Fixing Website Connection Errors
Connection errors prevent visitors from reaching your website. This guide helps you diagnose and resolve common connection issues.
Common Connection Errors
- ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT
- ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED
- ERR_CONNECTION_RESET
- DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
- Server not responding
Step 1: Verify the Issue
Determine if the problem is widespread or just affecting you:
- Try accessing from a different device or network
- Use Down For Everyone Or Just Me
- Ask someone else to try the site
- Try using mobile data instead of WiFi
If It's Just You
Clear DNS Cache
Windows:
ipconfig /flushdns
Mac:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
Clear Browser Cache
- Try incognito/private window
- Clear browsing data (cache and cookies)
- Try a different browser
Check Your Firewall/Antivirus
- Temporarily disable firewall
- Check if antivirus is blocking the site
- Try disabling VPN if using one
Reset Network
- Restart your router/modem
- Try a different network
- Release and renew IP address
If Site is Down for Everyone
Check DNS Settings
- Go to cPanel → Domains → Zone Editor
- Verify A record points to correct server IP
- Check with your domain registrar that nameservers are correct
- Use MX Toolbox to verify DNS
Check if Domain is Expired
- Use WHOIS lookup to check domain status
- Renew domain if expired
- DNS changes take up to 48 hours to propagate
Check Server Status
- Log into your Client Area
- Check service status
- Review any maintenance notifications
- Check Faciotech status page for outages
ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT
The server is not responding in time.
Causes:
- Server overloaded
- Network issues
- Firewall blocking connections
- Heavy scripts timing out
Solutions:
- Wait and retry (server may be temporarily busy)
- Check cPanel for resource usage
- Disable heavy plugins if WordPress
- Contact support if persistent
ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED
Server is actively refusing connections.
Causes:
- Web server (Apache/LiteSpeed) not running
- Wrong port being accessed
- Firewall blocking connections
Solutions:
- Wait a few minutes (server may be restarting)
- Check if other sites on same server work
- Contact support - may need server restart
DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
Domain name cannot be resolved.
Causes:
- Domain not registered or expired
- DNS not configured
- DNS propagation in progress
- Local DNS cache issues
Solutions:
- Verify domain is registered and active
- Check nameserver settings at registrar
- Wait up to 48 hours for DNS propagation
- Flush local DNS cache
Preventing Connection Issues
- Keep domain registration current
- Monitor site uptime with monitoring services
- Set up renewal reminders for domains
- Keep backups in case of server issues
Need Help?
Contact support with:
- The exact error message
- Your domain name
- When the issue started
- Steps you've already tried
- Whether it affects all visitors or just you
