What Is the Connection Timed Out Error? How to Fix It

ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT is a common network connection problem that disrupts the user experience. It happens when the web browser cannot establish a connection to the web server within the set time, making the website impossible to access. In the article below, MONA Media shares details about the connection timed out error and effective ways to fix failed to load resource net ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT.

What is the err_connection_timed_out error?

ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT is a common error code when going online. It means the web browser could not connect to the the web server destination within the allowed time. 

This error happens when the browser sends a request to the server but gets no timely response, and the browser shows a message that the connection failed.

Causes of the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error

There are many causes of the err connection timed out error on Windows 10. Common ones include:

• Server not responding: The server of the website you are visiting may have a problem or be overloaded, so it cannot respond to the browser's request.
• Weak or interrupted network connection: An unstable network line, slow internet speed, or faulty network devices such as a router or modem can also cause this error.
• Security software or system configuration: A web application, antivirus software or proxy/VPN settings can block the browser from reaching certain websites.
• DNS configuration or browser settings: DNS server a slow DNS response or incorrect DNS settings can stop the browser from finding the server. Browser extensions or plugins that conflict with the connection can cause it too.

How to fix err_connection_timed_out on Chrome

Once you understand what causes ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT, you can use the solutions below to fix the err_time_out error quickly.

Reload the page to fix err_connection_timed_out

When you hit ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT on mobile or on a computer, one of the first fixes to try is refreshing the page. This simple step lets the browser reconnect to the server and reload the content, which can clear a temporary connection error. You can refresh the page with these keys:

• On Windows: Press Ctrl + F5 to reload the web page.
• On macOS: Press Command + R.

Or click the "Reload" icon in the web browser.

Check your internet connection to fix err_connection_timed_out

Sometimes the cause of ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT on Android, iOS or a computer is your own internet connection. Make sure your device has a stable connection by opening any web page or using an app that needs the internet, like Facebook or Gmail. 

If you cannot connect, try restarting your modem/router, checking the network cable, or contacting your internet service provider (ISP) to have the line checked.

Send feedback

If you hit ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT and notice it only happens on one specific website while others work normally, the problem most likely lies with that website. To fix it and get quick help from the browser, you can use the Send Feedback feature. It reports the error so Chrome can handle it faster. 

Check and clear the cache

To clear the cache in Chrome, follow these steps:

Step 1: Click the three-dot icon in the top right corner of the browser. Then choose Settings and click Clear browsing data.

Step 2: When the settings screen appears, in privacy and security, click delete browing data. 

Tick cached images and files, choose All times and click the Clear data. 

Wait a moment for it to finish, then reload the page to see whether the error is fixed.

Close extra apps and browser tabs

Opening too many apps, Chrome tabs or extensions at once can use up system resources, causing overload and the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. To free up memory and speed up processing, you can:

Step 1: Close all unneeded browser tabs but keep the tab with the connection error.

Step 2: Close other software, apps or programs running alongside the browser, and pause any downloads.

Step 3: Click the three-dot icon in the top right corner of the browser, choose More tools, then go to or "tiện ích mở rộng".

Step 4: A dialog box will appear. Here you can remove unneeded extensions by clicking Remove. When you are done, go back to the tab that had the problem and reload the page to check

Restart your computer to fix the connection timed out error

When you see the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error, try restarting your computer. This refreshes the whole system, clears possible software conflicts and resets the network connection, which can resolve the connection error. After the restart, open your browser and visit the website again to see if the error is gone.

Update Chrome to fix the err_connection_timed_out error

An outdated version of Chrome is a common cause of the Connection Timed Out error. Update Chrome to the latest version to fix the problem, and you also get better performance and stronger browser security. To update Chrome, follow these steps:

• Go to the About section: Open Chrome, click the three-dot icon in the top right corner, then choose Help → About Google Chrome.
• Update (if available): Chrome will automatically check for and install the latest update (if there is one).
• Restart Chrome: After the update finishes, restart Chrome to apply the changes and check whether the connection error is resolved.

Fix the err_connection_timed_out error with Command Prompt

If the methods above have not solved the error, you can use Command Prompt to reset some network settings. It is a handy Windows tool that lets you work directly with the system.

Open Command Prompt as administrator: Type “cmd” in the search bar, right-click “Command Prompt” and choose “Run as administrator”.

Release the IP address: Type the command ipconfig /release and press Enter.

Clear the DNS cache: Type the command ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

Renew the IP address: Type the command ipconfig /renew and press Enter.

Reset DNS: Type the command netsh int ip set dns and press Enter.

Reset Winsock: Type the command netsh winsock reset and press Enter.

Disable the firewall 

Firewalls and antivirus software play an important role in protecting your computer, but they can interfere with your network connection and cause the ERR CONNECTION TIMED OUT error on Windows 10. If you suspect this is the cause, try temporarily turning off your firewall and antivirus software. 

Note that you need to turn them back on once you finish testing to keep your system safe. If turning them off solves the error, consider adjusting your firewall or antivirus settings to allow access to the website you want.

Turn on a VPN in Chrome to fix err_connection_timed_out

Some websites may block access from certain IP addresses or mistake your requests for spam, which leads to the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. In this case, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an effective solution. A VPN hides your real IP address and replaces it with an IP address from another country, so you can reach the website without trouble.

To turn on a VPN in Chrome, follow these steps:

• Install a VPN extension: Search for and install a VPN extension from the Chrome Web Store. There are many free and paid options with different features.
• Connect to the VPN: Activate the VPN extension and choose a server in another country to connect to.
• Check the connection again: Reload the page that had the error to see if the VPN fixed the problem.

Use Incognito mode in Chrome

Try opening the page that had the connection error in Chrome’s Incognito mode. If the page loads in this mode, the problem is probably related to your Chrome settings or a browser bug. Check whether Chrome is updated to the latest version, or you may need to wait for a system patch to fix the issue.

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Other common errors in the Chrome browser

Besides the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error covered above, Chrome users sometimes run into other problems that hurt their online experience. These errors can come from software conflicts, a shortage of system resources, or issues with browsing data. Below are some common errors and how to fix them so you can use Chrome smoothly.

Chrome freezes

A frozen Chrome browser is a common problem. You cannot click, scroll or do anything in the browser. The cause can be an outdated Chrome, software conflicts or a shortage of system resources.

To fix a frozen Chrome, try the following:

• Update Chrome: Make sure you are on the latest version of Chrome to get the bug fixes and performance improvements.
• Clear browsing data: Delete the cache, cookies and browsing history to free up resources and prevent data conflicts.
• Manage extensions: Disable or remove unneeded extensions, because they can cause conflicts or use too many resources.
• Limit the number of tabs: Close tabs you are not using to lighten the load on the browser and free up memory.
• Restart your computer: Restarting your computer can refresh the system and resolve software conflicts.

Chrome crash error

This error happens when the browser suddenly closes without warning, interrupting your work and losing unsaved data. It can have several causes, including software conflicts, extension errors or a shortage of system resources.

Here is a detailed guide to fix Chrome crashes:

• Check your extensions: Turn off or uninstall recently added extensions, since they may conflict with Chrome.
• Clear browsing data: Delete the cache, cookies and browsing history to remove corrupted files that may cause problems.
• Reinstall Chrome: If the steps above do not work, uninstall and reinstall Chrome to fix software errors.
• Free up system resources: Make sure your computer has enough RAM and is not overloaded by other applications while running Chrome.
• Update your software: Update Chrome, your operating system and your device drivers to the latest versions to patch bugs and improve stability.

Chrome loads slowly

This is a common problem that annoys many users and directly affects the browsing experience. It can come from several factors, including a weak network connection, a browser full of junk data, or a problem with the website you are visiting.

That covers the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error in detail, including its causes and effective fixes. MONA hopes this article gave you useful knowledge to deal with the problem quickly and get a smooth online experience.