How To Fix Err_Timed_Out Error Message: Six Easy Ways

Have you ever come across the err_timed_out error code? This error message on your Chrome browser can be annoying, especially when you need to access a website urgently.

This error typically means the web page you’re trying to load is taking too long to respond. 

Err_timed_out usually occurs because of a poor internet connection. But there’s no need to panic; you’re not alone. It’s a common error message for Google Chrome users, with some easy fixes. 

In this blog post, I’ll discuss the common causes of this error message. I’ll also share six easy ways to fix the “Err_Timed_Out” error. Let’s get started!

Common Causes Of The “Err_Timed_Out” Error

Before we dive into solutions, it’s important to know the root causes of this error. “Err_Connection_Timed_Out” can appear on your browser for many reasons. Some common reasons include: 

#1. Poor Internet Connectivity:

A weak or poor internet connection is typically the most common cause of this error message. Your internet speed might be slow, or your router might be unstable. In such cases, your browser cannot load websites correctly. This results in the “Err_Timed_Out” error message.

#2. Firewall Or Antivirus Programs: 

This error message can appear because of a problem with your firewall or antivirus software. Firewalls or antivirus programs sometimes block browsers from accessing certain websites if they aren’t sure of the safety of a website. This leads to the “Err_Connection_Timed_Out” error. 

#3. DNS and Cache Issues:

Sometimes, if there’s an issue with your DNS configuration or corrupted data in the browser cache, Err_connection_timed out can appear on your browser.

How To Fix The ERR_TIMED_OUT Error Message

Now that we’ve understood the causes behind this error, let’s dive into some solutions for fixing it. Below are six easy ways to fix the err_connection_timed_out error message:

#1. Update Google Chrome

An outdated browser version of Chrome can cause this error to show up. Make sure you have the latest version of Google Chrome. To update Chrome, follow these simple steps:

1. Click the three vertical dots on the top right of the screen on your Google Chrome browser
2. Next, click “Help” and “About Google Chrome.”
3. Chrome automatically checks for updates. It will ask you to download them if any are available.
4. Try re-accessing the website to check if the error persists. If you still get the error message, move on to our next solution. 

#2. Disable Firewall And Antivirus Software (Temporarily)

Firewalls and antivirus software can sometimes block your connection to a website. Try disabling both temporarily to see if this resolves the issue. 

I’ve added a screenshot below from McAfee’s website, showing you how to turn off their real-time scanning feature.

Note: Please re-enable your firewall and antivirus after running the test. These applications exist to keep your device safe from malicious attacks and should never be disabled permanently. It is possible that the err_timed_out message disappears once you disable your antivirus temporarily. In that case, add these websites to your antivirus software’s safe-to-browse list.

#3. Clear Your Browser Cache And Cookies

Browser cache and cookies store old data that can cause connectivity issues. Here’s how you can clear them on your Google Chrome browser:

• Click the three vertical dots in the upper right corner in Google Chrome.
• Next, click “More tools” and “Clear browsing data.”
• Make sure you select “All time” from the drop-down menu, and then select the options “Cookies and other site data” as well as “Cached images and files”. 
• Finally, click “Clear data” and try re-accessing the website.

If the error message disappears after you clear browsing data, it means your browser cache was responsible for this error message to show up. 

#4. Flush The DNS

DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses. If the DNS cache is corrupted or outdated, it can cause the err_timed_out message to appear on your screen. To fix this, you will need to reset/flush the DNS cache of your device. 

For Windows users

• Press “Windows + R” keys, and then type “CMD” to open the command prompt.
• Next, type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press enter.
• Restart your browser and check if err_timed_out still shows up on your screen.

For Mac users

• Press “Command + Space bar” to access spotlight search and type “Terminal”
• Next, type “sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” and press enter. 
• It will ask for your password and flush the DNS cache. 

Restart your browser and check if err_timed_out still appears on your screen.

#5. Restart/Reboot Your Router

Sometimes, restarting your router can resolve connectivity issues. Most router manufacturers provide instructions on how to reboot their router. It typically involves unplugging and shutting off the router for 30 seconds and restarting the device. 

Below is a screenshot from McAfee’s website on how to turn off their real-time scanning feature:

If the error message disappears after rebooting your router, this was the simple fix you needed. 

#6. Try A Different Network Connection

If none of the above methods work, try accessing the website on a different network. I suggest using your mobile hotspot. If the website loads on a different network, the issue is with your internet service provider. 

Contact your ISP for support and inform them of all the fixes you might have already tried before reaching out to them.

Conclusion: To Wrap Up

Fixing the “Err_Timed_Out” error message is easy, and you don’t need to be a tech expert to do it. 

Updating Google Chrome, clearing cache and cookies, flushing the DNS, disabling firewall/antivirus software, restarting the router, and trying a different network are some possible solutions.

I recommend you test out each solution one by one until the error message resolves. If none of these solutions work for you, contact your ISP for further support.