cURL errors occur when WordPress cannot complete an external HTTP or HTTPS request. This is not theme specific and is usually caused by server, network, or hosting restrictions.
These errors can affect demo imports (content, images, XML files), theme and plugin updates, license activation or verification, and remote API connections.
Common cURL Errors and Typical Causes
cURL error 28: Operation timed out
Meaning: The server did not receive a response within the allowed time.
Common causes: Low PHP execution time, server resource limits (CPU or memory throttling), slow or blocked external connections, firewall or security rules interrupting requests.
cURL error 35: SSL connect error or TLS handshake failure
Meaning: TLS or SSL negotiation failed.
Common causes: Outdated OpenSSL or CA certificates, hosting blocking outbound HTTPS connections, TLS inspection or firewall interference, incorrect proxy or Cloudflare SSL mode.
cURL error 7: Failed to connect
Meaning: The server cannot reach the external host.
Common causes: Outbound ports (443) blocked, DNS or IPv6 routing issues, hosting network restrictions.
Why Manual Upload Works but Import Fails
Manual uploads usually involve one file, one request, and a short execution time. Imports require many external requests and long-running PHP processes, which are more likely to hit server limits or firewall restrictions.
What to Ask Hosting to Check
PHP Settings
- max_execution_time: at least 180
- memory_limit: at least 256M
- post_max_size: at least 32M
- upload_max_filesize: at least 32M
Server and Network
- cURL is enabled and not restricted
- Outbound HTTPS connections (port 443) are allowed
- No firewall or mod_security rules are blocking external requests
- OpenSSL and the server CA bundle are up to date
- No server-side caching is enabled during imports or updates, including admin-side caching
If Using Cloudflare
- SSL/TLS mode set to Full (strict)
- No security rules blocking outgoing connections
Maintenance Mode After Failed Updates
If an update stops mid-process, WordPress may show the message “Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance.” This can be fixed by deleting the .maintenance file from the site root using FTP or File Manager.
Important Note
The theme and plugins rely on WordPress standard HTTP and cURL mechanisms. If the server blocks, times out, or restricts external connections, imports and updates cannot complete regardless of the theme used. Once hosting confirms the checks above, we can retry the import or update.