It has happened to all of us at some point that, using our preferred browser, we have tried to access a website and, suddenly, we have encountered the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. The frustration that this entails.
Now, what does this error mean, can it be dangerous for our devices, is there any way to avoid it or correct it? These are some of the questions that may arise, so let's dig a little bit into it.
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This error, although very annoying, is not a danger for our device, so we can be calm about it. It simply indicates that, while we were trying to load a website or content, we did not receive a response to our request within the time limit set at server level.
Since the server receives the information and has not been able to serve the request, it gives us this error message so that we are aware that there has been a problem, so that we do not wait in front of the screen.
The error code ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT indicates an interruption in the connection between the server you are sending your request to and the device you are sending it from, so it can be found at any point in the connection: the server hosting the website, the device you are connecting from, your own Internet connection, or even the computer you use to connect to the Internet.
What could be the cause of such an interruption? There are many reasons, including:
Excessive requests
Perhaps the website you want to visit is receiving a large number of visits, which prevents the server from being able to serve all the requests, causing visitors who do not reach the content to receive this error.
Blocked website
It is possible that your network provider, your router, or your device itself has blocked the website you are trying to access, so you will receive the error. If you are using a VPN or proxy service, you may also be blocked from accessing the site.
DNS resolution
It could be that there is an error at the DNS level that is preventing propagation from taking place correctly, or perhaps your hosts file is not configured correctly.
Connectivity
Perhaps the problem is with your router, such as a disconnected cable, or perhaps connectivity with your ISP.
Although it will not always be in your hands, there are several actions you can take to try to solve the problem.
Wait
This may seem like a small piece of advice, but most interruptions between the server and the client are usually brief and temporary, so waiting a bit and reloading the website you are trying to access may be enough to get rid of the annoying error.
Clear the cache
It is always important to clear your browser's cache after observing an error of this type, as it is possible that it was a temporary error that has already been corrected, but the cached content of your browser is still present.
Regardless of which browser you use, you will usually find the option to clear cache or clear browsing data in the history or privacy settings.
Reboot devices
This solution, although rudimentary, can be very useful, as restarting your devices (either from the one you are trying to connect to, or your own router) may fix any small configuration errors that may be present on your devices.
Check connectivity
Another possibility is that your provider is experiencing problems, so you could make use of a connection speed meter, or even use your operating system's network diagnostic tool.
Check for crashes
In these cases, it is advisable to check if perhaps your firewall or antivirus has blocked the site you are trying to access, and you could temporarily disable them. It could also be that a security programme has identified the site as potentially dangerous, in which case you should have some way of indicating that this is an error or that you wish to make an exception.
If you use a proxy or VPN, it is also advisable to check them to rule out blocking by one of them. In the case of the proxy you could restore the default proxy settings, and in the case of the VPN you could try accessing the website without using the VPN to check the behaviour.
DNS problems
It is important to check that our DNS servers are working properly. If we are not sure if they are working, we can access your computer's network settings and change the DNS servers to some free ones, for example google's (8.8.8.8.8 / 8.8.8.4.4).
If you are still experiencing problems, we recommend performing a "flush dns", which will clear your device's DNS cache.
Windows
Press the combined keys Windows + R
In the Run window that opens, enter the command:
cmd
Now that we have opened the command console, enter the command:
ipconfig/flushdns
Linux
Linux does not cache dns normally, however you may have installed the Name Service Caching Daemon (nscd) service to be able to cache it. In this case:
Press the combined Ctrl + Alt + T keys to open the terminal
Enter the command:
sudo /etc/init.d/nscd restart
MacOS
First, press the F4 key and enter "terminal".
For "MAC OS Sierra, X El Capitan, X Mavericks, X Mountain Lion o X" versions enter:
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
For the "MAC OS X Yosemite" version enter:
sudo discoveryutil udnsflushcaches
For "MAC OS X Snow Leopard" version enter:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache
For "MAC OS X Leopard" or older versions enter:
sudo lookupd -flushcache
hosts file
In your hosts file you can define if you want to resolve a web site against a specific IP, so, if it is not correctly configured, it could return the mentioned error. If you have doubts about how to edit your hosts file, you can take a look at SWHosting's guide about it.
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