What is 408 Request Timeout Error & How to Fix it

We all use the internet and access websites and know that HTTP status codes are literally daunting and irritating. This becomes even worse when you don’t understand the error message and the cause of the error. And 408 Request Timeout error is among one. 

The 408 Request Timeout error is a client-side error. It indicates that the browser’s server has waited for a longer time than it is expected to when you send a request to the website server. To put it simply, it signifies that your connection with the website “timed out”. 

Each website, particularly very big ones, frequently customizes these error messages. So, this problem may manifest in additional ways beyond these usual ones, as follows:

• 408: Request Timeout
• HTTP Error 408 – Request Timeout
• The Request Has Timed Out

The issue appears in the internet browser window, exactly like online pages.

Note: Some websites just disconnect the user without displaying this error. Therefore, even though the server doesn’t explicitly state that a timeout is the cause of the problem.

In this blog post, I shall walk you through different ways to fix the 408 Request Timeout error. But before that, let me walk you through the causes of the error. 

Causes of the HTTP Status 408 Request Timeout Error

There could be a number of possible causes to blame for the HTTP 408 request timeout error. Among these reasons are: 

• Network latency 
• Client timeouts 
• The servers are overloaded and cannot process the request. 

The 408 Request Timeout error indicates that the website server was unable to process your request because it took longer than it had anticipated. It may occur as a result of high internet traffic or a sluggish connection on your end. 

This status code has the drawback of being able to arise for both client-side and server-side-related causes. In other words, even if the 408 error is a client’s fault, it doesn’t necessarily follow that the problem is with the device or browser. The server might not be responding to queries properly.

How to Fix the 408 Request Timeout Error?

Here are a few possible ways to fix the 408 error: 

If the error is due to client-side, follow the below steps:

1. Check Whether the URL is Correct 

By clicking the refresh button or entering the URL from the address bar again, you can try to visit the website again. One of the primary causes of the 408 Request Timeout error is a slow internet connection, and this delay is temporary. Usually, trying the website again will work.

Note: If the problem occurs during the checkout process at an online retailer, repeated attempts to the checkout process may result in multiple orders—and repeated charges. The majority of retailers offer this protection, but some smaller ones might not.

2. Check Your Internet Connection

Your internet connection is responsible for page-load delays. Go to another website, such as Google or Yahoo. If the pages load as quickly as you’re used to seeing them load, the fault is most likely with the website.

However, if all of your websites are functioning slowly, your internet connection may be poor. To benchmark your current bandwidth, run an internet speed test, or you can connect with your ISP (Internet Service Provider) for technical assistance.

3. Come Back Later 

“Visit later”. This is the most common error message displayed on popular websites when a spike in visitor traffic (that’s you!) paralyzes the servers. As users leave the website, your chances of a successful page load improve.

4. Contact the Website 

If none of the above methods works, simply connect with the website owner. This will help the website owner to get aware of the error, or they will provide you with a solution if they are already aware of the error. 

If the 408 error is due to server-side, follow the below steps: 

5. Check Server Config Files

Examining your server configuration files using SFTP is one of the ways you can figure out what caused the HTTP 408 error. Your server software will determine how to achieve this.

If you’re using Apache, you can search for the .htaccess file in the root directory of your website. Once you find the file and open it, look for 

• KeepAliveTimeout
• RequestReadTimeout

If you come across any of these instructions, you can remove them by prefixing the line with the # sign. You can then save the document and open the page again in your browser.

6. Check for Application Logs 

Your server-side logs can be quite helpful in revealing details about your applications, such as what they performed, the pages they requested, the servers they connected to, and more.

Wrapping it Up!

400 Bad Request, 401 Unauthorised, 403 Forbidden, and 404 Not Found are all client-side errors that are connected to the 408 Request Timeout error.

Several server-side HTTP status codes, including 500 Internal Server Error, may appear on occasion. All of them are present on the list of HTTP Status Code Errors.