cURL Error 28 WordPress with Lightsail? Here’s the Fix!

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Getting cURL Error 28 on WordPress with Lightsail? Here’s How to Fix It!

If you’re running WordPress on Amazon Lightsail and encountering cURL Error 28, you’re not alone. This frustrating issue often occurs when your server fails to connect to an external resource within the allowed time limit. Whether you’re using Apache or Nginx, resolving cURL Error 28 WordPress issues is straightforward with the right steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through proven solutions to fix this error and keep your site running smoothly.

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Understanding cURL Error 28

cURL Error 28 is a connection timeout error that typically happens when your WordPress site tries to communicate with an external API or resource but fails due to time constraints. This issue is common on Amazon Lightsail because of its default server configurations, which may not be optimized for WordPress.

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Common Causes of cURL Error 28

Several factors can trigger this error on Lightsail:

1. Server Timeout Settings: The default timeout values may be too short for certain requests.
2. Resource Limitations: Lightsail instances have limited CPU and memory, which can slow down request processing.
3. Network Issues: Connectivity problems between your server and external resources can also cause this error.

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Step-by-Step Fixes for cURL Error 28

Here’s how to resolve cURL Error 28 WordPress on Lightsail, whether you’re using Apache or Nginx:

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1. Adjust PHP Timeout Settings

Increasing the PHP timeout limit is one of the most effective solutions.

• For Apache Servers:

1. Connect to your Lightsail instance via SSH.
2. Locate your php.ini file (usually in /etc/php/7.x/apache2/).
3. Increase the max_execution_time value to 300 or higher.
4. Save the file and restart Apache:
   bash sudo systemctl restart apache2

• For Nginx Servers:

1. Follow the same steps to edit the php.ini file.
2. Increase the max_execution_time value.
3. Restart PHP-FPM and Nginx:
   bash sudo systemctl restart php7.x-fpm sudo systemctl restart nginx

For more details, refer to the official PHP documentation.

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2. Optimize Server Resources

Lightsail instances have limited resources, so optimizing your server can help prevent cURL errors.

• Upgrade Your Instance: Consider upgrading to a higher-tier plan with more CPU and RAM. Learn more about Lightsail pricing.
• Use a Caching Plugin: Plugins like WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache can reduce server load.
• Monitor Performance: Use tools like Amazon CloudWatch to track resource usage.

For additional optimization tips, check out our guide on How to Optimize WordPress Performance on AWS Lightsail.

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3. Troubleshoot Network Connectivity

Network issues can also cause cURL Error 28. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

• Test External Connections: Use the curl command to test connections to external URLs.
• Update DNS Settings: Ensure your DNS configurations are correct.
• Disable Problematic Plugins: Some plugins may interfere with connectivity. Disable them one by one to identify the issue.

For advanced troubleshooting, refer to this guide on cURL errors.

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4. Modify cURL Timeout in WordPress

You can increase the cURL timeout directly in WordPress by adding the following code to your wp-config.php file:

php define('CURLOPT_TIMEOUT', 300); define('CURLOPT_CONNECTTIMEOUT', 300);

This ensures WordPress allows more time for cURL requests to complete.

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Preventing cURL Error 28 in the Future

To avoid this error, follow these best practices:

• Keep your WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated.
• Use a CDN like Cloudflare to reduce server load.
• Regularly monitor your site’s performance and address issues promptly.

For more tips, read our article on Top 5 Plugins to Speed Up Your WordPress Site.

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Final Thoughts

Fixing cURL Error 28 WordPress on Amazon Lightsail is manageable with the right adjustments. By optimizing server settings, upgrading resources, and ensuring proper connectivity, you can resolve this error and maintain a smooth-running website.

Have you encountered cURL Error 28 on your WordPress site? Share your experience or ask questions in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this guide with others who might find it helpful.