Curl Error 28 is a common error. It happens when a connection times out. This means the server took too long to respond.

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Understanding Curl Error 28
Curl is a tool used to transfer data. It supports various protocols. These include HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and more.
When you see Curl Error 28, it means a timeout occurred. The server did not respond in time. This can be frustrating.
Common Causes Of Curl Error 28
- Slow server response
- Network issues
- Incorrect URL
- Server overload
- Firewall restrictions
Steps to Fix Curl Error 28
1. Check Your Internet Connection
First, check your internet connection. A slow or unstable connection can cause timeouts. Try restarting your router.
2. Verify The Url
Make sure the URL you are using is correct. A wrong URL can lead to a timeout error.
3. Increase The Timeout Limit
Sometimes, the default timeout limit is too short. You can increase this limit. Here is how you do it:
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_TIMEOUT, 60);
This code sets the timeout to 60 seconds. Adjust the number as needed.
4. Reduce Data Size
Large data transfers can cause timeouts. Try reducing the amount of data being transferred.
5. Use A Different Server
Sometimes, the server you are trying to reach is slow. Try using a different server.
6. Check Firewall Settings
Firewalls can block certain connections. Check your firewall settings. Make sure Curl requests are allowed.
Advanced Solutions
If basic steps do not work, try these advanced solutions.
1. Use Asynchronous Requests
Asynchronous requests do not wait for a response. This can help avoid timeouts. Here is a simple example:
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_TIMEOUT_MS, 2000); // 2 seconds
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_NOSIGNAL, 1); // Ignore signals
curl_exec($ch);
This code sets a 2-second timeout and ignores signals.
2. Implement Retry Logic
Retry logic can help. If a request fails, try again. Here is an example:
function fetch_data($url, $retries = 3) {
$attempt = 0;
do {
$ch = curl_init($url);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true);
$response = curl_exec($ch);
$http_code = curl_getinfo($ch, CURLINFO_HTTP_CODE);
curl_close($ch);
if ($http_code == 200) {
return $response;
}
$attempt++;
} while ($attempt < $retries);
return false;
}
This function tries three times before giving up.
3. Use A Cdn
A Content Delivery Network (CDN) can help. CDNs distribute the load across many servers. This reduces the chance of timeouts.

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Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Curl Error 28?
Curl Error 28 is caused by a timeout. The server took too long to respond.
How Can I Fix Curl Error 28?
Increase the timeout limit in your curl request. Check your server’s response time.
Is Curl Error 28 Common?
Yes, it’s common when servers are slow. Or when network issues occur.
Can Network Issues Cause Curl Error 28?
Yes, unstable networks can cause this error. Check your internet connection.
Conclusion
Curl Error 28 can be annoying. But it is fixable. Start with basic checks. Check your internet connection. Verify the URL.
If basic steps do not work, try advanced solutions. Use asynchronous requests. Implement retry logic. Consider using a CDN.
By following these steps, you can fix Curl Error 28. Your connections will be more stable. Your data transfers will be smoother.