If you’re using Chrome as your default browser, you’ll notice a problem known as ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT. Due to the vast volumes of saved items and browsing history that are stored in Chrome’s cache memory, it is more likely that you may see the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT issue.
Because of the lengthy time it takes for the browser to obtain data from another device, a “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” message appears on the webpage when it encounters this error.
Understanding the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error
The ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error in Chrome is a connection-related error that occurs when your browser attempts to establish a connection with a website, but the attempt takes too long to complete.
Instead of loading the requested webpage, you are presented with an error message that reads, “This site can’t be reached” along with the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT message. This error typically indicates a problem with the connection between your browser and the web server hosting the website.
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Common Causes of the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error
To effectively troubleshoot and resolve the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error, it’s essential to understand its common causes:
- Network Issues: Problems with your internet connection, such as slow or unstable network connections, can lead to timeout errors.
- Website Unavailability: The website you are trying to access may be down, experiencing high traffic, or undergoing maintenance.
- Firewall or Security Software: Overly restrictive firewall or security software settings on your computer can block the connection to the website.
- DNS Resolution Problems: Issues with the Domain Name System (DNS) can result in the browser being unable to translate domain names into IP addresses.
- Proxy Server Configuration: Misconfigured proxy server settings in your browser or system can interfere with the connection.
- Browser Cache and Cookies: Cached data and cookies stored by your browser can sometimes cause connection issues.
ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT in Chrome
ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Following some of the procedures in chronological sequence and getting your browser fixed is all that is required to fix an error.
It is recommended that you follow the solutions in order so that your browser settings do not vary from your default preferences, as the order of solutions varies.
1. Verify your Internet Service Provider and Network Connectivity
When using a modem or a router to connect to your ISP, make sure the connection is smooth and error-free to avoid getting the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT.
To avoid this problem, you should delete any superfluous browsing data, cookies, and saved objects that are taking up extra space on your device.
The first step in avoiding a connection timeout is to perform this action. Keep an eye on the gadgets that are attached to your computer or laptop, since they could be the source of the problem at any given time.
Step 4: If the error message is still displayed on the webpage, then go to the next steps.
2. Windows Hosts File
If you see the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT warning just on one website, it’s a problem that has to be addressed.
Step 1 – If you don’t have notepad++, it may be better to use notepad. If you do, make sure to run it as administrator.
Step 2 – Select “all files” from the drop-down menu when you click “open” from the toolbar. Select “hosts.” When the last hashtag (#) appears, you will notice a list of URLs that have been blocked, as well as a string of code.
Step 3 – Select the URLs and delete them to fix the problem. If the file has been saved, try refreshing the page to see if it has been saved.
Move on to the next option if you can’t solve the problem right away.
3. Altering The LAN Settings
Unintentional errors during a cleanup or when your system is infected by a virus might cause the internet settings to alter, which in turn causes the time out error on your browser to appear.. It’s as simple as following these steps.
Select LAN settings in the connections area of your control panel’s Internet options. If all the checkboxes are unchecked in the dialogue box that appears, then you can continue browsing by refreshing the website. If the problem isn’t fixed, try a different approach.
4. Renew Your IP address and Flush Your DNS
Domain Name System (DNS) caches IP addresses in order to speed up retrieval of a frequently visited site.
However, if it turns out to be the wrong site, the user will experience a delay in connecting with the host, resulting in a timeout error, and the DNS will be forced to flush its cache addresses by other OS processes.
The following is a popular method for flushing the DNS, and it is implemented as follows:
Step 1: Run the command prompt by clicking the Windows logo and R, or by pressing the Windows key and typing R. In the second step, type cmd and press Enter. Enter “netsh winsock reset catalogue” at the command prompt and press enter.
Step 2: Ipconfig/flushDNS is the fourth command to type. To complete the process, close any open applications and restart your computer. You can attempt the following if the error persists.
5. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
There is a possibility that an outdated network adapter driver could be the root cause of your Chrome browser’s timeout problem. You can either do it manually or use a driver update tool to do it automatically.
If the drivers are up to current, they help to ensure that the host and the end-user have an unbroken connection.
Additionally, disabling the firewall on your Windows PC may help to fix the problem of timeouts. As a precaution, disable the Windows firewall for the time being and recheck the browser. The firewall may be blocking websites that you favour.
Preventing the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error
While resolving the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error is crucial, it’s equally important to take steps to prevent it from occurring in the future. Here are some preventive measures:
- Regularly Clear Browser Data: Periodically clear your browser’s cache, cookies, and browsing history to ensure that outdated data doesn’t interfere with future connections.
- Keep Software Updated: Ensure that your operating system, web browser, and security software are up to date to benefit from bug fixes and security enhancements.
- Use a Reliable DNS Service: Consider using reputable DNS servers or DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) to improve the reliability of DNS resolution.
- Check Website Availability: Before troubleshooting connection issues, check if the website is operational by using online tools or visiting its official social media accounts for updates.
- Enable Notifications: Some websites offer email or push notifications to alert users about scheduled maintenance or downtime.
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Conclusion
It’s best to use a virtual private network (VPN) to get around your network service provider and maintain a unique IP address that can’t be tracked. However, there are a number of providers to select from, so pick one that fits your needs and budget.
Because of the increased security that VPNs provide, network traffic and timeouts can be kept to a minimum.
