ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED Fix (Step-by-Step Guide)

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ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED Fix is usually needed when your browser cannot connect to a website. This error occurs when the connection request is blocked or refused by the server or network.

In this guide, you’ll learn simple step-by-step solutions to fix ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED and restore your internet browsing.

Quick Fix

Restart your router and refresh the page, then try accessing the website again.

Try This First

  • Website won’t open → refresh the page
  • Error appears instantly → restart browser
  • Multiple sites not working → check internet connection

If the issue continues, follow the fixes below.

What Is ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED?

ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED usually appears when your browser cannot connect to the website server. This can happen due to network problems, incorrect browser settings, or the server being unavailable.

What Causes ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED?

There are several reasons why this error may appear. The most common causes include:

  • Website server is down
  • Incorrect network configuration
  • Firewall or antivirus blocking connection
  • Proxy settings issues
  • Browser cache problems
  • Browser extensions interfering with connection

How to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED

Try the following solutions one by one until the issue is resolved.

Check If the Website Is Down

Sometimes the issue is with the website itself, not your computer.

  1. Try opening the website on another device
  2. Use a different internet connection if possible
  3. Try opening another website on your browser
  4. If the website doesn’t load anywhere, it may be down
  5. Wait and try again later

Restart Your Router

Restarting your network can fix temporary connection issues.

  1. Find your router
  2. Press the Power button or unplug it
  3. Wait 30 seconds
  4. Plug it back in or turn it ON
  5. Wait until internet reconnects
  6. Try opening the website again

Clear Browser Cache

Cached data can sometimes cause connection issues.

  1. Open Chrome settings
  2. Go to Privacy and Security
  3. Click Clear browsing data
  4. Select Cached images and files
  5. Clear data and restart browser

Disable Firewall Temporarily

  1. Open Control Panel
  2. Click System and Security
  3. Select Windows Defender Firewall
  4. Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off
  5. Select Turn off firewall (temporary)
  6. Try opening the website

Firewall settings can sometimes block connections.

Disable Antivirus Temporarily

Use this if the error still appears after trying all other fixes.

Important: Only disable your antivirus temporarily for testing. Turn it back ON after checking.

On Windows (Windows Security):
  1. Click the Start menu
  2. Type Windows Security and open it
  3. Click Virus & threat protection
  4. Scroll to Virus & threat protection settings
  5. Click Manage settings
  6. Turn OFF Real-time protection
  7. Open your browser and try accessing the website again
If You Use Third-Party Antivirus:
  1. Find the antivirus icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner)
  2. Right-click the icon
  3. Look for options like:
    • Disable protection
    • Pause protection
    • Turn off temporarily
  4. Select a short time (for example 10 minutes)
  5. Try opening the website again
After Testing:
  1. Go back to your antivirus
  2. Turn protection back ON
  3. Restart your browser
What this does

Antivirus software can sometimes block certain websites or connections if they are incorrectly flagged as unsafe, which may cause connection errors.

Disable Proxy Settings

On Windows:

  1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings
  2. Click Network & Internet
  3. Scroll down and click Proxy (on the left side)
  4. Under Manual proxy setup, make sure Use a proxy server is turned OFF
  5. Also check that Automatically detect settings is turned ON
  6. Close Settings
  7. Restart your browser and try opening the website again

On Mac:

  1. Click the Apple menu (top-left corner)
  2. Select System Settings (or System Preferences)
  3. Click Network
  4. Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
  5. Click Details (or Advanced)
  6. Go to the Proxies tab
  7. Make sure all proxy options are unchecked
  8. Click OK, then Apply
  9. Restart your browser and try again

What it does

Proxy settings route your internet traffic through another server. If the proxy is incorrect or not working, it can block access to websites and cause connection errors.

Flush DNS

Flushing DNS clears stored network data and can resolve connection issues.

  1. Click the Start menu (bottom-left corner of your screen)
  2. Type cmd in the search bar Right-click on Command Prompt
  3. Click Run as administrator
  4. If prompted, click Yes to allow access
  5. In the Command Prompt window, type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter
  6. Wait until you see a confirmation message
  7. Close the window and restart your browser
  8. Try accessing the website again

You should see a message confirming that the DNS cache has been cleared.

How to Prevent ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED

Once the issue is fixed, you can take steps to avoid it in the future.

  • Keep network stable
  • Avoid incorrect proxy settings
  • Maintain updated browser
  • Use trusted security software

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED mean?

It means your browser cannot connect to the website because the connection was refused.

Is ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED a server problem?

It can be either a server issue or a problem with your network or settings.

Can firewall cause ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED?

Yes, firewall or antivirus software can block connections and trigger this error.

You may also want to check our guides on ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT Fix, ERR_INTERNET_DISCONNECTED Fix, ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR Fix, DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET Fix, Outlook Not Working Fix and ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED Fix for related connection issues.