• cURL technology is crucial for data transfer in WordPress and similar CMS through the URL, aiding in API calls and website operation.
  • Error message “cURL Error 28: Connection Timed Out” can occur due to delays in data exchange, DNS issues, firewall conflicts, or plugin problems.
  • Solutions include disabling WordPress Firewall, deactivating plugins, adjusting server memory limits, resolving DNS problems, updating software, configuring SSL, and seeking help from hosting providers.

cURL is the technology that WordPress or similar CMS uses for transferring data from the server to the server through the help of the URL. The cURL is integrated within the REST API that helps make API calls. The cURL helps a lot in running WordPress websites. But some users and owners have reported that they are being displayed with an error message which is cURL Error 28: Connection Timed Out .

Many users are unfamiliar with this error message as they are experiencing it for the first time on the website. We are here with the guide where we will add the methods for How To Fix the “cURL Error 28: Connection Timed Out.” We hope this guide will be helpful and interesting for you, as the users who are getting the error message will surely be able to resolve the problem after reading this guide.

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What is cURL Error 28: Connection Timed Out?

Many users cannot figure out why they are getting the cURL Error 28 . The cURL is a Client URL that helps transfer data from and to the server. However, there are some different cases in which it works. If the data transfer gets delayed to and from the server, then the cURL Error 28 occurs.

So if there is any delay with the response from and to the cURL, it will display the error message. Thus, if you are getting the error message, there are chances that some issues are preventing the cURL from making proper connections on time for the interchange of the data. Some of the most common reasons that are available for the cause of the issue are listed below.

  • There are chances the WordPress Firewall that you are using is causing issues.
  • The DNS Servers are not working properly.
  • There are some changes made by the Hosting Provider, which are causing issues with the cURL.
  • The plugins that are installed on WordPress are causing problems with the cURL.

Fix “cURL Error 28: Connection Timed Out” Error

1. Disable WordPress Security Plugins or WAF Temporarily

Many popular security plugins like Wordfence , Sucuri , and iThemes Security include built-in firewalls that may block outgoing cURL requests or REST API calls.

  • Go to your WordPress Dashboard > Plugins .
  • Deactivate any active firewall/security plugin temporarily.
  • Check if the cURL error disappears (use Tools > Site Health ).

If it resolves the issue, reconfigure your security plugin to allow internal or loopback HTTP requests or whitelist the domain/IP being blocked .

2. Increase Timeout Limits in wp-config.php or Plugin Code

If a cURL operation is timing out, increasing the timeout threshold often solves it.

For themes or plugins using wp_remote_get() or wp_remote_post(), developers can increase timeout like this:

$response = wp_remote_get( $url, array( 'timeout' => 30 ) ); // Default is 5

To apply this site-wide, you can also define the timeout in your functions.php:

add_filter( 'http_request_timeout', function() { return 30; });

This helps especially with slow external API responses.

3. Test REST API & Loopback Requests

  • Many cURL 28 issues arise from loopback or REST API failures. To test:
  • Go to Tools > Site Health > Status.

Look for issues like:

  • “The REST API encountered an error.”
  • “Your site could not complete a loopback request.”

If those errors show up, studyfor:

  • Security plugins blocking requests.
  • DNS resolution issues (see below).
  • Conflicting cron jobs.
  • This will help isolate where the timeout is happening (internal vs external).

4. Deactivate Recently Installed Plugins or Theme

Incompatibility or improper coding in a plugin/theme can block cURL requests.

  • From Plugins > Installed Plugins, deactivate all non-essential plugins.
  • Switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four.
  • Recheck the Site Health tool.
  • Re-activate plugins one by one to identify the culprit. Often, backup, SEO, or performance plugins are the cause.

5. Increase PHP Memory Limit and Execution Time

Low server resources can delay cURL responses. You can try increasing limits by editing your wp-config.php :

If you’re on shared hosting and can’t edit these, contact your provider to raise:

  • PHP max_execution_time
  • PHP memory_limit

6. Check DNS Configuration and Nameservers

A misconfigured DNS server can block proper HTTP responses.

  • Use tools like dnschecker.org or Google Dig to check your domain’s DNS propagation.
  • Ask your hosting provider to switch to Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) temporarily to see if the issue resolves.

If you’re using WPML or similar plugins, ensure their IPs are resolving properly. In rare cases, editing /etc/hosts (on VPS) may help.

7. Update PHP, WordPress Core, and cURL Library

Older PHP versions like 7.4 or outdated cURL libraries can cause timeout issues.

  • Ensure you’re using PHP 8.2+ and WordPress 6.5 or later .
  • Ask your host to update the cURL library to the latest stable version (v8.6+ as of 2025).

You can check your PHP and cURL version in Site Health > Info > Server .

8. Check for .htaccess or Server-Level Timeout Settings

Server-side configurations can restrict response time for cURL operations.

Add the following rules to your .htaccess file:

Also, look for rules like Deny from all or Timeout values that may interfere.

If using NGINX, ask your provider to increase fastcgi_read_timeout .

9. Use a Staging Site to Troubleshoot Safely

Before applying changes on your live site, set up a staging site using tools like:

  • WP Staging
  • LocalWP
  • Host-provided staging environments

Use the staging site to test plugin deactivation, DNS changes, or code tweaks.

This avoids breaking your production site and helps debug the cURL timeout in a risk-free way.

10. Reconfigure or Reinstall SSL Certificate

Misconfigured or expired SSL certificates can prevent proper cURL connections.

  • Use tools like SSL Labs Test to verify SSL status.
  • If needed, reinstall a new SSL certificate (Let’s Encrypt or commercial).
  • Ensure your WordPress and site URL is set to https:// in Settings > General .

Also verify that your host isn’t blocking SSL requests from your own site.

11. Contact Hosting Provider (If All Else Fails)

If none of the above works, reach out to your web hosting support and share:

  • Exact cURL error log from Site Health or error_log
  • Actions you’ve tried
  • Request for reviewing server firewall, DNS, and timeout policies

Ask them to allow loopback requests, review mod_security/firewall rules, and whitelist any blocked APIs.

Check For the Latest Software Of Your Hosting

How To Fix “cURL Error 28: Connection Timed Out” - 3 How To Fix “cURL Error 28: Connection Timed Out” - 4

Your WordPress website needs to be on the latest version of PHP and cURL to avoid the cURL Error 28 . If you’re not aware, an outdated PHP version and cURL on your WordPress website may also be the cause of the issue. Thus, you need to check for the latest updates in the software of your WordPress website to prevent such issues from happening. There are a lot of users who have done this, and they were able to resolve the problem.

Contact Your Hosting Provider

If you’ve gone through all the above troubleshooting steps and the cURL Error 28 still persists, it’s time to escalate the issue to your hosting provider. Share the exact error details and request a full review of:

  • Server-level firewall and security rules (e.g., mod_security, WAF)
  • DNS and IP resolution issues
  • PHP, cURL, and OpenSSL version compatibility
  • Timeout or execution limits at the server level
  • Blocked loopback or internal HTTP requests

Most reliable hosts now have automated diagnostic tools to detect and fix such issues quickly. If the issue is beyond repair or tied to a restrictive shared hosting environment, you may want to consider moving to a managed WordPress host or VPS with greater control.

As a last resort, if everything else fails—including after hosting-side intervention—you can reinstall WordPress or migrate your site to a clean installation while retaining your database and content.

Wrapping Up

WordPress powers millions of websites—from blogs and portfolios to full-scale businesses. While the platform is incredibly flexible, it’s not immune to technical hiccups—especially when it comes to server-level issues like cURL Error 28: Connection Timed Out.

This guide explained why the error happens and what updated methods you can apply in 2025 to fix it. From tweaking timeout settings to checking REST API responses and server-level configurations, the solutions provided here are practical and proven.

If you follow each method carefully and collaborate with your host when needed, you’ll likely resolve the issue without downtime or disruption.

Need to bookmark this for future use? Keep this page handy for any time cURL error 28 shows up again.

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  • Windows Users encountering Error 740 while trying to add printers on Windows 10/11

  • Users facing issues related to network privileges, administrative authorities, and printer drivers

  • Solutions include checking printer connectivity, cables, disabling User Account Control, running Printer Troubleshooter, updating drivers, and checking for Windows updates.

The Windows Users are frustrated with a new issue that is not letting them add the printer on Windows 11 or 10. Whenever they try to add the printer on Windows 10 or 11, they get Error 740. Even after a lot of new updates, Windows 11 is still not free from bugs and issues. The users are complaining about various issues in the Windows Community, which shows that many users are stuck with different issues on Windows.

The users who have the printer have reported getting Error 740 and will add the printer to the Printer Wizard Menu. They cannot determine why this error comes to them when they add the printer on Windows 10 or 11. Some users who have Windows 10 have also reported the issue. We are here with a guide on How To Fix the Error 740 Adding Printer issue. We will also explain the reasons why you are getting this issue. So, let’s start with the guide to learn how to resolve the issue.

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What is Error 740 on Windows 11 Add Printer?

The users who are trying to add the printer on their Windows 11 have reported that they are getting Error 740 Adding Printer . If you are also getting the same issue, you might have seen the message elaborating on the network privileges or administrative authorities. There are chances that the issue might be occurring due to various reasons. We will list the common reasons for the cause of the issue below. You can check them, as it will help you resolve the issue without hassle.

  • The printer is not connected properly.
  • There are some network driver issues with Windows 11.
  • The printer driver is not installed on the device properly.
  • The printer wizard is not getting administrative privileges.
  • There are some problems with the printer.

Fix Error 740 While Adding Printer on Windows 10/11

Many of you are frustrated with the Error 740 Adding Printer issue. The issue is not very complex to resolve. You can easily resolve it with the help of the methods we will list below. You must ensure you implement them on your system without any issues.

Check the Connectivity of the Printer

The users must ensure that the printer they try to add is appropriately connected to their system. If you don’t know, sometimes the cables provided by the printer are loose, so it cannot make proper connections with the system. Also, if you are using any cable that is physically damaged or there are some issues with it, then it’s likely that the issue of error 740 adding printer will occur. We suggest you check the printer’s connectivity on your system before starting the printer wizard. You can quickly check it from the Devices and Printers available in the Control Panel.

Check For Cables

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We suggest you check the cables that are provided with the printer. You also have to check whether the power cable is working properly. Sometimes the printer is not getting a properly stabilized power supply due to any fault of the power outlet or cable, and the users get the error 740 adding printer issue. Thus, we will suggest you check the printer cables and ensure they are in working condition. If there is any physical damage to it, then you have to get it repaired.

Disable The User Account Control

You can also disable the User Account Control on your Windows while installing the printer. The User Account Control manages the apps from making changes, so there are chances that it might be causing conflicts in adding the printer. Thus, we suggest you disable the User Account Control with the steps listed below to check whether the issue has been resolved.

  • Press Windows + R Key to Open Run .
  • Now, type useraccountcontrolsettings and click Enter .
  • After it, drag the slider to Never Notify and press the OK button to save the changes.
  • Check whether the issue has been resolved by adding the printer again.
  • Once the printer has been added, set the slider to normal settings again.
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Run The Windows Printer Troubleshooter

You can also try running the Windows Printer Troubleshooter to evaluate if there are any hardware or software issues with the printer. Windows gives a feature through which users can troubleshoot the printer independently. The steps will be going to be very simple for you. The user only has to run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter; after it, the troubleshooter will start looking for possible issues. If any issues are detected, the troubleshooter will show it on the screen. It will also resolve the issue if it is a software problem. If it is a hardware problem, you must contact the service center. You can follow the steps which are listed below to run the Windows Printer Troubleshooter.

  • Press Windows + I Key to open Settings .
  • Now, click on Troubleshoot after scrolling down in the System section.
  • Select the Other Troubleshoot option .
  • After it, click on the Run option just near the Print option .
  • Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for the process to get completed.
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Check The Printer Drivers

There are chances the printer that you are trying to use might not be working due to the driver’s issue. We expect the printer drivers might not have been installed on your system, so you are getting such issues. We suggest you check the printer drivers by going to the device manager. If you have not updated it for a long time, then update it. However, if it is updated, uninstall the driver and reconnect the printer to install the driver again to ensure there are no software issues. After uninstalling or updating the printer’s driver, restart the system and check again.

Check For Windows Update

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Sometimes, your outdated Windows version can also cause issues in adding a printer. We all know that all the software and hardware rely on Windows to work properly. If you are not using the latest Windows version on your PC, you will likely be facing issues with it. We suggest you check for the Windows update on your system to ensure you are using the latest Windows version. If any updates are available for the system, download and install it. After it, try to connect and add the printer to your system again.

Wrapping Up

Users are frustrated with getting the Error 740 Adding Printer on the Windows. Many users have searched for a guide to fix the issue and add the printer to their Windows without any issues. However, they were not able to do so even after a lot of tries. In this guide, we have listed the methods that will help you resolve your problem.

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