Site ‘took too long to respond’

What does this error mean?

The ‘taking too long to respond’ error indicates that there is a communication problem between the target server and the client (your web browser). It means that the targeted server is taking a long time to send a response to the client. The error is usually sent if the client cannot get a response within 30 seconds. The connection attempt is then terminated.

The website address you are trying to access cannot be reached with your search query. While it is quite possible that you just made a spelling error in entering the website address, in most cases, it is because there is another underlying issue occurring with your domain name system (DNS) server and the issue either needs to be fixed or it needs to be reset.

Quick Fixes

  • Switching to another Internet Provider

Most commonly switching to a mobile network resolves this issue. You can get back to WiFi/LAN after a successful connection


  • Reset your browser to default

Sometimes this issue can appear due to your browser configuration, and in order to fix this problem, it’s advised to reset your browser to default.

What causes the ‘taking too long to respond’ error?

Internet connection problems

A particular website may fail to load if you do not have an internet connection. Check that your device is connected, for example, via a LAN or Wi-Fi. If you use a LAN, you need to check your LAN settings. You also need to make sure that your TCP/ipv4 protocols are correctly configured. We will look at how to fix internet connection problems later on in the article.

Your server is overwhelmed

If you are using shared hosting, there is a possibility that there is not enough memory to allow for a connection between your client and server. When using shared hosting, memory allocation is not equally distributed. There might be sites that use a lot of memory, leaving others with little memory available.

DNS cache

The DNS (Domain Name System) is what translates domain names to IP addresses. This is because it is easier for browsers to ‘read’ IP addresses (which are made up of 4 sets of digits separated by a period as in the image below), while it is easier for humans to remember text, which is why domain names are made up of text as in www.abc.com

Steps to fix

Option 1: Restart the DNS client

For Windows

  • Open up your Run Module by pressing “Start” + R on your keyboard or by typing in Run into your computers search bar (found in the start menu).

  • Type in services.msc into the run module.

  • This will open up a list of services that are available to you. You will want to scan the list for the DNS client and right click it. Hit the restart option.

  • Reopen your Google Chrome browser and check to see if this fixed the error.

For Mac

  • Go to System Preferences.

  • Click on Network.

  • Select the first connection in your list and click Advanced.

  • Select the DNS tab.

  • Select any addresses in the list and attempt to remove them using the - button. If you cannot select them or the - is not active then you are already using your routers DHCP assigned DNS servers.

  • Click OK and exit all the windows.

Option 2: Change DNS servers

Sometimes you can fix this error by changing up the DNS servers that you are using to access the internet. It is always recommended to use an alternative DNS address when your internet connection is slow.

For Windows

  • In Windows simply open up Command Prompt by pressing the Windows logo key and R. Then type “control panel” and hit Enter.

  • Click on “Network and Internet” and then “Network and Sharing Center.” On the left-hand side, click on “Change Adapter Settings.”

  • Right click on your current connection, this will either be Local Area Connection or Wireless Network Connection based on how you’re connecting. Then click on “Properties.”

  • Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (or Version 6 if desired) and click on “Properties.”

  • In the DNS servers field, add Google Public DNS IP addresses

  • For IPv4: 8.8.8.8 and/or 8.8.4.4 as the preferred DNS server

  • For IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888 and/or 2001:4860:4860::8844.

  • Apply changes, save and restart your PC.

For Mac

  • Go to System Preferences

  • Click on the network icon and then click “Advanced.”

  • Click on the “DNS” tab.

  • Then add Google Public DNS IP addresses

  • For IPv4: 8.8.8.8 and/or 8.8.4.4.

  • For IPv6: 2001:4860:4860::8888 and/or 2001:4860:4860::8844.

  • Apply changes, save and restart your PC