Quick Summary
The "ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT" error in Chrome indicates that the browser was unable to establish a connection with the website you are trying to access within a specific timeframe. This usually means that Chrome sent a request to the server, but the server did not respond before the connection attempt was abandoned.
Common Causes
- Network Connectivity Issues: A dropped or unstable internet connection can prevent Chrome from reaching the target website's server. This could be due to problems with your Wi-Fi, Ethernet cable, or your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
- Firewall or Antivirus Interference: Firewall or antivirus software may be blocking Chrome's access to the internet or specifically blocking the target website. These security measures sometimes mistakenly identify legitimate websites as threats.
- Incorrect Proxy Settings: If your proxy settings are misconfigured or outdated, Chrome may be unable to connect to the internet properly. Incorrect proxy settings can redirect your traffic to a non-existent or malfunctioning server.
- Website Server Problems: The website's server itself might be down, overloaded, or experiencing other technical difficulties. This prevents the server from responding to connection requests in a timely manner.
- DNS Resolution Issues: Your computer might be unable to correctly translate the website's domain name (e.g., example.com) into its corresponding IP address. This could be due to problems with your DNS server or cached DNS data.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Check Your Internet Connection
Step 1: Verify that your Wi-Fi is connected and working properly. Try visiting other websites to see if the issue is specific to one site.
Step 2: If you are using an Ethernet cable, ensure it is securely plugged into both your computer and the router/modem.
Step 3: Restart your modem and router. Unplug them from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, and then plug them back in. Wait for them to fully power on before trying to access the website again.
Method 2: Disable Firewall and Antivirus Temporarily
Step 1: Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software.
Step 2: Try accessing the website again. If the error is resolved, add the website to the exception list or whitelist of your firewall and antivirus software, then re-enable them.
Note: Remember to re-enable your firewall and antivirus software as soon as you've finished testing to ensure your computer remains protected.
Method 3: Check Proxy Settings
Step 1: In Chrome, go to Settings > System > Open your computer's proxy settings.
Step 2: Ensure that the proxy settings are configured correctly. If you are not using a proxy, make sure that the "Use a proxy server" option is disabled.
Step 3: If you are using a proxy, double-check that the proxy address and port are correct.
Method 4: Clear Chrome Browsing Data
Step 1: In Chrome, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (or Cmd + Shift + Delete on macOS) to open the "Clear browsing data" window.
Step 2: Select All time as the time range.
Step 3: Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
Step 4: Click the Clear data button.
Step 5: Restart Chrome and try accessing the website again.
Method 5: Change DNS Server
Step 1: On Windows, go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
Step 2: Right-click on your active network connection and select Properties.
Step 3: Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) or Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and click Properties.
Step 4: Select "Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter the following public DNS server addresses:
- Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
- Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
Step 5: Click OK to save the changes and restart your computer.
Step 6: On macOS, go to System Preferences > Network. Select your network connection in the left pane.
Step 7: Click Advanced..., then DNS. Add 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 to the DNS Servers list using the + button.
Step 8: Click OK and Apply.