ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED is a common error for Google Chrome users whether they are on Windows 10 or on a mac machine.
It’s persistent and annoying. Luckily there are multiple methods for fixing the error that can make it go away for good. If you’re in a hurry, skip to method 4 and clear your browser’s cache. We have 9 methods total to try if that one doesn’t work for you.
“ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED” is an error that comes along with the use of the internet as with many other errors, hundreds of them. This error may look different on different web browsers and it’s there to let you know something has gone wrong, but it won’t tell you why.
On Chrome it’s “This site can’t be reached”, on Firefox it’s “Unable to Connect”, and on Edge, it’s “Hmmm…can’t reach this page”. Connection errors are a headache for both website visitors and operators. One error that stands out is “ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED”.
There are many issues that could cause “ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED”. Sometimes it could be something on the server end of the website or it could be a problem with your side of the computer. Most of the time it’s nothing too dramatic. Unfortunately, it could also be a sign of a malware attack, which is a more serious issue.
How to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED
Since the error isn’t considerate enough to tell you why the connection is refused, we have done a little bit of research to help you figure it out.
It could be due to an internet connection issue, downtime on the server’s end, incorrect firewall setting, or incorrect server setting. Here are a couple of methods that may help get you back on your intended website(s):
Check website status
Reset your router
Change DNS address
Clear browser cache
Adjust proxy settings
Temporarily disable firewall and anti-virus software
Flush DNS
Disable extensions
Reinstall Chrome
Method 1: Check Website Status
The first thing you should do before you tweak any settings on your computer would be to check the status of the website you are trying to access. The easiest way to check this is to visit another website if you haven’t already done so.
If you get the “ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED” error message on the other website, then the issue is most likely on your end. If the other website loads without an issue, then it was just a problem with the site’s server.
Method 2: Reset Your Router
A method that works for most people with internet issues is to reset your router. You simply need to turn it off and on again.
All you need to do is disconnect the power supply to the router, let it sit for about 30-seconds, and plug it back in. Let it boot up and try the webpage again. This isn’t a guaranteed fix, but it does work sometimes.
Method 3: Change DNS Address
Changing the DNS address may help clear up some of your internet connection problems. Here’s how to do it on Windows and MAC:
Windows
- Fina and open your Control Panel
Find Network and Internet
Click on Network and Sharing Center
Choose Change adapter settings
Right-click on your internet and select Properties
Select TCP/IPv4
Click on Properties
Jot down any settings that are already there in case you need to use them later
Type the following DNS addresses depending on which one you want to use: 1.1.1.1. And 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare)8.8.8.8. And 8.8.4.4. (Google)208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 (Open)Click on OK
Click CloseMAC
Open System Preferences
Select Network
Click on Advanced
Choose the DNS option
Click on the + button to add a new DNS server
Jot down any addresses already saved in case you need them later
Type the following DNS addresses depending on which one you want to use: 1.1.1.1. And 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare)8.8.8.8. And 8.8.4.4. (Google)Click on OK and close
Method 4: Clear Browser Cache
Clearing your browser’s cache can clear up a lot of issues you are having with your internet. Any time you visit a website, your computer will store all of the information so the webpage loads quicker.
This can cause some serious clutter and slow things down. Sometimes caches can become outdated and that version of the website won’t match the current one. So, to fix this all you have to do is clear it out. Here’s how to do it:
Open Chrome
Select More Tools from the three dots in the upper right corner of the window
Click on Clear browser data
Select all of the listed categories
In Time range choose All time
Click Clear data
Method 5: Adjust Proxy Settings
Many individuals use a proxy server to protect their sensitive data. A proxy server allows you to access the internet using a different IP address. It keeps your IP address private aids in cache data clearing. It’s completely possible that the proxy is offline or not configured correctly. Here’s how to check and adjust your proxy settings:
Go to Settings in your Chrome browser
Under System click on Advanced
Look for Open proxy settings and click on it
If you are using Windows, click on LAN settings and uncheck use proxy server for LAN
If you are using a MAC, uncheck everything you can for proxy protocols
Method 6: Temporarily Disable Firewall & Anti-Virus Software
The point of firewalls and anti-virus software is to protect your system and you from unwanted attacks. They scan your computer on a regular basis and will block suspicious activity on the spot.
Sometimes this type of advanced security can do more harm than good. Your firewall may block a page that doesn’t need to be blocked or deny access to content that’s actually safe. To see if this is the issue, disable your firewall or anti-virus program.
Windows 10 Click Start
Go to Settings
Navigate to Update & Security
Choose Windows Security
Click on Firewall & Network Protection
Open the security settings
Select the network profile
Under Microsoft, Defender Firewall click the button to turn it OffMac Click on the Apple in the left-hand corner
Choose System Preferences
Click on Security & Privacy
Click on Firewall
Select the Stop button to turn of the firewall
Method 7: Flush DNS
Flushing your DNS is equivalent to clearing your browser cache. Clearing it can solve a lot of issues with your internet connection. To flush your DNS, follow these steps:
Hit Win + Run to open the dialogue box
Type cmd and hit enter
Right-click on the command prompt and choose to run as administrator
When the command prompt opens, type ipconfig /flushdns and hit enter (Make sure you put a space before the forward slash)
Close the window and try to run the webpage again
Method 8: Disable Extensions
Extensions may get accidentally added to your browser. Sometimes they sneak in there from an installation of something else and you may not realize it. Unfortunately, they can cause issues that can make your web pages not work properly.
You can access your extensions by entering the following address in Chrome: Chrome://extension. You can deactivate any extension you don’t want or don’t recognize from here. Simply move the slider to the left.
Method 9: Reinstall Chrome
Chrome is never free of bugs and there are many errors that can be corrected by updates.
However, issues between your operating system and browser can still happen. Unfortunately, updates can’t fix these issues and it can still lead to the “ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED” error. All you need to do is uninstall Chrome and reinstall it.
Conclusion
It’s no doubt that connection errors are aggravating, but you should be aware that most of them can be fixed.
You should always make sure “ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED” isn’t a problem with the website first by checking a down detector website, such as downdetector.com. If it’s not an issue with the website, then you know it’s something with your internet connection. Keep an eye out for more helpful hints and tips from us.