Fix ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error: 12 Effective Solutions

The ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error is a common issue many users face while trying to open websites in browsers like Chrome. This problem typically occurs when your browser cannot establish a connection with the server within a given time frame.

There are several ways to troubleshoot and fix the issue. In this article, we will explore 12 effective solutions to fix the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error in Chrome.

Table of contents Hide

1 Restart Device

2 Check Your Internet Connection

3 Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

4 Check the Website Status

5 Disable Firewall or Antivirus Software

6 Flush DNS Cache

7 Use a VPN to Access the Website

8 Change DNS Server

9 Disable IPv6

10 Update Your Network Drivers

11 Check Your Browser’s Extensions

12 Use a Different Browser or Device

13 Conclusion

Restart Device

If you meet the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error when trying to open a website in Google Chrome, you can restart your device and try to open the site again. Restarting the device can help fix many issues.

Check Your Internet Connection

A weak or unstable internet connection is one of the primary causes of the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. If your internet connection is slow or drops intermittently, it may prevent your browser from connecting to websites.

Restart your modem and router by unplugging them for 30 seconds. After that, plug them back in.
Check if other devices on your network are experiencing similar connectivity issues. If so, the problem may be with your ISP.
Run a speed test on your connection to ensure you’re getting a good internet speed.
If the internet speed is low, contact your ISP to resolve the issue.

Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Corrupted or outdated cache and cookies may interfere with the site connection process, leading to the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Clearing them often fixes the problem.

Chrome, click the three-dot icon in the top-right corner and select the “Deleting browsing data” option.
Select the time range as “All time” and check the options for cookies and cached images & files.
Click “Clear data” and restart your browser to check if this error is resolved.

Check the Website Status

The error might not be on your end. The website you are trying to visit might be down. You can check if the website is down by using some professional website status-checking tools.

Use a website status checker like Down For Everyone Or Just Me or DownDetector.
Enter the website URL to see if it’s down.
If the site is down, there’s nothing you can do except wait for it to be back online.

Disable Firewall or Antivirus Software

Sometimes, firewall or antivirus software on your device can block your connection to certain websites, causing the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error.

Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software.
Try to access the website again.
If the website loads, check your firewall or antivirus settings and add an exception for the website.
Don’t forget to turn on your firewall and antivirus again once the issue is fixed.

Flush DNS Cache

Flushing the DNS cache on your device can help resolve any corrupted cached data that may be causing connection issues to websites.

Press the “Windows” key and search for “Command Prompt”.
Right-click Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator.”
In the Command Prompt window, type ipconfig /flushdns and hit Enter.
Restart your computer and try accessing the website again to see if the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error is gone.

Use a VPN to Access the Website

You may also try a VPN to visit the website. A VPN gives you a fresh and private internet connection and lets you access global websites.

LightningX VPN offers 2000+ servers in 50+ countries. You can use this VPN to unlock various websites/apps/platforms from other countries. Use this VPN to access TikTok, YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, etc.

Get LightningX VPN

LightningX VPN uses AES-256, WireGuard, Shadowsocks, etc. to encrypt your online data and activities. It hides your real IP and assigns you a virtual IP address to help you remain anonymous online while visiting websites.

This VPN is fast, stable, secure, and easy to use. It is available for Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone/iPad, Apple TV, Android TV, Linux, Chrome, etc.

Change DNS Server

Your current DNS server may be causing the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT issue. Switching to a public DNS server like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS may help fix the issue.

Right-click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray on your PC and open “Network and Sharing Center” on your PC.
Click on “Change adapter settings.”
Right-click on your active network connection and choose “Properties.”
Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties.”
Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
Enter the following DNS server addresses. Google DNS: Preferred: 8.8.8.8; Alternate: 8.8.4.4. Cloudflare DNS: Preferred: 1.1.1.1; Alternate: 1.0.0.1.
Click “OK” and restart your browser.

Disable IPv6

Sometimes, IPv6 settings on your device can cause network connectivity issues, leading to the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Disabling IPv6 may help fix the problem.

Open Settings > Network & Internet > “Network and Sharing Center” on your PC.
Click on “Change adapter settings.”
Right-click on your current network connection and select “Properties.”
Scroll down and uncheck the box next to “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6).”
Click “OK” and restart your computer to see if the issue is resolved.

Update Your Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network drivers can sometimes cause connection problems. Updating the network driver may resolve the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error.

Press the “Windows” key and type “Device Manager.”
Expand the “Network adapters” section.
Right-click on your network adapter and select “Update driver.”
Select “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
Follow the on-screen instructions to update your network driver.

Check Your Browser’s Extensions

Some browser extensions, such as VPN extensions, ad blockers, or privacy tools, may interfere with your connection and cause timeouts when visiting websites. Disabling or removing these extensions can sometimes fix the issue.

Click the three-dot icon and select “Extensions” to open your Chrome browser extensions page.
Disable or remove extensions one by one.
After disabling each extension, restart the browser and check if the website loads properly.
Once the problematic extension is found, either update or remove the extension.

Use a Different Browser or Device

Sometimes, the error might be related to the browser or device you’re using. Switching to another browser or device can help you determine whether the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT issue is browser-related or system-wide.

Try accessing the website on a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.).
If you have another device available, such as a smartphone or tablet, try accessing the same website to check if the error persists.
If the website loads on a different browser or device, you can troubleshoot your original browser settings or update/reinstall the browser.

Conclusion

The ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error is frustrating but can usually be fixed with some simple troubleshooting steps. By following the methods outlined above, you can resolve the issue and get back to browsing without interruption.