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dnsServer•hourglass_bottomTimeoutlooploopbackdnsDNSsecurityfirewallerrorcURL error 28•labelCommon•warningModerate

cURL error 28: Operation timed out

WordPress uses the cURL library to perform HTTP requests. When a request does not receive a response within the default 30 seconds, cURL returns error 28 and WordPress reports the timeout.

The error usually points to network latency, DNS problems, firewall blocks, outdated libraries, or insufficient server resources. It also appears when WordPress attempts a loopback request and the host prevents the connection.

Symptoms

[dashicons-warning]
Site Health shows REST API error
The Site Health screen displays a cURL error 28 message under REST API.
[dashicons-admin-plugins]
Plugin and theme updates fail
Updates from the repository stop with a download failed notice.
[dashicons-admin-site]
External feeds do not load
Remote images, embeds, or RSS feeds remain blank.
[dashicons-admin-tools]
Slow page loads or white screen
WordPress waits for a remote request and delays page rendering.

Common Causes

Outbound firewall block
Security plugins or server firewall stop HTTP requests.
DNS resolution delay
Incorrect nameserver or slow resolver prevents domain lookup.
Out‑dated cURL or PHP
Older library versions lack support for modern TLS protocols.
Insufficient server resources
Low CPU, memory, or I/O causes the request to exceed the timeout.
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