dnsServerhourglass_bottomTimeoutdnsDNSsecurityfirewallerrorcURL error 28settingsserver_configurationlabelCommonwarningModerate

cURL error 28: Connection timed out

Your server failed to complete a request within the allocated time limit. This error occurs through the PHP cURL library when WordPress attempts to communicate with external APIs or its own REST API. The request hangs until the system forces a termination to prevent resource depletion.

Network interruptions often trigger this failure. Firewalls or incorrect DNS settings block the connection path. Insufficient server resources like PHP memory also stop the request from finishing before the timeout threshold.

Symptoms

[dashicons-warning]
Site Health Alert
The Site Health tool reports failure in REST API or loopback requests.
[dashicons-update]
Update Failures
WordPress core, plugins, and themes fail to download or update.
[dashicons-performance]
Slow Dashboard
Admin screens lag when you save posts or view settings.
[dashicons-cart]
Payment Failures
External payment gateways like PayPal fail to process transactions.

Common Causes

Firewall Blockage
Security plugins or server firewalls block outgoing requests.
DNS Issues
The server fails to resolve the domain name of the API.
Resource Exhaustion
Low CPU or PHP memory prevents the request from completing.
Software Mismatch
Incompatibility exists between your PHP version and cURL library.
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