Tutorial to Fix Connection to Server Timed Out Error in Thunderbird

While managing email communications, sometimes Thunderbird shows a connection to server timed out error. The error affects the connection between a server and sending/receiving emails. Thus, here we have explained the steps required to troubleshoot and fix connection to server timed out error effectively. Furthermore, we have mentioned a professional method for quick and safe results.

Many Thunderbird email client users are already aware of Connection to Server Timed Out Error in Thunderbird. It occurs after attempting the process of sending/receiving of emails has been made. The error usually encountered with large size emails or emails having large size attachments. It will be highlighted with the information mentioned below –

Or

Both the above errors signify comparable issues in which the email will be failed to send due to the server taking excessive time to respond to the sending request, resulting in a timeout. The active connection to Thunderbird fails after attempting to download emails. However, we will now move ahead with the solution to fix “connection to server timed out error in Thunderbird”. We will discuss some manual techniques and alternatively go through the automated approach to fix the error.  

Reasons behind Connection to Server Timed Out Error in Thunderbird

Identifying the root cause behind the occurrence of the error is the initial step of resolution. Below are the primary factors listed contributing to the occurrence of the Thunderbird connection to server timed out error:

• Incorrect account settings or wrong SMTP port settings.
• Programs such as Windows Firewall, Antivirus etc. causing email blockage.
• SSL/TLS Server setting is not properly configured.
• Internet Service Provider detects spam on Port 25.
• Server Timeout is set to low value.

Fixes to Resolve Connection to Server Timed Out Error in Thunderbird

After understanding about Connection to server timed out error and the common reasons accountable for it, one should follow the solutions discussed below to fix connection to server timed out error –

Method 1. Disable Windows Firewall, Antivirus or other Similar Programs

The message blocking in Thunderbird email applications happens due to the connection to server timed out error which is hardly ever connected with any third-party antivirus applications and the Windows firewall on the system. Still, users can disable both and try to manage sending/receiving of emails through Thunderbird email client. Follow the below discussed steps to turn off Windows Firewall & Antivirus programs.

Step 1. Go to control panel and navigate towards Windows Defender Firewall and click the option Turn Windows Firewall on or off.

Step 2. Select the radio button of Turn Off Windows Defender Firewall option appearing in Domain Network Settings and click OK.

Method 2. Increase the Value of Server Timeout

Lastly, it is advisable to add up the server timeout value. This modification will offer your computer with extra time to create a connection with the email server. Occasionally, poor internet connectivity or a delayed server response can cause “Connection to Server Timed Out” error. Now, let us go through the process of how to increase server timeout value.

Step 1. Run Thunderbird app and go to Settings icon appearing in the left pane.

Step 2. Scroll to Disk Space section and click Config Editor option.

Step 3. Go to search bar and search for Mailnews.tcptimeout. It relates to the time allocated for the server to reply to a client’s request. The standard setting is 100 seconds; correct it to a maximum of 300 to avoid the error from taking place in the future.

Start Thunderbird client again and try to send emails now. However, the above fixes help saving from the Thunderbird connection to server timed out error and allow users to manage email communication without error messages.

Method 3. Check the Outgoing Server (SMTP) Settings

The incorrect outgoing server setting SMTP generally lead to Thunderbird SMTP error. Follow the below mentioned process to check and modify the account configuration settings of the Outgoing Server (SMTP) in Thunderbird email application –

Step 1. Access Thunderbird and go to Settings, then click Account Settings option.

Step 2. From the section Outgoing Server (SMTP), click Edit.

Step 3. Make sure the name of the server, port number, and authentication settings are appropriate.

In case any of such settings are not correct, then perform the necessary changes, save & check the connection again. Start email client again and try to send emails to see if the issue is fixed.

Why Converting Thunderbird Mailboxes to PST is Necessary?

Thunderbird popularity is however decreasing day-by-day. Users are looking for a more stable and secure application such as Outlook. However, in order to transfer Thunderbird data to Outlook email client, it is essential to convert MBOX to PST. And this will be done with the help of MacMister’s popular MBOX to PST Converter for Mac Tool. By using the software, users can move single as well as multiple Thunderbird mailboxes into .pst format at once.  It is programmed with solid algorithm and is equipped with smart filtering for instant and efficient conversion process. Additionally, with PST, there are other saving types as well which are helpful in transforming Thunderbird mailboxes into PST.

Epilogue

Here, we have discussed many methods to fix connection to server timed out error in Thunderbird. However, disabling Windows Firewall & Antivirus, examining SMTP settings, and adding up server timeout value will help resolving the issue. But in some situations, automated solutions are needed. Futhermore, it is highly recommended to make use of MacMister solution to export Thunderbird data to .pst. The solution is simple, effective, and secure. It can be utilized by anyone with ease and provide 100% accurate results within seconds. Alternatively, there is MacMister MBOX Converter for Mac & Windows app as well which not perform the export into PST of MBOX files but also into many other saving options such as PDF, EML, HTML, DOC, Yahoo, CSV, and more.