How to Fix the “err_connection_timed_out” Chrome Error
Don’t panic, just tweak a few options
Google Chrome’s “err_connection_timed_out” error happens when a website takes too long to load the site’s content into your browser. This is usually a server-side problem, but there are some troubleshooting steps you can try.
The “err_connection_timed_out” error is most likely a problem on the web server and, in that case, there’s not much you can do about it but try again later. However, this error can sometimes result from a problem on your end. Here are a few things you can try to resolve the problem.
Try to Access the Site Again Later
Almost always, the “err_connection_timed_out” error is because the site you’re trying to visit is experiencing temporary issues. Before wasting a bunch of time trying the other fixes in this article, we recommend just coming back to the site and trying again later.
If you keep experiencing issues after revisiting the site, read on to discover other potential fixes.
Check Your Internet Connection
When you encounter the “err_connection_timed_out” error, you should first check if your connection is working.
One way to do that is to launch a browser on your computer and see if your other sites are loading there. You may also use another device connected to the same network to check your internet status.
If you find the issue lies with your connection, you’ll have to contact your ISP to sort the issue or trytroubleshooting the problemyourself. But, if your internet is working just fine, read on to discover other solutions.
Check Your Web Browser
Your current web browser may have issues making certain sites inaccessible. You can check if this is the issue by opening another web browser on your computer and loading your sites.
If your sites load fine in your other browser, your current browser is indeed experiencing problems. In this case, considerupdating your browserto the latest version. Try reinstalling the browser if updating it doesn’t work.
Disable Your Antivirus Program and Firewall
Your antivirus program or firewall may be blocking the site you’re trying to access. You can try turning off your antivirus and your firewall program to see if that fixes the issue.
The exact steps toturn off the antivirus protectionvary by the program you use. However, you’ll find the option to disable security on the main screen of most programs.
You can turn off your Windows PC’s built-in firewall as follows:
Clear Chrome’s Browser Cache and Data
Chrome saves your browsing history to help you quickly get back to your past data. But, if the browser stores too much of your history, it can cause various issues, including the “err_connection_timed_out” error.
It’s worthclearing Chrome’s browser datato see if this fixes your problem. Keep in mind that you’ll lose access to your history and any other items that you choose to delete from the browser.
Resolve the err_connection_timed_out Error by Flushing Your DNS Cache
Your DNS cache helps your browser quickly resolve domain names to IP addresses. This is how you can access all the sites on your computer. However, if there are issues with the DNS cache, that can cause Chrome not to load a site.
The good thing is you canclear your DNS cacheand potentially resolve your problem. Your files or browsing history won’t be affected.
Change Your DNS Servers
Chrome uses your computer’s DNS servers to resolve domain names to IP addresses. If these servers face an outage or have other issues, Chrome can’t do what it needs to do to load your sites.
Luckily, several free DNS servers are available to use on your machine. You cango for the most reliable DNS, so your internet issues are minimized.
Check Windows Hosts File
Windows uses a hosts file to let you decide which sites you’d like to block on your computer. If the site you’re trying to access is in this hosts file, you’ll have to remove the site’s entry from the file before your site can become accessible.
It’s easy to edit the hosts file, and you can do so using the built-in Notepad app.
Disable Proxy Server
Wrong or improper proxy server settings can affect your internet browsing sessions, causing errors like “err_connection_timed_out” in Chrome. So, it’s worth lookingat your proxy settingsand ensuring they’re correctly configured.
You may also temporarily disable your proxy to see if that fixes Chrome’s error.
Turn Off Your VPN App
As soon as you encounter a network issue on your computer, you should turn off your VPN service and see if that makes any difference. More often than not, a poorly configured VPN is the culprit.
You should turn off your VPN because your VPN acts as a middleman, which routes your internet traffic through the VPN company’s servers. Disabling the service helps you connect to your sites directly.
You should find the option to temporarily disable the service on your VPN app’s main interface.
Update the Network Adapter Driver
Chrome errors like “err_connection_timed_out” can sometimes result from outdated network adapter drivers.
Windows makes it easy to download and install the drivers for your adapter, and here’s how you do that:
The “err_connection_timed_out” Error in Chrome Is Fixable
Don’t panic if you encounter the “err_connection_timed_out”error in your Chrome browser. You can fix this issue by tweaking some options here and there. Your browser will run just as expected. Good luck!
Mahesh has been obsessed with technology since he got his first gadget a decade or so ago. Over the last few years, he’s written a number of tech articles on various online publications including but not limited to MakeTechEasier and Android AppStorm.Read Mahesh’s Full Bio
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