minutes to boot up completely.
• Check Physical Connections: Ensure all cables connecting your modem, router, and computer are securely plugged in.
• Contact Your ISP: If you suspect an issue with your internet service, contact your Internet Service Provider for assistance.

2. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Outdated or corrupted browser data can cause various issues. Here’s how to clear them for common browsers:

• Google Chrome: Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data. Select “All time” for the time range and check “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.” Click “Clear data.”
• Mozilla Firefox: Go to Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data. Click “Clear Data…” and select both options.
• Microsoft Edge: Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data. Choose “All time” and select “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.”

3. Temporarily Disable Firewall and Antivirus

As a diagnostic step, temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software. If the website loads after disabling them, you’ll need to reconfigure your security software to allow access to that specific site. Remember to re-enable them afterward.

4. Change Your DNS Server

Switching to a public DNS server like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS can sometimes improve connection speeds and resolve timeout issues.

• Windows: Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. Right-click on your active network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select “Properties.” Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties.” Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS) and 8.8.4.4 as preferred and alternate, or 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare DNS).
• macOS: Go to System Preferences > Network. Select your active network connection and click “Advanced…” Then go to the “DNS” tab and click the “+” button to add 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, or 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.

5. Check Proxy Settings

If you’re not intentionally using a proxy, ensure your browser and system settings are not configured to use one.

• Windows: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy. Make sure “Automatically detect settings” is on and “Use a proxy server” is off.
• macOS: Go to System Preferences > Network. Select your active connection, click “Advanced…”, then go to the “Proxies” tab. Ensure no proxy protocols are checked unless you know you need them.

6. Try a Different Browser or Incognito Mode

Test if the issue persists in a different web browser or in your current browser’s incognito/private browsing mode. This helps determine if the problem is specific to your browser’s profile.

7. Test on a Different Device

Try accessing the website from another device connected to the same network. If it works on another device, the issue is likely with your original device’s configuration.

8. Check Website Status

Use an online tool like “Down For Everyone Or Just Me” (isup.me) to check if the website you’re trying to access is actually down for everyone.