What is the Err_Connection_Refused Error and How to Fix It

The ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error is a common issue encountered in web browsers like Google Chrome when trying to access a website. It means that your connection to the website’s server was denied, and as a result, the browser cannot display the requested page. This error can be frustrating, especially if you are unsure of its cause. However, understanding what triggers it and knowing how to resolve it can help you get back online quickly.

What Does the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED Error Mean?

• Error Code: ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED
• Message: “This site can’t be reached. The connection was refused.”
• Possible Causes: Network connectivity issues, server-side problems, firewall or antivirus interference, incorrect browser settings, or DNS issues.

What Causes the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED Error?

The ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error can occur due to various reasons:

1. Website Server Issues: The server hosting the website may be down or not configured correctly.
2. Network Connectivity Problems: Your internet connection might be unstable or have issues with the network settings.
3. Firewall or Antivirus Blocking: Security software may block the website, causing the connection to be refused.
4. Incorrect Proxy Settings: Misconfigured proxy settings can prevent access to certain websites.
5. Browser Cache and Cookies: Corrupted cache files or cookies can interfere with web requests.
6. DNS Cache Issues: DNS cache may hold outdated or incorrect information, causing the connection to fail.
7. IP Address Changes: If the website’s IP address has changed and your DNS cache is not updated, the connection may be refused.

How to Fix the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED Error

Here are several methods to troubleshoot and resolve the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error:

1. Check if the Website is Down

Before making any changes on your end, ensure that the website is not down for everyone:

• Visit https://www.isitdownrightnow.com or https://downforeveryoneorjustme.com.
• Enter the URL of the website you are trying to access.

If the site is down for everyone, you’ll need to wait until the website’s server is back online.

2. Restart Your Router and Computer

Restarting your network devices can often resolve temporary network issues:

1. Restart your router by unplugging it for about 30 seconds and then plugging it back in.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Try accessing the website again to see if the error is resolved.

3. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Clearing outdated or corrupted cache and cookies can help resolve browser-related issues:

In Google Chrome:

1. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
2. Go to More tools > Clear browsing data.
3. Select All time as the time range.
4. Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
5. Click Clear data.

Restart your browser and try accessing the website again.

4. Check Proxy Settings

Incorrect or misconfigured proxy settings can block internet access:

In Google Chrome:

1. Go to Settings > System > Open your computer’s proxy settings.
2. In Windows, uncheck Use a proxy server.
3. In Mac:
   • Go to System Preferences > Network.
   • Select your network and click Advanced.
   • Go to the Proxies tab and uncheck any proxy settings.

Try accessing the website again after adjusting the settings.

5. Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes, firewalls or antivirus programs may block certain websites:

1. Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software.
2. Try visiting the website again.

If the website loads successfully after disabling the security software, you may need to add an exception for the website in your firewall or antivirus settings.

Note: Remember to re-enable your firewall and antivirus after testing to ensure your system remains secure.

6. Flush DNS Cache

Flushing the DNS cache can clear outdated DNS entries and resolve connection issues:

On Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Run the following command:
   ipconfig /flushdns

On Mac:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Run the following command:
   sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
3. Enter your password if prompted.

Restart your browser and try visiting the website again.

7. Change DNS Server

Switching to a public DNS server like Google DNS or Cloudflare can help resolve DNS-related issues:

On Windows:

1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.
2. Right-click on your active network and select Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
4. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:
   • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
   • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

On Mac:

1. Go to System Preferences > Network.
2. Select your active network and click Advanced.
3. Go to the DNS tab.
4. Click the + button and enter 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

Click OK and Apply the changes. Try accessing the website again.

8. Try a Different Browser

The issue might be specific to your current browser. To rule this out:

• Try accessing the website using a different browser (e.g., Firefox, Safari).
• If the website loads in another browser, the issue may be with the original browser’s settings.

9. Update or Reinstall Your Browser

Outdated browser versions can sometimes cause connection issues:

1. Check for updates in your browser settings.
2. Reinstall the browser if the issue persists.

After updating or reinstalling, try accessing the website again.

10. Contact the Website Administrator

If none of the above solutions work, the issue may be server-side. Consider reaching out to the website’s support or administrator to check if there are any issues with their server configuration.

Summary

The ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error can be caused by various factors ranging from server-side issues to local network or browser configurations. By following the steps outlined above, you can troubleshoot the error and get back to browsing. If the problem persists, it might be best to contact your internet service provider (ISP) or the website’s support team for further assistance.