ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT

How to Fix “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT”

Connection Error 📄 Chrome, Edge, Brave
⚡ Quick answer

ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT means your browser sent a request to a website but the server took too long to respond — so Chrome gave up. The problem can be with the website, your network, your router, or a firewall.

First, check if your internet is working and what your current IP address is:

🔍 Check My IP Address →

What Causes the “ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT” Error?

This error occurs when your browser tries to connect to a web server but the server does not respond within the time limit. Unlike DNS errors (where the domain cannot be found), this error means the domain was found but the actual connection could not be established. Common causes include: an overloaded or down server, a firewall or security software blocking the connection, your router's connection being unstable, your network using a proxy that is failing, or antivirus software intercepting the connection.

How to Fix It — 5 Methods

1 Check if the website is down ▶

Before troubleshooting your own connection, check if the site is down globally.

  1. Visit downforeveryoneorjustme.com and enter the URL
  2. Or check isitdownrightnow.com
  3. If the site is down globally, wait and try again later — nothing else you do will fix it
2 Restart your router ▶

A simple router restart fixes most ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT errors caused by a stuck network connection.

  1. Unplug your router from power
  2. Wait 30 seconds
  3. Plug it back in and wait for all lights to come back on (1–2 minutes)
  4. Reconnect your device and try again
3 Disable your firewall and antivirus temporarily ▶

Firewalls and antivirus software sometimes block connections incorrectly.

  1. Temporarily disable Windows Defender Firewall (Settings → Windows Security → Firewall)
  2. Or pause your antivirus protection
  3. Try loading the site
  4. If it works, add the site to your firewall/antivirus whitelist, then re-enable protection

Important: Always re-enable your firewall after testing.

4 Check your proxy settings ▶

An incorrect proxy setting can cause all connections to time out.

Windows:

  1. Settings → Network & Internet → Proxy
  2. Make sure "Use a proxy server" is turned OFF unless you intentionally use one

Chrome:

  1. Settings → System → Open your computer's proxy settings
  2. Disable any proxy that is not intentionally configured
5 Try a VPN to bypass network restrictions ▶

If the timeout is caused by your ISP or network blocking the server, a VPN routes your traffic through a different server and bypasses the block.

  1. Install PureVPN or IPVanish
  2. Connect to a server in a different country (US or UK works well)
  3. Try loading the site again

This is especially useful if the site works on mobile data but times out on your home connection.

🔒
Some errors are caused by ISP blocks or network restrictions
A VPN bypasses them instantly by routing through a different server.
PureVPN → IPVanish →

✅ Fixed it? Visit tools.examineip.com to confirm your IP address and connection are working correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT my fault or the website's fault?
It can be either. If the site is globally down, it is the website's fault. If the site works on other devices or networks, the issue is on your end — usually your router, firewall, or ISP.
Why does ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT only happen on specific sites?
Site-specific timeouts usually mean your ISP or firewall is blocking that server, or the server is overloaded but not completely down. Try accessing the site with a VPN — if it loads, your ISP or network is blocking it.
What is the difference between ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT and ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED?
Timed out means the server did not respond at all within the time limit. Refused means the server actively rejected the connection. Timed out is usually a network or server availability issue. Refused often means a firewall or the server is intentionally blocking your IP.

Learn More About IP Addresses & Privacy

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Request timed out
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← Back to the complete guide: Internet Errors Hub

Last updated: March 29, 2026 • Report an error

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