How to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED (Web Browser)
Quick Answer
The ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error indicates that your browser attempted to connect to a website but the connection was actively denied by the server. Often, this can be resolved by checking your internet connection, clearing browser data, or disabling proxy settings.
What Causes This Error
- The website server is offline or experiencing issues.
- Incorrect network configuration, such as proxy settings.
- Firewall or antivirus software blocking the connection.
- Outdated or corrupted browser cache and cookies.
- DNS resolution problems.
- Malware or unwanted software interfering with network requests.
Step-by-Step Fixes
1Verify Internet Connection and Website Status
- Check your internet connection: Ensure your device is connected to the internet. Try accessing other websites to confirm general connectivity.
- Restart your router/modem: Unplug your router and modem from the power outlet. Wait for 30 seconds, then plug them back in. Allow a few minutes for them to fully restart and re-establish connection.
- Check website status: Use an online tool (e.g., 'down for everyone or just me' websites) to determine if the website is down for all users or only for you. If it's down for everyone, the issue is with the website's server.
2Clear Browser Cache and Cookies to Resolve ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED
- Open your web browser's settings: For Chrome, click the three-dot menu, then 'Settings'. For Firefox, click the three-line menu, then 'Settings'.
- Navigate to privacy or history settings: Look for 'Privacy and security' or 'Clear browsing data'.
- Select data to clear: Choose 'Cached images and files' and 'Cookies and other site data'. Ensure the time range is set to 'All time'.
- Clear data: Click the 'Clear data' or 'Clear now' button. Restart your browser and attempt to access the website again.
3Disable Proxy Settings
- Access your system's proxy settings: On Windows, go to 'Settings' > 'Network & Internet' > 'Proxy'. On macOS, go to 'System Settings' > 'Network' > 'Details' (next to your active connection) > 'Proxies'.
- Turn off proxy server: Ensure 'Use a proxy server' or 'Manual proxy setup' is turned off or disabled. If 'Automatically detect settings' is enabled, try disabling it temporarily.
- Save changes: Apply the changes and close the settings window. Restart your browser and test the connection.
4Temporarily Disable Firewall and Antivirus
- Access your security software: Locate your installed antivirus or firewall software (e.g., Windows Defender Firewall, McAfee, Norton, Avast).
- Temporarily disable protection: Find the option to temporarily disable the firewall or real-time protection. Note: Only do this for a short period and re-enable it immediately after testing.
- Test website access: With the security software temporarily disabled, try to access the website. If the website loads, your security software was blocking the connection. Re-enable your security software and consider adding an exception for the website or browser.
- Re-enable security software: Restore your firewall and antivirus settings to their original state to maintain system security.
Advanced Fixes
Flush DNS Cache and Renew IP Address
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator (Windows): Search for 'cmd', right-click 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.
- Execute DNS flush command: Type 'ipconfig /flushdns' and press Enter. This clears your computer's DNS resolver cache.
- Renew IP address: Type 'ipconfig /release' and press Enter, then 'ipconfig /renew' and press Enter. This releases and renews your network adapter's IP address.
- Restart your computer: After executing the commands, restart your computer for the changes to take full effect. Then, try accessing the website.
Change DNS Servers
- Access network adapter settings (Windows): Go to 'Settings' > 'Network & Internet' > 'Advanced network settings' > 'More network adapter options'.
- Open properties of active connection: Right-click on your active network connection (e.g., 'Ethernet' or 'Wi-Fi') and select 'Properties'.
- Modify IPv4 settings: Select 'Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)' and click 'Properties'.
- Enter new DNS server addresses: Select 'Use the following DNS server addresses'. Enter '8.8.8.8' for 'Preferred DNS server' and '8.8.4.4' for 'Alternate DNS server' (Google Public DNS).
- Confirm and restart: Click 'OK' on both windows. Restart your browser or computer to apply the new DNS settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED' mean?
The 'ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED' error means your web browser tried to connect to a website, but the server hosting that website actively refused the connection. This indicates the server is reachable but is not allowing your browser to establish a session.
Is 'ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED' always a server-side issue?
No, while it can be caused by the website's server being down or misconfigured, it is frequently a client-side issue. Your local network settings, browser data, firewall, or even malware can prevent your browser from connecting successfully.
Will restarting my computer fix ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED?
Restarting your computer can often resolve temporary network glitches, clear minor software conflicts, and refresh network configurations. It is a good first step in troubleshooting many connection-related errors, including ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED.
Why does this error appear for only one website?
If the error appears for only one website, it suggests the problem might be specific to that website's server, or there's a specific block on your end (like a firewall rule or a DNS issue) preventing access to that particular domain, while other sites remain accessible.