Learn to fix connection to server timed out error in Thunderbird

Read time 5 minutes

Most of the Thunderbird email client users are aware of the connection to server timed out error, which is encountered when an attempt to send or receive an email is made. It happens mostly with large emails or emails with large-sized attachments. It could be displayed with this information.

Or

Both errors represent similar issues where the email fails to send because the server has taken a lot of time to respond to the sending request, and the server time is out. Active connection to Thunderbird fails while downloading email to it. Now, we’ll move towards the resolution of this connection to server timed out error. We’ll begin with some basic manual methods. Later, we’ll talk about an automated solution to resolve this error.

Causes of the Thunderbird connection to server timed out error

Finding the reasons for any issue is the first step of resolution. Below are the main causes that are the culprits to generate Thunderbird connection to server timed out error:

• Incorrect account configuration or incorrect SMTP port settings.
• Email blockage due to programs like Windows Firewall, Antivirus, etc.
• SSL/TLS Server setting is not configured.
• Spam detected on Port 25 by Internet Service Provider.
• Server Timeout is set to a low value.

Solutions for Thunderbird connection to server timed out error

After knowing about the Connection timed out error and the common reasons responsible for it, one should proceed to the solutions mentioned below to fix connection to server timed out error. Follow the procedure of the below method carefully:

Method 1. Disable Antivirus, Firewall, etc.

The blocking of messages in Thunderbird email clients due to the connection to server timed out error is rarely linked with third-party antivirus applications and the Windows firewall on the system. Still, users can try to disable both and check if emails can be sent and received via the Thunderbird email client.

1. Go to the Windows Defender Firewall option from the Control Panel of your system and click on Turn Windows Firewall on or off from the left panel.
2. Next, click on Turn off Windows Defender Firewall in the several network settings as shown below and click OK.

Method 2. Increase the server timeout value

Lastly, it’s worth increasing the server timeout value. This will give your computer more time to establish a connection with the email server. Sometimes, due to a weak internet connection or the server is taking longer to respond, the “Connection to Server Timed Out Error” arises. Let’s learn how to increase the server timeout value.

1. Open your Thunderbird application and click on Setting icon in the left pane.
2. Scroll down the Disk Space section and click on Config Editor option.
3. Search for Mailnews.tcptimeout. It pertains to the time limit allotted to the server to respond to a client’s request. The default value is 100 seconds, change it to a maximum of 300 seconds to avoid the error in the future.

Restart the Thunderbird email client and try sending emails now. These were the fixes that can save you from the Thunderbird connection to server timed out error and let you send or receive emails without error messages.

Method 3. Check the Outgoing Server (SMTP) Settings

Incorrect outgoing SMTP server setting mainly lead to the Thunderbird SMTP error. Follow the given process to check and correct the account configuration settings of the Outgoing Server (SMTP) in your Thunderbird email client:

1. Access Thunderbird and navigate to Settings > Account Settings.
2. From the Outgoing Server (SMTP) section, tap on Edit.
3. Ensure the server’s name, port number, and authentication settings are correct.

If any of these settings are incorrect, make the necessary changes, save & then test the connection again. Restart the email client and try sending emails to check whether the issue is resolved.

Why convert MBOX files to PST?

With the decrease in popularity of the Thunderbird email client and the emergence of more secure email clients like Outlook. Exporting emails from Thunderbird to Outlook PST is a common action nowadays. To move Thunderbird data to the Outlook email client, conversion of its database file from MBOX to Outlook PST is needed. We intend to deliver our users with the best and the most popular MBOX to PST converter tool -Kernel for MBOX to PST Converter. It allows converting single/multiple MBOX files to Outlook PST files directly and selectively. It is designed with powerful algorithms and is integrated with smart filter options for quick and efficient conversion without losing original properties and data. Check the complete details about the converter tool on its website.

Final thoughts

We have explored various methods to fix Thunderbird connection to server timed out error. Disabling antivirus and firewall, checking SMTP settings, and increasing server timeout value can all help to resolve the issue. However, in some cases, automated solutions may be required. We highly recommend using MBOX to PST tool, which simplifies the process of converting MBOX files to PST format. It ensures compatibility with Microsoft Outlook and avoids email errors. With these tips, you can easily troubleshoot Thunderbird connection issues and improve your email experience.

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