When you're trying to load a website and see the error message ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED, it means your browser attempted to connect to the server but the request was actively rejected. It's not the same as the site being completely offline or a simple timeout. It’s a flat-out “no” from the server or network.

While it might seem like a serious issue, this error code is actually quite common and often has a straightforward fix. If you're building or managing a website, understanding why this error message occurs can save you time and frustration when troubleshooting.

What causes ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error?

There are several reasons why a server might refuse your browser's connection attempt. Here are some of them.

1. Server isn’t accepting connections

The web server hosting the site might be experiencing a server downtime for maintenance, experiencing heavy load, or simply not configured to accept incoming requests at the moment. This is frequently the case if a site is still under development or undergoing updates.

2. Firewall or antivirus blocking the request

Sometimes, your computer's firewall or antivirus software might mistakenly block access to a specific website or port. This can be more common during the development phase of a website.

3. DNS issues

Your computer might be looking for the website at the wrong address (different IP address). This can happen if your DNS cache is outdated, if there are incorrect internet settings on your device, or if there's an issue with your current DNS server address. For example, your computer might not be connecting to the actual IP address attached to the server. 

You can try switching to an alternate DNS server. Use the following server addresses to see if that resolves the problem: Google public DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1). If you're still facing issues after checking DNS, it could be due to problems with your internet service provider.

4. Browser settings or browser extensions

Occasionally, corrupted Google Chrome browser settings or Google Chrome extensions you've installed (like ad blockers or security plugins) can interfere with the connection process and lead to a refusal. Misconfigured proxy server settings can also prevent your browser from reaching the correct website. If you're using a proxy, open proxy settings. Make sure to check proxy settings for any issues with the configuration.

Similarly, issues with stored login data in your browser can sometimes cause problems. Another method you can try is typing the website URL directly into the address bar again to ensure that the URL is correct.

How to fix ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED

If you're seeing these timeout errors on a website you're working on, here's a practical checklist to help you diagnose and resolve the issue.

Check that your server is running

Ensure your web server software (like Apache, Nginx, or your Node.js server) is actually running and listening on the correct port. If you've recently made any configuration changes, try restarting the server to apply them. If there are issues with the server's loading process, that could be the reason the connection is being refused.

Check your network settings

Sometimes, your network settings might be misconfigured. Ensure that you're using the correct Internet Protocol version (IPv4 or IPv6) for your network. Also, make sure your DNS address is configured correctly.

Test the site in another browser or device

Try accessing the website from a different browser, such as Mozilla Firefox, on your computer or even another device altogether. This will help you determine if the problem is specific to your browser or computer. If it works elsewhere, the issue likely lies locally.

Clear your browser cache and cookies

Old or corrupted cached files and cookies can sometimes mess with how your browser connects to websites. Clearing them can often resolve connection issues. Depending on the operating system, the process may vary.

Restart your router and clear your DNS cache

Your network or DNS settings might be temporarily out of sync. Restarting your router and clearing your computer's DNS resolver cache can help resolve DNS connection errors. If you're on a domain network, you may also need to ensure that your network settings align with your organization's DNS configuration.

• Windows users. Open Command Prompt and run: ipconfig /flushdns
• Mac users. Open System Preferences, then go to Network. From there, click on Advanced, and you can manually adjust settings or clear the cache by running the following command in Terminal: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

You may also want to review your DNS tab or LAN settings to make sure there aren’t any manual configurations (like a misconfigured proxy) interfering with your connection. Ensure that the option to automatically detect settings is enabled in your network configuration.

If the problem persists, it could be due to an unreliable internet connection. If you have a faulty internet connection, it may be worth checking with your internet provider to see if there are any outages or restrictions on their end.

Temporarily disable firewall or antivirus software

If you're in a controlled environment (like your local development setup), try temporarily disabling your firewall software or antivirus software to see if they're the ones blocking the connection. Remember to turn them back on afterward.

FAQs about ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED

What does ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED mean?

This connect error signifies that while your browser successfully found the server's address, the server actively rejected the connection attempt. This often points to problems on the server side, local settings on your computer, or firewall interference.

Is ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED a client-side or server-side error?

It can be either. If it's your website, you'll want to focus on checking your server setup and hosting. If it's a website you're visiting, the issue could still be on your computer (like firewall settings) or with the website's server.

Can DNS issues cause ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED?

Absolutely. If your computer is trying to connect to the wrong IP address for the website due to incorrect DNS resolution or configuration, the server at that incorrect address might refuse the connection.

How do I fix ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED in Chrome?

A good first step is to clear your browser's cache data and cookies and check your network settings. Also check your extensions menu and temporarily disable any installed extensions to solve Chrome extension issues. If the problem persists, then you'll need to investigate the server or your firewall, such as Microsoft Defender firewall.

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