WordPress Connection Timed Out? Here Are 8 Quick and Easy Fixes You Need

You’re reviewing your site to make sure that everything looks good when suddenly, the WordPress connection timed out error appears. This error can be confusing, leaving you wondering what’s happening. 

This can make you worry that visitors will bounce before they even get a chance to see your content. But there’s no need to worry, it’s a common issue. 

We’ve encountered this site stops loading problem more often than we’d like, so we’ve gathered some simple solutions to help you get everything back on track.

TL;DR: The WordPress connection timed out error happens when your site struggles to connect to the server. This is often due to high CPU usage or too many plugins. Always back up your site before editing core files to prevent data loss.

Understanding the WordPress connection timed out error

A WordPress connection timed out error happens when your site takes too long to connect to the server, stopping people from accessing it. This can happen if there are too many plugins running, high CPU usage, large images, or if the server struggles with your site’s traffic.

This error is different from the err_empty_response error. But in both cases, your site can’t be reached. This can negatively affect your traffic and how users view your site. Even though it might seem like a small glitch, it can become a recurring problem if not addressed. 

Sometimes, themes or plugins might not work well together, causing extra load on your server. Also, if your server’s memory has been exhausted and there’s not enough PHP memory available, this can trigger the error as well.

Knowing these factors can help you figure out why the error happens and take steps to prevent it from becoming a long-term issue.

Troubleshooting the WordPress connection timed out error

This error often means your site is struggling to communicate effectively with the server. Fortunately, there are several solutions you can try to fix the issue. Here’s how you can go about it:

1. Checking your internet connection

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with your WordPress site but with your internet connection. If your connection is weak or slow, it can cause timeouts when loading a site. To check, you can test your internet speed using an online speed test. If it’s slow, try restarting your router. If that doesn’t help, you might need to contact your internet service provider for assistance.

2. Increasing PHP memory limit

WordPress may time out if it doesn’t have enough memory to work. This is often a problem on shared hosting, where resources are limited. To fix this, you can increase the memory limit by editing your wp-config.php file. Add the following line of code: 

define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M'); 

This line allows WordPress to use more memory. You can change 256M to a larger number if needed.

Be cautious when editing the wp-config.php file. Mistakes in this file can cause your site to crash.

3. Deactivating problematic plugins

Plugins can cause problems by using too many resources or conflicting with each other. To see if a plugin is the issue, deactivate all your plugins. If your site loads after doing this, you know a plugin is causing the problem. 

Re-activate the plugins one by one to find the one causing trouble. If you need to use FTP to access your site’s files, you can rename the plugins folder to deactivate them all at once to see if they are causing the issue.

To deactivate the individual plugin via FTP, just rename the plugin folder to something that you’ll remember. For example, pluginname_deact. To reactivate it, simply change the folder name back to its original.

4. Switch to a default theme

Themes can also cause issues if they’re not coded well or conflict with other parts of your site. Try switching to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-Four to see if that fixes the issue. 

If your site loads with the default theme, your current theme might be the problem. You can either switch to the default theme via your wp-admin dashboard or use FTP to rename your theme’s folder, which will force WordPress to switch to a default theme.

5. Optimizing your web hosting environment

Sometimes, your hosting provider might not give you enough resources, which can lead to timeouts or a slow-loading site. Choosing a reliable hosting service can help. If your site is getting bigger and busier, you might need to upgrade your hosting plan to get more resources.

6. Optimizing your database

Keeping your database clean and organized can help your site run faster. Remove any unnecessary data, like old drafts or spam comments, to keep things tidy.

7. Clearing cache and cookies

Cache and cookies help your browser load sites faster, but sometimes they can get outdated or corrupted, causing problems. Regularly clear your cache and cookies to fix this. Don’t forget to clear any cache stored on your server as well.

8. Configuring the PHP time limit

Server settings determine how your server manages tasks and requests. If the PHP time limit is too low, it can lead to timeouts. You can increase your PHP time limit by adjusting settings in files like wp-config.php, .htaccess, and php.ini. 

If you’re unsure how to make these changes, it’s a good idea to reach out to your hosting provider for guidance.

Preventing future WordPress connection timed out errors

It’s easier than you think to keep your WordPress site running well and avoid connection timed out errors. Here’s how you can do it:

Update WordPress, themes, and plugins regularly to ensure you’re using the latest versions. These versions often include fixes and improvements that help your site perform better.

Choose a reliable hosting provider with enough resources for your site, so you have the support you need to avoid potential issues.

Optimize images and media files by making them smaller, so your site loads faster and reduces the chances of a timeout error.

Perform routine database cleanups to clear out old data like drafts and spam comments, keeping your site fast and efficient.

Monitor your site’s performance using tools like Google Analytics. This can help you catch potential problems early.

Use caching plugins to temporarily store parts of your site, making it load faster and reducing server strain.

Limit the number of active plugins to only those you really need, as too many plugins can slow down your site.

Regularly backup your site so you can quickly restore it if something goes wrong, keeping your content safe.

Parting thoughts

Dealing with the connection timed-out error can be annoying, but the good news is that it’s usually something you can fix with a few simple steps. It’s frustrating, but manageable if you know what to do.

To keep your WordPress site running well, regular maintenance and optimization are really important. If you’re unsure how to tackle any issues, your hosting provider is a great resource for support.

FAQs

How to fix timeout error in WordPress?

To fix a timeout error in WordPress, start by checking your internet connection to ensure it’s stable. Then, try deactivating plugins or switching to a default theme. Increasing your PHP memory limit and time limit can also help resolve the issue.

Why is my WordPress site connection timed out?

Your WordPress site might time out due to too many plugins, large images, or heavy traffic. Sometimes, it could be because your hosting provider isn’t providing enough resources for your site.

Why is my page timing out?

A page may time out if your server is overloaded or there’s an issue with your internet connection. Keeping your site optimized and your connection stable can help prevent this.

How do I fix Err_Timed_Out?

To fix Err_Timed_Out, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies or restarting your router. You can also check your server settings or contact your hosting provider for assistance.

How to fix site can’t be reached?

If your site can’t be reached, check your internet connection first. Try reloading the page or accessing it from a different device. Restarting your router or clearing your browser cache might also help. If the issue continues, your hosting provider may offer further support.