Fix ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT in WordPress & All Browsers (10+ Fixes)

What Is ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error?

ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT appears in web browsers when a website fails to load due to connectivity issues. When a user encounters this error, it means that their browser cannot establish a connection with the server that hosts the website they are trying to access.

If you don’t know, the request sent by your system to the server for website access must be verified, and if it takes longer than the countdown timer, which typically lasts for about 30 seconds, the “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” error occurs.

This error can be caused by various reasons, such as a slow or unstable internet connection, a misconfigured firewall or router, or an overloaded server. Sometimes, the error can be caused by user device issues, such as outdated software or malware infections. It is crucial to diagnose and address these issues to ensure smooth website performance.

In addition to the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error, there are other common errors that can affect WordPress sites, such as the 500 Internal Server Error. Troubleshooting this error is also important for maintaining a seamless user experience.

You can find detailed guidance on how to fix the 500 Internal Server Error in our blog post: How to Fix the 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress.

Why Does ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Occur?

There are a few different reasons why this error may occur.

It can be caused by network connectivity issues, such as problems with your local network connection. Alternatively, it may indicate that the website is trying to do more than the server can handle, especially on shared hosting, where memory limits are restricted.

Different web browsers, operating systems, and servers may present the error differently, but they generally have the same meaning as a communication problem.

For example, the error would look like this on Chrome: “This site can’t be reached. Domain.com took too long to respond.”

On other popular browsers, errors can look like this:

• ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error in Firefox

“The connection has timed out.” The server at domain.com is taking too long to respond.”

• ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error in Edge

“Hmmm… can’t reach this page. Domain.com took too long to respond.”

• ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error in Safari

“Safari Can’t Open the Page. Safari can’t open the domain.com page because the server where this page is located isn’t responding.”

Other related errors you may see include “ERR_NETWORK_CHANGED,” “ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED,” and “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN.” The “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error typically means that the requested domain does not exist.

To summarize, the “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” error can occur due to different factors, including server, network connection, device, or network equipment issues.

Understanding and resolving these errors is essential for maintaining a smooth user experience on your WordPress site. For more information on troubleshooting common WordPress errors, you can refer to our common WordPress Errors troubleshooting guide.

How Connection Timed-Out Error Looks in Different Browsers?

Although a connection timeout error can occur in any web browser, its exact appearance will differ depending on the browser used.

On Chrome, for example, you’ll see:

This site can’t be reached

[Domain name] took too long to respond.

On Edge, you’ll see:

Hmmm… can’t reach this page

[Domain name] took too long to respond

On Safari you’ll see:

Safari Can’t Open the Page.

Safari can’t open the page [domain name] because the server unexpectedly dropped the connection.

12 Ways to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error

Let’s explore some solutions to fix the “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” error. In this section, we’ll focus on methods to resolve the issue if you encounter this error message while trying to load a website.

1. Verify Internet Connectivity

When encountering the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error, it’s essential to check your network connection first, as it is often the root cause of the problem. Major web browsers such as Google Chrome, Firefox, and Edge all suggest checking your connection as a first step in troubleshooting this error.

If you’re using Windows 11, you can easily check your network connection status by following these steps:

• Select the Start button.
• Type “settings” and select Settings from the search results.
• Click on Network & internet.

The status of your network connection will be displayed at the top of the page.

To check the status of your network connection on a Mac:

• Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen.
• Select System Preferences from the dropdown menu.
• Click on Network in the System Preferences window.
• On the right, you can view the status of your network connection, including Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

The status of your network connection is indicated by a status indicator next to the connection.

• A green indicator means the service is active and connected.
• A yellow indicator means the service is active but not connected.
• A red indicator means that the service has not been set up.

2. Clear Browser Cache & History

Browser data such as cache files, saved logins, and cookies can optimize your browsing experience but may also slow down your browser’s performance, leading to timeout errors.

To avoid this, it’s recommended to periodically clear your browsing data. The method to clear browsing data varies depending on your browser application.

For Google Chrome users, follow these steps:

• Click on the three-dot menu located at the top right corner.
• Select More tools and then Clear browsing data.

• Check all cache files from Browsing history to Hosted app data in the Advanced tab.
• Set the time range to All time.

• Click Clear data to remove all browsing data from Chrome.

If you don’t wanna go through all these steps, you can simply hit this command (Ctrl + Shift + Del) to clear your browser history or directly visit this link on Chrome: chrome://settings/clearBrowserData

For other popular browsers:

• Clear cache in Mozilla Firefox: Click Hamburger icon → History → Clear Recent History → Select Everything → Click Clear Now.
• Clear cache in Internet Explorer: Click the Settings button → Safety → Erase browsing history → Check Temporary Internet files and Website files → Click the delete button.
• Clear cache in Microsoft Edge: Go to the 3 Dots icon → Settings → Choose what to clear under Privacy, search, and Services tab → Check Cached images and files → Click the Clear button.

3. Refresh DNS and Renew IP Address

If clearing your browser history doesn’t fix the error, try refreshing your DNS and renewing your IP address.

Flushing DNS refers to resetting the DNS caches saved on your computer. These caches contain information about the IP addresses of websites you visit, enabling your computer to quickly retrieve the IP address without translating the domain name each time you visit the site.

However, like browser data, DNS caches can become outdated and cause website access problems. Clearing outdated DNS caches can help you avoid timeout errors when accessing websites.

Windows

Windows 11 users can flush DNS by following these steps:

• Press the Windows logo and R keys to open the Run command.
• Type cmd in the dialog box and click OK to open the Command Prompt window.
• Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter to reset the DNS cache.

To troubleshoot the network and renew the IP address, add the following commands one by one, hitting Enter after each command:

• ipconfig /registerdns
• ipconfig /release
• ipconfig /renew
• netsh winsock reset

Restart your computer and open the browser to check if the commands were successful.

Mac

For macOS users, open the Terminal application and enter the dscacheutil -flushcache command to flush DNS.

4. Reset TCP/IP Stack

Corrupted TCP/IP settings frequently cause ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT errors. These network configurations act as your computer’s roadmap to the internet – when they’re damaged, your connection gets lost along the way.

Here’s how to reset them properly:

1. Open Command Prompt as Admin

Search for “cmd” in Start

Right-click → “Run as administrator”

2. Run the Reset Command

Type this exactly and press Enter:

netsh int ip reset

You’ll see a brief report of reset actions.

3. Finalize the Fix

Restart your computer (required for changes to take effect) Windows will automatically rebuild fresh network settings on reboot

What This Actually Does

The reset:

• Clears corrupted network tables
• Restores default communication protocols
• Preserves your Wi-Fi/Ethernet passwords

Important: This won’t delete your browsers or apps—it only repairs the underlying connection framework. If timeouts persist after trying this, jump to the DNS flush solution we discussed earlier.

5. Upgrade Network Adapter Drivers

Network adapter drivers allow your computer to connect to the local area network and access the internet. Outdated or improperly installed drivers can cause issues that result in the “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” error.

To update your network adapter driver software on Windows 11, follow these steps:

• Click the Start button in the screen’s bottom left-hand corner and type Device Manager in the search bar.

• Select Device Manager from the search results, and the Device Manager window will appear.
• Locate the Network adapters drop-down menu and choose your network adapter.
• Right-click on the adapter and select Update Driver Software from the drop-down menu.

• When a dialog box appears, click Search Automatically for Updated Driver Software to search for the latest driver software.

• Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the update process.
• Once finished, restart your computer to apply the changes.

If you’re using macOS, follow these steps to update your network adapter drivers:

• Click on the Apple logo in the screen’s top left corner.
• Select System Preferences from the drop-down menu.
• In the System Preferences window, click on Software Updates.
• Click on the Update now button to initiate the update process.

Regular software updates for macOS usually include updates for network adapter drivers. By ensuring that your macOS is up to date, you can potentially resolve issues that result in the “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” error.

6. Examine the Hosts File

Every computer uses a document called the hosts’ file to match the IP address of a website’s domain. Sometimes this file accidentally blocks a specific IP address or URL, causing the website to be inaccessible.

To check if the hosts’ file has blacklisted the website you want to visit, for example, Cloudways.com, follow these steps:

Windows

• Open Notepad by searching for it in the taskbar and right-clicking to select Run as administrator.
• Go to File and select Open.
• Type C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc in the File name bar and select the hosts’ file.

• Scroll to the bottom of the file and see if there are any entries related to the Cloudways website, such as 127.0.0.1 cloudways.com or 0.0.0.0 www.cloudways.com.
• If you find any such entries, delete them and save the changes by pressing Ctrl + S.

Mac

• Open Terminal on your Mac.
• Type sudo nano /private/etc/hosts and press Enter.

• Use the arrow keys to scroll down and see if there are any entries related to the Cloudways website, such as 127.0.0.1 cloudways.com or 0.0.0.0 www.cloudways.com.
• If you find any such entries, delete them.
• Save your changes by pressing Ctrl + X, Y, and Enter.

7. Check Your Domain’s DNS Settings

When DNS records point to the wrong server IP address or haven’t properly propagated after changes, visitors cannot establish a connection to your website.

To verify and correct your DNS settings:

• First, confirm your current DNS configuration using tools like DNS Checker or WhatsMyDNS. These will show you how your domain’s DNS records are currently propagating worldwide.

• Check that your A record points to the correct server IP address provided by your hosting company, and ensure your nameservers match those specified by your domain registrar or DNS provider.

If you recently changed hosting providers or server IP addresses, allow 24-48 hours for DNS changes to fully propagate. During this time, avoid making additional DNS modifications as this can extend the propagation period.

To ensure instant DNS propagation, I highly recommend getting our DNS Made Easy Add-on—starting at just $0.50 per domain per month.

For WordPress site owners using services like Cloudflare, verify your DNS settings in the Cloudflare dashboard match your hosting provider’s requirements.

Similarly, if you manage DNS through your domain registrar (such as GoDaddy or Namecheap), confirm the nameservers and A records are correctly configured.

After making DNS changes or confirming your settings, clear your local DNS cache and test accessing your site from a different network connection. If issues persist after 48 hours, contact your hosting provider’s support team to verify there are no server-side DNS configuration issues.

8. Turn off Firewall/Antivirus Temporarily

To keep your computer secure, firewalls and antivirus software are essential. However, sometimes they can mistakenly identify secure websites as unsafe, causing the “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” error.

One solution to this problem is temporarily disabling your firewall or antivirus software to see if it resolves the issue.

Windows

Here’s how to disable Windows Defender antivirus and firewall protection on Windows 11:

• Locate the Windows Defender icon in the System Tray, which is located in the lower-right corner of the desktop. It looks like a blue shield with four sections. If you don’t see the icon, click the arrow button to expand the Tray and display all the icons.
• Right-click the icon and select View security dashboard
• Now, select the Virus & threat protection option.

• Next, click on Microsoft Defender Antivirus options.
• Slide the knob to the left to turn off the antivirus protection.

• Select Firewall & network protection.

• Select Domain network.
• Slide the knob to the left to turn off the firewall protection.

• Go back and select Private network.
• Slide the knob to the left to turn off the firewall protection.

Mac

If you are a macOS user, you can disable your firewall by following these steps:

• Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen and select System Preferences.
• Click on Security & Privacy.
• Select the Firewall tab.
• Click on Turn Off Firewall.

After you’ve disabled your firewall or antivirus software, try reaccessing the website to see if the “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” error has been resolved. It’s important to remember to re-enable your firewall and antivirus software after troubleshooting to keep your computer secure.

9. Deactivate Proxy Server Settings/VPNs

One potential solution to the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error is to check the proxy server settings.

Proxy servers act as intermediaries between your computer and the website you are accessing, helping to secure your IP address, regulate website access, and cache site data for faster loading times. However, these servers may inadvertently block the website you are trying to reach, leading to the error message.

To troubleshoot this issue:

Windows

• Access the Control Panel by pressing the Windows logo key.
• Select Network and Internet, then Internet Options.

• Open the Connections tab and select LAN settings in the Internet Properties window.

• Ensure that all proxy settings are unchecked.

Mac

• In System Preferences, select Network and click the Advanced button.
• On the Proxies tab, uncheck each item and click OK.
• Refresh the page to see if the error has been resolved.

If you still need to use a proxy server, you can reconfigure the settings or consider switching to a different hosting provider.

Additionally, if you use a VPN service and encounter the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error, try switching VPN protocols or temporarily disabling the application, as your ISP or firewall may have blocked the current protocol.

10. Modify DNS Servers

DNS servers are responsible for converting domain names to IP addresses, making it easier for browsers to locate the websites you want to visit.

Your ISP typically provides in-house DNS servers for your internet connection settings, but they may not always provide the best performance. Switching to third-party DNS servers from Google or Cloudflare may be helpful in such cases. These servers are free and reliable for the average user.

If you suspect DNS servers are causing the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error, consider replacing them.

Windows

Here are the steps to change DNS settings in Windows:

• Press the Windows logo key and R together to open the Run dialog box. Type “control panel” and press Enter.

• Click Network and Internet, then Network and Sharing Center.

• On the left-hand side, click on Change Adapter Settings.

• Right-click on your current connection, which may be Local Area Connection or Wireless Network Connection, depending on your setup, and click Properties.

• Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (or Version 6, if desired) and click on Properties.

• Take note of any existing settings in case you need to revert back. Click Use the following DNS server addresses and enter “1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1” for IPv4 or “2606:4700:4700::1111 and 2606:4700:4700::1001” for IPv6.
• Click OK, then Close. Restart your browser.

Mac

• Open System Preferences on your Mac.

• Click on the Network icon, then click the Advanced button.
• Go to the DNS tab.
• Add the DNS server addresses provided by Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 for IPv4 and 2606:4700:4700::1111 and 2606:4700:4700::1001 for IPv6. To use Google DNS, use the following:
• 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4, 2001:4860:4860::8888 or 2001:4860:4860::8844.

• Click OK to save the changes, then close the window.
• You can now restart your browser to apply the new DNS settings.

11. Verify Extensions for Interference

Extensions installed in your browser can sometimes cause the error mentioned earlier. Specifically, adblockers and media downloader extensions are common culprits as they directly affect the content of web pages.

To troubleshoot this, you can try disabling your extensions individually and observe if disabling a specific extension resolves the issue.

Here’s how:

• In Chrome, click the three-dots menu in the top-right corner.
• Select Extensions > Manage extensions.

• Disable all extensions by turning off the toggle next to each one.

• Refresh the website you’re trying to access and see if the error is gone.

By disabling extensions one at a time, you can identify which one might interfere with the webpage and cause the timed out error.

12. Test Using Chrome’s Incognito

When dealing with browser-related problems, it is advisable to start by testing the webpage in an Incognito window.

To launch the Incognito window, locate and click on the three vertical dots in your browser’s top-right corner, and then select “New Incognito window.”

If the webpage loads correctly in Incognito mode, it suggests that the issue is associated with your browser. In such cases, you can proceed to apply browser-level solutions to address the problem.

8 Ways to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error on WordPress

Previously, we have discussed different solutions for resolving the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error that an internet user can perform. Now, we will focus on the methods that can be implemented by WordPress website owners to fix the issue if it occurs on their own website.

1. Check for WordPress Updates

Another common cause of the error is an outdated version of WordPress. Over time, older versions can become less efficient or incompatible with newer themes, plugins, or server environments. This can cause your site to stall during loading—leading to that frustrating timeout message.

To see if you’re running the latest version of WordPress, you’ll need access to your site’s dashboard. Here’s how to check:

Option 1: “At a Glance” Section

1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
2. Look for the “At a Glance” box, usually near the top left. Your version number should be listed there.

3. If you’re behind on updates, WordPress will usually display a notification right above this area encouraging you to update.

Important: Always back up your website before making any changes. If you’re not sure how, follow this simple backup guide.

Option 2: Dashboard Footer

Can’t find the version in that box? No problem. Scroll to the bottom of the dashboard, and you’ll see the version listed in the footer.

Option 3: WordPress Logo Menu

1. Click the WordPress logo in the top-left corner of the dashboard.
2. Choose “About WordPress” from the menu.

3. The version number will be displayed on the screen that opens.

If updating manually feels like a chore, especially for multiple sites, you can use Cloudways SafeUpdates to handle updates automatically. It runs checks before and after updates to help avoid any issues. Here’s how to keep WordPress updated the safe way.

2. Check Maximum Execution Time

Maximum execution time sets the limit on how long a PHP script is allowed to run. If a script takes longer than the allowed time—usually 30 seconds—it gets cut off, which can trigger an ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error, especially on resource-heavy pages or plugins.

Most hosting providers set this value by default, but you can increase it if needed. Here are two common ways to do that:

Option 1: Edit the php.ini File

If your hosting setup gives you access to php.ini, you can adjust the limit directly:

Locate your php.ini file (often found in the root or a config directory).

Search for this line:

max_execution_time = 30

Change the value to something higher, like:

max_execution_time = 120

Save the file and restart your web server if necessary.

If you’re unsure where this file is, your hosting provider’s documentation or support team can help point you in the right direction.

Option 2: Use the .htaccess File

If editing php.ini isn’t an option, you can make the change via your .htaccess file instead:

Open the .htaccess file in your site’s root directory.

Add this line at the end:

php_value max_execution_time 120

Make sure the server allows PHP values to be set through .htaccess, otherwise, this may cause a server error.

If you’re hosting with Cloudways, increasing the execution time is even simpler. Just go to:

Server Management → Settings & Packages → Execution Limit, and set the value you need—no file editing required.

While extending the maximum execution time can help resolve timeout issues, keep in mind it’s just one part of the puzzle. If problems continue, it’s worth checking other causes like slow plugins, external API calls, or common site-level errors such as the WordPress 404 “Not Found” Error.

3. Boost PHP Memory Limit

In certain cases, PHP scripts may consume more memory than the allocated limit, causing the website to respond slowly or result in errors. To address this issue, you can increase the memory limit, provided it does not exceed the maximum available memory assigned by your hosting provider.

To increase the memory limit, you can follow these steps:

• Access the File Manager or use an FTP client to locate and open the .htaccess file for your website.
• Insert the following line into the .htaccess file, specifying the desired memory limit based on the available memory in your hosting plan: php_value memory_limit 128M.

• Replace “128M” with the appropriate value based on your requirements.

Save the changes to the .htaccess file and upload it back to the server, overwriting the existing file if necessary.

If your website requires more PHP memory than your current hosting plan allows, you may need to upgrade to a higher-tier plan with more server resources.

Cloudways offers easy scalability—on the Flexible plan, you can increase RAM and CPU with a slider.

On the Autonomous plan, scaling happens automatically. Just note that while server scaling increases available memory, you may still need to manually adjust the PHP memory limit in your settings.

4. Check Server Configuration

If you are experiencing connection timeout issues, it is advisable to check the server configuration files, such as Apache’s httpd.conf or Nginx’s nginx.conf. These configuration files can contain misconfigurations or conflicts that may be causing the connection timeouts.

Reviewing these files allows you to identify potential issues and make the necessary adjustments to resolve the problem. Ensuring that your server configuration is correct can help prevent not only ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT errors but also other issues that may affect your WordPress site’s performance and stability, such as the “Error Establishing a Database Connection.”

5. Enable WordPress Debug Mode

Enabling debug mode can help identify PHP errors, misconfigurations, or plugin conflicts that may be contributing to the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT issue.

There are two main ways to do this:

Manual Method:

Access your site’s wp-config.php file via SFTP using a client like FileZilla. Locate the following line:

define('WP_DEBUG', false);

Replace it with the following configuration:

define('WP_DEBUG', true);

define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);

define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);

@ini_set('display_errors', 0);

This setup will create a debug.log file inside the wp-content directory, allowing you to review error messages without displaying them publicly.

Plugin Method:

If you prefer not to edit files directly, install the WP Debugging plugin from the WordPress dashboard. Once activated, it will enable the required debug settings automatically.

On Cloudways:

Log in to the Cloudways Platform, go to:

• Servers > Master Credentials, and copy your SFTP login details.

• Use these to connect via an SFTP client like FileZilla.

• Navigate to your application’s public_html folder, open the wp-config.php file, and apply the same debug configuration as outlined above.

This allows you to log errors inside the debug.log file.

For full instructions and detailed screenshots, refer to our guide on How to Enable Debugging in WordPress.

6. Deactivate Any Recent Scripts

If you encounter the “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” error after making modifications to the website’s script, it is possible that the new code is causing the problem. It could be due to misconfigurations or resource-intensive features impacting the site’s performance.

In such cases, it is recommended to take the following steps:

1. Create a backup: Before proceeding with any changes, back up the website and its code. This ensures you have a copy of the previous working state if further troubleshooting is required. Cloudways Platform provides a reliable, automated backup system for your websites, ensuring offsite storage and the ability to restore your applications in case of unexpected incidents, offering peace of mind.
2. Remove the new code: Temporarily remove or disable the recently added code or features that you suspect might be causing the connection timeout. This can help determine if the issue is related to your modifications.
3. Test site accessibility: After removing the new code, try accessing the site to see if the connection timeout issue is resolved. If the site becomes accessible without the modifications, it indicates that the new code was likely the cause of the problem.
4. Review and fix the code: If removing the new code resolves the issue, carefully review the modified code for any errors, misconfigurations, or inefficient resource usage. Make necessary corrections and optimizations to ensure the smooth functioning of the website.
5. Reintroduce code changes gradually: If you need new features or modifications, reintroduce them gradually while monitoring the site’s performance. This way, you can identify any parts of the code that might be causing the connection timeout and address them individually.

7. Disable Plugins Temporarily

A faulty or poorly coded plugin can cause the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. To identify the culprit, temporarily disable all plugins and re-enable them one by one.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Use an FTP client like FileZilla to connect to your website.
2. Navigate to the wp-content directory.
3. Rename the plugins folder to something like disabled_plugins to deactivate all plugins at once.

4. Try accessing your WordPress admin panel. If it loads successfully, the issue is likely caused by one of the plugins.
5. Rename the folder back to plugins to reactivate it (this won’t turn the plugins back on yet).
6. Inside the plugins directory, rename each plugin folder individually (e.g., rename my-plugin to disabled_my-plugin) and test the site after each change.
7. Continue this process until you identify the plugin causing the timeout error.
8. Once identified, you can remove, replace, or seek support for the problematic plugin.

5. Disable Plugins Temporarily

To identify problematic WordPress plugins causing the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error, disable them individually.

To do that:

• Use an FTP client like FileZilla to access your website files.
• Locate the wp-content directory and open it.
• Find the “plugins” folder and rename it to “plugins-deactivated”.
• Attempt to access the WordPress admin panel.
• If accessible, it indicates a plugin issue.
• Rename the plugin’s folder back to its original name.
• Inside the plugin’s directory, rename individual plugin folders to isolate the problematic one.
• Test access to the admin panel after each renaming to identify the culprit.
• If the error reoccurs, restore the original name and repeat the renaming process for other plugin folders until the website becomes accessible.

6. Activate the Default Theme

If you’re experiencing a timeout issue while trying to access your WordPress admin panel and need to activate the default theme to troubleshoot the problem, you can follow these steps:

• Connect to your website’s server using an FTP client or access the file manager in your hosting control panel.
• Navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation. This is usually the folder where you can findfiles like wp-config.php and wp-admin.

• Look for the wp-content folder and access it.
• Locate the “themes” directory inside the wp-content folder and open it.
• Find the folder corresponding to your currently active theme and rename it. You can add something like “-backup” at the end of the folder name. For example, if your active theme is called “mytheme”, rename it “mytheme-backup”.
• Once you’ve renamed the active theme folder, WordPress will no longer be able to find it and will automatically revert to the default theme.
• Now, try reaccessing your website. It should load with the default theme activated.
• After you’ve resolved the timeout issue, you can revert to your original theme by renaming the default theme folder back to its original name and deleting the renamed backup folder.

By temporarily renaming the active theme folder, WordPress will fall back to the default theme since it cannot find the previously active theme. This lets you troubleshoot the timeout issue without accessing the WordPress admin panel.

Tools to Monitor and Prevent Timeout Errors in Real-Time

Timeout errors can be triggered by a number of backend issues: overloaded server resources, long-running database queries, memory leaks, or even something as simple as a plugin misbehaving.

Below are some tools that can help you actively observe, diagnose, and mitigate the root causes of ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT errors on WordPress.

1. New Relic

New Relic is an application performance monitoring (APM) tool that provides code-level insights into your site’s performance. For WordPress, it shows which plugins, functions, or external calls are consuming excessive resources.

Key Features:

• Tracks slow PHP transactions and database queries in real-time
• Identifies slow WordPress hooks and plugins
• Monitors external API calls that may be timing out
• Helps isolate CPU or memory-intensive operations

If a plugin update causes a memory leak or a query stalls under load, New Relic flags it immediately. This gives you enough visibility to act before the site slows down or crashes.

2. Query Monitor (Free WordPress Plugin)

Query Monitor is built specifically for WordPress developers. It gives real-time stats within the WP admin interface, highlighting what’s actually slowing your site down.

Key Features:

• Displays slow MySQL queries
• Shows hook execution times
• Highlights PHP errors and REST API calls
• Integrates with object cache to track cache hits/misses

While it doesn’t offer full server monitoring, Query Monitor is especially useful for finding poorly performing plugins or themes that could eventually trigger timeouts under high traffic.

3. UptimeRobot / Better Uptime

UptimeRobot offers 1-minute monitoring intervals, while Better Uptime combines uptime checks with incident logging and escalation policies.

What makes them useful:

• Alerts you instantly when a timeout occurs
• Captures response time trends so you can correlate performance dips with traffic or updates
• Sends HTTP logs and screenshots to assist with debugging
• Integrates with Slack, Teams, or email for fast incident response

While these tools don’t prevent timeout errors directly, they let you detect them early and act quickly.

4. Cloudflare (Free + Paid)

Cloudflare can prevent timeout errors by reducing the load on your origin server. With proper caching rules and a CDN in place, fewer requests hit your server directly, which helps prevent overload.

How it helps:

• Caches static files and HTML at the edge
• Rate limits abusive IPs
• Provides real-time analytics on request rates and response codes
• Offers origin health checks with alerts if servers go down

This isn’t server monitoring in the traditional sense—but it reduces timeout risk by offloading traffic.

Bonus: If you’re on Cloudways, you get access to Cloudflare Enterprise—a plan that typically costs $1,000 to $5,000/month—for just $4.99 per domain. This includes advanced DDoS protection, prioritized routing, and image optimization via Polish and Mirage, helping your site stay fast and resilient under load.

Tips to Avoid ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Error

The ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error commonly occurs when a website temporarily experiences difficulty, which resolves itself within a few minutes. However, user-related factors can sometimes play a role. Here are some steps to help you avoid this error in the future:

• Keep your browser and security software updated: Outdated software can lead to compatibility issues, resulting in the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. Most programs update automatically, so ensure you have the latest versions installed.
• Clean your DNS cache and renew your IP address: An incorrect DNS cache can contribute to the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error. To prevent this, regularly clear your DNS cache. Additionally, consider renewing your IP address as part of the troubleshooting process.
• Regularly delete browser data: It’s important to delete browser data to address potential causes of connection errors and for a smoother browsing experience. Regularly clearing browser data also helps maintain data security and privacy.

Summary

Whether you’re browsing as a visitor or running a WordPress site, connection timeout errors are a hassle. For everyday users, switching networks or devices can often do the trick.

Site owners, though, have a bit more to stay on top of—like keeping software current, checking DNS settings, and monitoring server performance. These small habits can help avoid most of the issues that lead to timeouts.

And if things still don’t improve, that’s when a solid hosting partner makes a real difference. Cloudways users can reach out to support 24/7 and get expert help when it matters most.