The cURL error 28 in WordPress is a common issue that occurs when WordPress is unable to make a connection to an external server or API. This can happen for various reasons, such as network issues, server misconfigurations, or problems with the external server.

Here are steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix this issue:

1. Retry the Operation:

   • Sometimes, the error may be temporary. Try the operation again after a few minutes to see if it resolves itself.

2. Check Network Connectivity:

   • Ensure that your server has a stable and working internet connection. If you're on a local development environment, make sure your internet connection is active.

3. Check DNS Resolution:

   • Verify that your server can resolve domain names properly. Sometimes DNS resolution issues can cause cURL errors.

4. Increase PHP Timeout:

   • If the operation is timing out, you can try increasing the PHP execution time. Edit your php.ini file and set the max_execution_time to a higher value, for example:

     ini

4. • max_execution_time = 300

5. Check Server Firewall or Security Settings:

   • Ensure that your server or firewall is not blocking outgoing connections to the external server. You might need to configure your firewall settings to allow the connection.

6. Check Server Proxy Settings:

   • If your server is behind a proxy, make sure that the proxy settings are configured correctly in your server's configuration files.

7. Check External Server Status:

   • Verify if the external server you're trying to connect to is operational. Sometimes, the issue may be on their end.

8. Verify URL:

   • Double-check the URL you're trying to connect to. There might be a typo or a mistake in the URL.

9. Use HTTPS:

   • If you're using HTTP, try switching to HTTPS. Some servers may require a secure connection.

10. Check for Plugin or Theme Conflicts:

    • Deactivate all plugins and switch to a default WordPress theme. If the issue resolves, reactivate them one by one to identify if any of them are causing the problem.

11. Check for PHP cURL Extension:

    • Make sure that PHP is compiled with cURL support. You can check this in your phpinfo().

12. Contact Hosting Support:

    • If none of the above steps work, contact your hosting provider's support team. They may be able to provide specific advice based on their server configuration.

Remember to back up your site before making any major changes, especially when troubleshooting issues like this. This ensures you have a safe point to revert to if anything goes wrong during the process.