Server Connection Timeout Error Explained

Some errors explicitly state its cause, and some simply identify a problem with no further explanation. Server Connection Timeout Error is one of the latter. Though it appears like an issue with the server, it is not always the case.

We’ll help you better understand about connection timeout error and how you can resolve this. Continue reading this article to learn.

Browser requests data at a predetermined time. If the server takes so long to respond, a timeout error displays. This error is meant to prevent devices from waiting ceaselessly for the server to respond. The possible causes may be a server issue, outdated browser and cache, blacklisted sites, sporadic internet connection, faulty extensions, etc.

In this article, we go through some of the possible causes and some simple to not-so-complex helpful tips to execute, to solve the issue.

Important: Troubleshooting tips are generalized to accommodate the different browsers and operating systems. However, please be assured that the instructions are only slightly different from your end.

1. Clear Browser Cache

If there is one unwritten rule in troubleshooting, it is to clear cache first. The same is true for timeout error. There are cases that the error displays due to cache. Make sure to clear browsing data first before proceeding to a next solution.

Here is the fastest way to clear cache on major browsers (Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera and Edge):

1. Open your preferred browser.
2. On your keyboard, press Ctrl+Shift+Del simultaneously.
3. A pop-up box will appear. Make sure to select cache or history.
4. Click the appropriate button to clear cache.

2. Restart Internet Router

Users attest to restarting the router to resolve the issue. You can effortlessly replicate this tip with no harm done.

3. Check and Update Browser

Sometimes, your browser is the culprit. A smaller version or an outdated browser can cause havoc. Today, most computers require a 64-bit architecture to achieve full performance. Hence, a smaller version limits its capability. Also, outdated browsers may have bugs and compatibility issues, responsible for the error.

Check if your browser is up to date by following these steps:

1. Open a browser.
2. Go to About Browser Name in your browser's settings or menu.
3. If necessary, update the browser.

4. Run Compatibility Mode

Running a browser compatibility mode is rather simple. In some cases, it fixes the connection timeout error. You can do it with these easy steps:

1. Right-click on your browser’s icon.
2. Select Properties.
3. On the Properties window that opens, click the Compatibility tab.
4. Tick the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for:
5. Select an older version of Windows on the drop-down menu.
6. Click Apply, then click OK to save changes.

Important: You might have to repeat these steps to find the right setting that works for you.

5. Disable Faulty Extensions

There are chances that your extensions interfere with the browser, causing an error. In this case, you have to examine whether your extensions are functional or not, then eventually eliminate the dysfunctional extension as you check.

1. Open a browser.
2. Look for your browser’s menu, and select More tools.
3. Select Extensions.
4. A list of extensions will display. Disable all extensions by unchecking the Enabled checkbox.
5. Restart your browser.
   
6. If the error disappears, enable extensions one by one while simultaneously checking if the error reappears. When it does, disable the faulty extension.

Important: If you are using the faulty extension often, consider updating it to the latest version and see if it eliminates the problem.

6. Use Browser’s Default Settings

Timeout errors sometimes appear due to the browser’s configuration. It is advised to reset the browser’s settings to default in order to fix this issue. Here’s a general guide to help you do so:

1. Open a browser.
2. Look for your browser’s menu, and select Settings.
3. On the Settings tab or page, look for Advanced.
4. Locate the Reset button, and click it.
   If a confirmation message appears, click Reset to continue.

After resetting, all the cached data, cookies, history and extensions will be discarded. If the error is caused by the browser’s configuration, the reset should fix it completely.

7. Unblock Blacklisted Sites

There is a probability that you have blacklisted a specific website, which is why you can’t access it. You can check if you’ve blocked some websites, and if necessary, you can unblock it by following these steps:

1. Open your computer’s File Explorer and navigate to the following folder:

   System (C:) > Windows > System32 > drivers > etc
   

2. Right-click on the hosts file and open it with Notepad.
3. Scroll down to the bottom, and delete any sites listed.
4. Save the hosts file (Ctrl + S).

8. Adjust the LAN Settings

Conflicts with the connection may result to this error. Just in case, try adjusting the LAN settings by following these steps:

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Select Internet Options.
3. A new window will display. Select Connections.
4. Click on LAN Settings.
5. Another window will appear. Deselect Automatically Detect Setting and Use a Proxy Server for your LAN.
6. Click OK.
7. Restart your computer.

9. Clear DNS cache and IP

DNS cache can cause a timeout error. Lest, clearing the cache might fix the issue. For your reference, we have provided instructions to renew DNS and IP address for Windows 10 and Mac OS.

Clear DNS cache in Windows 10

1. On your computer, click Start.
2. Type cmd on the search box.
3. In the command prompt window, enter the following as shown below:

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

4. Restart your computer.

Clear DNS cache in Mac OS

1. On your computer, navigate to the following path:

   Applications > Utilities > Terminal 
   

2. In the command prompt window, enter the following as shown below:

   dscacheutil -flushcache
   sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
   

3. Restart your computer.

10. Contact your ISP

There are reported cases where the ISP (Internet Service Provider) enables website filtering, resulting to blacklisted sites. To make sure this is not the case, contact your ISP.

Congratulations! You just learned about the Server Connection Timeout error. If you need any further assistance, or if you have any questions, please let us know. We'd love to help!