If you’re encountering the cURL error 28 (“Connection timed out after 10000 milliseconds”) in your WordPress installations after a recent update, and the issue seems to be associated with the Wordfence plugin, there are several steps you can take to identify and resolve the problem.
1. Verify Your Hosting Environment:
Begin by ensuring that your hosting environment is not causing the connection timeout. Despite assurances from your host, double-check that firewalls or security modules like mod_security are not impeding outgoing cURL requests. It’s crucial to rule out any hosting-related issues.
2. Wordfence Deactivation:
You’ve mentioned that deactivating Wordfence resolves the problem. This indicates a potential conflict between the plugin and your environment. While Wordfence is an excellent security plugin, it may not always play well with every setup. Consider temporary deactivation and monitor if the error persists.
3. Plugin and WordPress Updates:
Make sure both WordPress and the Wordfence plugin are up to date. Developers frequently release updates to address compatibility issues and enhance security. A mismatch between the plugin version and your WordPress installation could be the root cause of the cURL error.
4. Adjust cURL Timeout Settings:
If the issue persists, you can adjust cURL timeout settings in your WordPress configuration. Edit your wp-config.php file and add the following line:
define('WP_HTTP_TIMEOUT', 60);This increases the cURL timeout to 60 seconds. Adjust the value based on your specific needs. However, be cautious not to set an excessively long timeout, as it may mask underlying problems.
5. Check for Third-Party Service Issues:
The cURL error could be related to external services that your WordPress site interacts with. If your site relies on third-party APIs, ensure they are operational and responsive. Additionally, review any recent changes or updates from these services that may affect your site’s connectivity.
6. Debugging with WP_DEBUG:
Enable WordPress debugging by adding the following lines to your wp-config.php file:
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);Check the debug log (wp-content/debug.log) for any related error messages. This can provide valuable insights into the specific cause of the cURL error.
7. Seek Wordfence Support:
If all else fails, reach out to Wordfence support. They have a dedicated support team equipped to handle plugin-specific issues. Provide them with detailed information about your setup, the error message, and any steps you’ve taken so far. They might offer tailored solutions or include a fix in a future plugin update.
By following these steps, you can systematically identify and resolve the cURL error 28 in your WordPress site, ensuring a smoother experience for both you and your visitors.