ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED: Causes and Fixes

Key Highlights 

• ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED code means your browser cannot connect to a web server. 
• The reasons for this error can be internet connection problems, browser cache issues and firewall settings. 
• To fix it, you can check the website’s status, restart your router, clear your browser cache and change your DNS settings. 
• You may need to disable some software like firewalls or antivirus programs, to see if there’s a conflict. 
• If the issue still happens, it’s a good idea to contact your internet service provider or a network expert for help. 

Introduction 

Have you ever clicked on a website, only to be met with the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED message?  Frustrating right? Even more so when it’s your own website you’re trying to access.    

This error usually pops up due to misconfigured internet settings, network issues or browser restrictions blocking access to the web server. But don’t worry—fixing it is often easier than you think! In this blog post, we’ll break down the common causes behind ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED and guide you through simple, effective fixes to get you back online in no time. 

What is ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error? 

The ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error is an HTTP response status indicating that a connection attempt to a web server has been actively rejected. This error typically occurs when a client (such as a web browser) sends a request to a server, but the server or an intermediary device (like a firewall, proxy or network gateway) refuses the connection.  

What does an ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error look like? 

You’ll get different text messages for the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED code based on the browser you are using. Some of these are:  

Google Chrome: “This site can’t be reached on the web page.” 

Mozilla Firefox: “Unable to connect.” 

Microsoft Edge: “Hmmm…can’t reach this page.” 

Even though it looks different, the main idea is the same: your browser can’t connect to the web server for the website you’re trying to visit. This error could happen for a few reasons. 

Finding out the cause is the first step to fixing the issue. You might need to check your internet connection, browser settings or any security software that could be blocking the connection. 

Common scenarios leading to ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED 

Here’s a simple overview of common issues: 

• DNS server problems: Your computer uses a DNS server to change website names (like “google.com”) into IP addresses which look like a set of numbers (For example, [172].[217].[12].[142]). If the DNS server is down or set up wrong, your browser may not find the website’s server, causing an error. 
• Firewall blocks: Firewalls boost website security. They control the data coming in and out. If the firewall is too strict, it might stop your browser from connecting to websites. This issue can happen if the firewall mistakenly sees your browser or the website as a danger. 
• Wrong internet settings: Your computer has internet settings that include IP address setup or proxy settings. These settings are very important for connecting online. If there are mistakes, such as the wrong IP address or a poorly set up proxy server, your connection can break. 

Preliminary checks before troubleshooting 

Before trying complicated solutions to resolve the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error, it is smart to do some simple checks. These can help you see if the problem is big or with the internet connection. 

First, try visiting another website. Check if the error still happens. If you can get to other sites easily, the problem is likely with the specific website you want to reach. If you have the same error on several websites, it may show an issue with your internet connection, browser or computer settings. 

Verify website status – Is it down for everyone? 

Before you try to fix your system, you should check if the website is down. Sometimes, websites go down because of technical issues or maintenance. Luckily, there are tools online that can quickly see if a website is down for everyone or just you. 

Websites like Down for Everyone or Just Me and Is It Down Right Now allow you to check this easily. These tools will try to connect to the website from different places around the world. If they say the website is down, it means the problem is on the server side. 

Check your internet connection reliability 

Sometimes, a simple solution like fixing your internet connection resolves the ERROR_CONNECTION_REFUSED issue. A weak or unstable connection can stop your browser and its Chrome extensions from communicating with the web server, which causes the connection to be refused. 

Start by checking if other devices on your network have the same trouble. If they do, try restarting your router or modem to resolve any connection issues. This small action can fix temporary problems and refresh your connection. Another good step is to run an internet speed test. This test can show you how stable your connection and bandwidth are. If your connection is slow or inconsistent, you may need help from your internet service provider to find and fix the exact connectivity issues. 

How to fix ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error? 

One way to fix the err_connection_refused error is to check your internet connection. Make sure it is stable. You can try clearing your browser’s cache. Using a different browser to access the website might also work. It is a good idea to check your DNS settings. If needed, you can contact your internet service provider for help. 

Sometimes, turning off proxy settings or firewall software temporarily can solve this issue. If the error still happens, reaching out to the support team may help. You might also think about changing your DNS server for a solution. 

Also read: How to Improve Your DNS Performance for Faster Website Speed  

What you need to get started 

Before you start fixing the issue, make sure you have these things: 

• Access to manage your computer: Some possible fixes like checking firewall settings or updating your network drivers need you to change system settings. These actions require administrative access. 
• A steady internet connection: A good internet connection is important for effective troubleshooting. It helps you get accurate results and keeps you from facing more problems. 
• Patience and a planned approach: Fixing technical issues takes calm and organization. Do not feel down if a solution does not work right away. Try each step carefully.  

Step-by-step troubleshooting process 

Step 1: Restart your browser and device 

Close your browser and reopen it. Restart your computer to clear any temporary glitches and saved login details. 

Step 2: Clear browser cache and cookies 

• Click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the browser window. 
• Navigate to Settings. 
• Scroll down and click on Privacy and security. 
• Select Clear browsing data. 
• Choose the time range (For example, “Last hour” or “All time”). 
• Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. 
• Click Clear data. 

Step 3: Disable firewall and antivirus temporarily 

Sometimes, security software blocks certain websites. Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus to check if they are causing the issue. 

Step 4: Reset proxy settings 

Access Chrome Settings: 

• Open Google Chrome. 
• Click on the three-dot menu icon located in the top-right corner. 
• Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu. 

Navigate to System Settings: 

• In the Settings menu, scroll down and click on “System” in the left-hand sidebar. 
• Click on “Open your computer’s proxy settings. 

Reset Proxy Settings: 

• In the Windows Settings window that appears, under “Automatic proxy setup,” toggle “Automatically detect settings” to Off. 
• Under “Manual proxy setup,” toggle “Use a proxy server” to Off. 
• Click “Save” to apply the changes. 

Step 5: Flush DNS cache and renew IP address 

Run the following commands in Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac): 

ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew 

Step 6: Change DNS servers 

• Open “Network & Internet Settings”. 
• Select your network, go to “Properties” and manually set the new DNS server addresses to Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4). 

Step 7: Reinstall or update browser 

Ensure your browser is updated to the latest version or reinstall it if necessary. 

What if basic fixes don’t work? 

If the issue continues after you try basic fixes, look for more advanced solutions. This could mean changing your system’s network setup or proxy settings. These methods may need you to understand your operating system and network details better. Be careful and check trusted sources or ask for help if you feel uncertain. Changing the wrong settings can harm your internet connection and create more problems. 

1. Configuring proxy server settings for advanced users 

A proxy server is like a middleman between your computer and the internet. It sends your traffic through its server, allowing you to browse under a different IP address. A proxy server can increase your privacy and security, but if it’s not set up right, you might see ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED errors. Wrong proxy settings can cause problems between your browser and the web server, leading to blocked connections. 

To fix this issue, access the open proxy settings of your browser and make sure they are set up correctly. If you are unsure what to do, you can look at your browser’s help section or ask a tech-savvy friend. This can help you avoid mistakes that could mess up your internet connection. 

2. Analyzing and repairing network configuration files 

Your operating system uses network configuration files to control your internet connection. These files include important details like the IP address, DNS server information and how the network works. If these files get damaged or have wrong information, they can cause big problems with your internet connection, like the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error. 

To fix this, you need to troubleshoot carefully. This means checking the network configuration files and fixing any damaged or wrongly set entries. If you are not comfortable with using command-line tools and understanding network setups, it is best to ask a network expert or your internet service provider for help. Changing network settings without knowing what you are doing can create more connectivity issues. 

ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED: Causes vs fixes 

Below is a causes and fixes comparison for a quick understanding of how to resolve the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error. 

Cause	Description	Fix
Server is down	The target server is offline or not running.	– Check if the server is operational.  – Restart the server if you have access.
Incorrect port	The client is trying to connect to a port the server isn’t listening on.	– Verify the correct port (e.g., 80 for HTTP, 443 for HTTPS).  – Update configuration.
Firewall blocking connection	A firewall on the client or server side is blocking the connection.	– Check firewall rules.  – Allow traffic on the required port (e.g., 80, 443).
Server not listening	The server application (e.g., web server like Apache/Nginx) isn’t running.	– Start the server application.  – Ensure it’s configured to listen on the correct port.
Wrong IP address or hostname	The client is attempting to connect to an incorrect or unreachable address.	– Verify the IP address or hostname.  – Use tools like ping or nslookup to test.
Local network issues	The client’s network (e.g., Wi-Fi, VPN) is misconfigured or offline.	– Check internet connection.  – Restart router or disable VPN to test.
Browser cache or proxy issue	The browser’s cache or a proxy server is interfering with the connection.	– Clear browser cache and cookies.  – Bypass or reconfigure proxy settings.
Server overloaded or misconfigured	The server is rejecting connections due to overload or configuration errors.	– Check server logs for errors.  – Increase resources or fix configuration (e.g., max connections).
Antivirus software blocking	Antivirus or security software is interrupting the connection.	– Temporarily disable antivirus.  – Add an exception for the site or port.

When to seek professional help? 

Sometimes, the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error comes from serious technical problems like firewall interference that are not easy to fix. This can include issues with your internet service provider’s system, mistakes on the server that you cannot control or even unusual software conflicts. 

In these situations, figuring out the exact problem can be hard without the right tools and skills. You might need expert help from IT specialists, network administrators, or customer support teams from your ISP or hosting provider depending on the type of issue.  

Getting in touch with Your ISP or a network professional 

If you think the issue comes from a faulty internet connection, talk to your internet service provider (ISP) first. They are skilled and have the tools to find problems with their network or your connection. 

For more complicated issues, like problems with DNS resolver cache or routing conflicts, you’ll need a network professional. They can look deeply into your network setup. They will check your network configuration, find any bottlenecks and suggest the best settings for smooth internet connectivity. 

 Reaching out to your hosting provider 

If you see the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error on your own website and think it’s a server problem, contact your hosting provider’s support team. They can check server logs and settings to help you resolve these issues.     

Some server-related issues that may cause the error include: 

• Misconfigured web server settings, such as incorrect Apache or Nginx configurations. 
• Restrictions imposed by the hosting provider’s firewall, which can block access. 
• Temporary server outages due to maintenance or high traffic. 
• SSL certificate misconfigurations, which can prevent secure connections. 
• Database connection failures that might lead to site inaccessibility. 

It’s important to give your hosting provider clear details of the error. Make sure to include the exact error message, when it happens and any things you have done to fix it already. This will help speed up the help you need. 

Having a reliable hosting solution with top-notch support goes a long way towards ensuring that your website is never down. Bluehost offers 24/7 hosting support to help you troubleshoot and fix server-related problems quickly. Whether it’s a misconfiguration, firewall restriction, or database connection error, our team is here to assist you every step of the way.     

Preventive measures to avoid future errors 

Troubleshooting can fix current errors. However, taking steps to prevent problems can help you avoid ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED and other connectivity issues later. Keeping your browser, network drivers and operating system up to date is important for improving user experience. This way, you get the latest bug fixes, security updates and performance boosts. All of this helps make your browsing experience smoother. 

Regularly update browser and network drivers 

Keeping your browser updated is important for smooth browsing. It helps reduce the chances of running into errors. Browser updates usually fix bugs, security problems and issues that could cause ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED errors. 

Also, old network drivers can cause connectivity problems. These drivers help your computer talk to network devices. Updating your network drivers regularly helps ensure they work well with your operating system and network hardware. If you miss updating your drivers, you might face problems like slow internet, broken connections and ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED errors. 

Educate on safe browsing practices 

Educating yourself and others about safe browsing is very important. This will help keep your online experience secure and free of mistakes. Cyber threats change all the time. They can cause problems like malware infections and phishing attacks. These risks can ruin your browsing experience and lead to ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED errors. 

Here are some safe browsing practices that you should follow: 

• To protect your personal website or your computer from malware, install a good antivirus program and keep it updated.  
• Stay away from sites that look suspicious or too good to be true.  
• Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown senders. They may contain harmful content.  

Remember, prevention is better than cure. By practicing safe browsing habits, you can greatly lower the chances of facing errors and security threats. 

Final thoughts 

Encountering the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error can be frustrating. However, understanding its causes and taking the right steps can help you fix it. Start with simple solutions like checking if the website is online and verifying your internet connection. If those don’t work, explore more advanced troubleshooting options. 

If you’re still stuck, don’t hesitate to seek expert help. Whether it’s your ISP, hosting provider or a network specialist, getting professional support can save you time and frustration. 

Looking for a reliable hosting provider with 24/7 expert support? Get in touch with Bluehost today and enjoy a hassle-free web experience. 

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