How to fix “ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED”. Step-by-Step Guide

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How to fix “ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED”. Step-by-Step Guide






How to Solve ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you encounter the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error, it usually means a connection issue between your browser and the website. This guide provides a simple troubleshooting checklist, including checking site availability, resetting your router, clearing browser data, flushing DNS, and adjusting proxy settings. Ensure both your local network and browser configurations are correctly set.

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Key Takeaways for Resolving ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED

  • ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED: This error typically occurs due to connection issues between your browser and the website you’re trying to access.
  • Steps to fix include simple methods like rebooting your router or clearing browser data, or more advanced actions like flushing DNS or changing proxy settings.
  • Troubleshooting involves checking both your local network environment (router, firewall, DNS) and browser issues (extensions, cache).

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Solve ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED

If you’re encountering the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error, it might seem frustrating, but this guide will walk you through a variety of troubleshooting steps that can resolve the issue. We’ll cover everything from network diagnostics to adjusting your browser settings.

1. Check if the Website is Available

Before diving into heavy troubleshooting, check if it’s the website itself that’s down. Sometimes the issue is on their end, not yours.

Instructions:

  1. Visit services like Down For Everyone Or Just Me or Is It Down Right Now?.
  2. Enter the web address you’re trying to access.
  3. If the site is down globally, you simply need to wait for it to come back online.

Pro Tip: Bookmark one of these services – they are handy for quickly checking website availability in the future.

2. Reset Your Internet Router

Resetting your router can help resolve connectivity issues that may be causing the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error.

Instructions:

  1. Unplug your router from the power supply.
  2. Wait for 20-30 seconds.
  3. Plug your router back in.
  4. Wait for it to boot up fully, then check if the connection is restored.

Tech Advice: This method is often the simplest fix! I suggest resetting your router periodically for routine maintenance to prevent connectivity issues.

3. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Sometimes your browser’s cache and cookies contain outdated or corrupted data, which conflicts with websites and causes this error. To streamline this process and manage all browser settings seamlessly, tools like EaseUS DupFiles Cleaner can help clean duplicate and conflicting cache data efficiently.

Instructions (For Google Chrome):

  1. Open Chrome.
  2. Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
  3. Go to More tools > Clear browsing data.
  4. In the Time range, select All time.
  5. Select Cached images and files and Cookies and other site data.
  6. Click Clear data.

Read Google’s official guide on clearing cache and cookies.

4. Check Proxy Server Settings

Incorrect proxy server settings can block your connection. You can disable your proxy server to test if it’s the culprit.

Instructions:

  1. Open Chrome.
  2. Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
  3. Go to Settings > Advanced > System.
  4. Click Open your computer’s proxy settings.
  5. Uncheck the box Use a proxy server for your LAN.

Pro Tip: A proxy setup is often used for privacy, but if misconfigured, it can cause connection problems. Keep them off while troubleshooting.

5. Flush DNS Cache

Flushing the DNS cache resets cached DNS data that could be causing issues.

Instructions:

  • For Windows:

    1. Open Command Prompt (Run as Admin).
    2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
    3. Type netsh winsock reset and press Enter.

  • For macOS:

    1. Open Terminal.
    2. Type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.
    3. Press Enter.

6. Change DNS Address

Changing the DNS server to popular, reliable third-party services can often help with connectivity issues.

  • Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
  • Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
  • OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220

How to Change DNS (Windows):

  1. Go to Network & Sharing Center.
  2. Select Change adapter settings.
  3. Right-click your active network > Properties.
  4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties.
  5. Check Use the following DNS server addresses and input the preferred DNS addresses.

7. Disable Firewall and Antivirus Software Temporarily

Firewalls or antivirus programs sometimes block certain websites or connections, causing this error.

Instructions (Windows Firewall):

  1. Open Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Firewall.
  2. Click on Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
  3. Disable your firewall (temporarily).

Important: Make sure to enable them again after testing, as they are crucial for your protection.

8. Troubleshoot the Internet Connection

Use built-in troubleshooters to diagnose common network issues.

Instructions (Windows):

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet.
  2. Go to Status and click Network troubleshooter.
  3. Let the system diagnose possible issues.

Expert Note: While most people overlook built-in troubleshooters, they can sometimes identify obscure issues.

9. Disable VPN

If you’re using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), it can sometimes lead to connection errors. Try disabling the VPN temporarily and see if the site loads.

Expert Tip: Some websites geo-block access or throttle VPN connections, which can lead to this error.

10. Uninstall Unnecessary Chrome Extensions

Conflicting or malfunctioning extensions often cause connection problems.

Instructions:

  1. Open Chrome.
  2. Go to More tools > Extensions.
  3. Review your extensions and remove the ones you don’t use or are suspicious.

Expert Tip: Be mindful of installing too many extensions as they can slow down both your browser and clutter your browsing experience.

11. Reinstall Google Chrome

If none of the above steps work, Chrome could be corrupted and may need a fresh install.

Instructions:

  1. For Windows:

    • Open Settings > Apps.
    • Search for Chrome and uninstall it.
    • Download the latest version from the official website: Download Chrome.

  2. For macOS:

    • Delete Chrome from the Applications folder.
    • Download the latest version from the official Chrome website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What causes ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error?

This error can result from issues with your internet connection, a down website, misconfigured local settings (like DNS or proxy), or browser-related problems (such as cache or conflicted extensions).

2. Is ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED caused by the website or user’s side?

It could be either. You should first check if the website is down using tools like Down For Everyone Or Just Me. If the site is up, the problem likely comes from your local connection or browser.

3. Can a VPN cause ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED?

Yes, a VPN might interfere with connections to certain websites. Disabling the VPN, even temporarily, can help resolve this error.

4. Why should I flush my DNS cache?

Sometimes your DNS cache contains outdated information that leads to errors accessing websites. Flushing it refreshes DNS data and can solve many connection problems.

5. How often should I clear my browser cache?

There’s no fixed rule, but if you frequently experience issues with loading web pages, clearing your cache once a month can help keep things running smoothly.

This comprehensive game plan should help you tackle the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED issue quickly and effectively.

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