How to fix the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error in Chrome

　　In a digital world obsessed with instant gratification, one of the last things you want to experience while browsing is an error message like ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED . This can be incredibly frustrating and could even be a sign of a serious problem.

　　What makes this error really confusing for the average user is that it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between a problem with your WordPress site and other issues, such as network or browser problems.

　　The "ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED" message is a particularly common error message that you'll sometimes see in Chrome, and it's not usually related to WordPress sites. Fortunately, pinpointing the cause of this issue is relatively easy. In this post, we'll explain what the message means and how to fix it. Typically, this involves the following steps:

　　Check if the page itself is closed.

　　Restart your router.

　　Clear your browser's cache.

　　Evaluate your proxy settings and adjust them as needed.

　　Temporarily disable antivirus and firewall software.

　　Flush your DNS cache.

　　Change your DNS address.

　　Disable any outdated Chrome extensions.

　　Reinstall the Chrome browser.

　　But first, let's take a deeper look at what this error actually means.

　　What is the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error?

　　How to fix the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error in Chrome

　　What to do if none of these solutions work

　　What is the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error?

　　Unfortunately, encountering errors is a common problem with using the internet. There are hundreds of possibilities, ranging from a white screen of death to the classic 404 error , the ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT error , or the ERR_CACHE_MISS error .

　　Google Chrome (Can't reach this site)

　　In Google Chrome, users may also be familiar with the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED page. You will see a message:

　　This site cannot be reached or this page is unavailable.

　　ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error in Google Chrome

　　When you visit a website using Google Chrome and encounter this message, it means that your connection attempt was rejected. This error code also appears in other browsers, albeit in different forms.

　　A similar message that may also appear here is the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error , which is a DNS error that means the requested domain name does not exist.

　　Mozilla Firefox (Unable to Connect Error)

　　In Mozilla Firefox, it will simply show as Unable to connect .

　　Firefox cannot establish a connection to the server at domain.com.

　　Unable to connect error in Mozilla Firefox

　　Microsoft Edge (hmm…can’t reach this page error)

　　In Microsoft Edge, it will simply display as Hmmm… can’t reach this page . This isn’t very helpful.

　　Make sure you have the correct URL: domain.com.

　　Um…can’t reach this page error in Microsoft Edge

　　The ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error is sometimes caused by a server-side issue, rather than a problem with the connection you're trying to make. This isn't usually serious and could simply be the result of a firewall or incorrect server settings. However, it could also be a sign of a more serious problem—like a malware attack or unexpected downtime. An unreliable internet connection could also contribute.

　　Like most error messages, ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED lets you know something went wrong without being kind enough to tell you why it happened. This means you can find and fix the underlying problem, if possible.

　　How to fix the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error in Chrome

　　While the range of potential causes can make troubleshooting tricky, it's possible to fix the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error. Let's walk through nine steps you can take, starting with the one most likely to provide an answer.

　　1. Check website status

　　Your first port of call should be to check the status of the website you’re trying to access. As we’ve already mentioned, the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error can sometimes be caused by the site’s server, rather than your own internet connection.

　　An easy way to check if this is the case is to visit another web page. If the error message reappears, the problem is most likely with your connection. However, if the second page loads correctly, the problem is likely with the first site.

　　You can also use Down For Everyone or Just Me :

　　Down For Everyone or Just Me

　　Enter the address of the invalid page and click "or just me?" . The site will then assess whether the page is offline (Down) or online (Up). Unfortunately, if the page is down, all you can do is wait for it to be fixed. However, if the page is up but still not loading for you, it's time to do some further troubleshooting.

　　2. Restart your router

　　As a tried-and-true method for resolving many internet-related issues, your next step would be to try turning it off and back on again. Restarting your home or office router isn't 100% guaranteed to be successful. However, the process only takes a few minutes, so it's worth a try when dealing with potential connection issues.

　　To do this, disconnect the router from its power source. Then, wait about 30 seconds before plugging it back in. Once the router boots up again, try accessing the page that returned the error. If it loads, you're good to go. If not, there might be another issue at play.

　　3. Clear your browser cache

　　Like any good internet browser, Chrome stores information in a cache on your computer or device. This includes your browsing history, saved logins, and cookies—all of which are recorded to make the page load faster the next time you visit.

　　Despite their usefulness, outdated caches can cause a number of problems. This is because the cached version of the page may no longer match the current live version. Fortunately, this problem can be easily resolved by clearing your cache.

　　But before you do that, you can easily check if it's a browser cache issue by opening your browser in Incognito mode . Alternatively, you can try a different browser. If you still see the error, you'll need to clear your cache.

　　To do this, first open Chrome's main menu (in the top-right corner of the browser window). From there, select More tools : Then you can click Clear browser data .

　Clear browsing data in Chrome

　　On the resulting page, you'll need to make sure all listed file categories are selected. Otherwise, Chrome won't be able to empty the entire cache. Instead, it will only delete the most recent entries, which won't have the desired effect:

　　Clear browsing data

　　Another way to complete this process is to enter the following URL in the address bar:

　　chrome://settings/clearBrowserData

　　The resulting screen should grant you access to the same options we outlined above. Below are some other helpful links for clearing your cache.

　　How to force refresh a single page for all browsers

　　How to clear Google Chrome cache

　　How to Clear Mozilla Firefox Browser Cache

　　How to Clear Safari Browser Cache

　　How to Clear Internet Explorer Browser Cache

　　How to Clear Microsoft Edge Browser Cache

　　How to Clear Opera Browser Cache

　　4. Evaluate your proxy settings and adjust as needed

　　With security threats constantly increasing, it’s no wonder that many people are now using separate solutions to protect their sensitive data. One popular method is to use a proxy server.

　　A proxy allows you to surf the Internet under a different IP address and acts as an intermediary between your browser and the websites you visit. In addition to keeping your IP address private, it also helps filter cached data and server communications.

　　Just like a cache, a proxy server can be helpful, but it can also cause ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED messages. For example, a web server might refuse to connect to the proxy server's IP address and, therefore, refuse the actual connection.

　　It’s also possible that the proxy is offline or incorrectly configured. In short, if you get a problematic error message, it’s worth checking your proxy settings.

　　Chrome actually has its own proxy section that makes this step a particularly easy process. After all, you don’t have to spend any time searching for the right tool in your browser.

　　To get started, access the "Settings" menu in your Chrome browser. This will open the full menu of options. Under the " System " section (you'll need to click "Advanced" at the bottom to see it), you should find an entry titled " Open proxy settings ." Selecting it will take you to the corresponding menu:

　　Open proxy settings in Chrome

　　Your next step depends on your current operating system. Windows users should click LAN Settings and uncheck the Use proxy server for LAN option. If you're a Mac user, you should immediately find yourself in the relevant menu. Then, uncheck all selectable proxy protocols and check if the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED message is resolved.

　　Uncheck the proxy on Mac

　　5. Temporarily disable firewall and antivirus software

　　Firewalls and antivirus software are designed to protect users and their systems. They scan your device regularly and automatically block any suspicious activity. However, you might start to notice a recurring theme here, as (much like caches and proxy servers) this type of advanced security can sometimes cause connection issues.

　　This is because firewalls can often block unwanted pages or deny access to completely safe content. To check if this is the case for you, try disabling your firewall and antivirus program. This is only recommended if you're certain the site you're trying to access is safe.

　　Additionally, you should only disable this type of software temporarily. Once you've completed your checks to see if the error has resolved, re-enable it so you're not vulnerable. If you're repeatedly experiencing errors due to your firewall or antivirus software, you may want to consider changing the software you're using.

　　6. Clear your DNS cache

　　As a somewhat extended version of the earlier troubleshooting steps, your next task will be to clear your DNS cache . While most people know that their browser creates a cache, not many know that their operating system does the same thing.

　　For example, your DNS cache contains temporary entries for all the pages you have visited using your browser. These entries store key information related to the domain names and addresses of the pages you have visited.

　　This feature's purpose is similar to other types of caching. It speeds up the loading process by eliminating the need to repeatedly contact the site's DNS server. This will save you time in the long run. However, you may occasionally experience short-term issues.

　　If a stored entry no longer matches the current version of the website it refers to, technical errors such as the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED message are not uncommon. Fortunately, clearing your DNS cache is a quick and easy solution.

　　Again, how you would do this will depend on your operating system.

　　Windows

　　Press the Windows key to launch the Start menu and search for "CMD." This should return you to the Command Prompt.

　　Command Prompt in Windows

　　Run the following command in the command prompt:

　　ipconfig /flushdns

　　ipconfig /flushdns

　　You will then see confirmation that it has successfully flushed your DNS resolver cache.

　　Flush DNS resolver cache

　　For the purposes of this article, we'll walk you through the process if you're using a Mac—though if you're a Windows fan , you'll be able to find plenty of helpful resources online.

　　Mac

　　On a Mac, you need to do the following:

　　Click "Go" in the toolbar, then click "Utilities." (Shift-Command-U)

　　Mac Utilities

　　Open Terminal.

         Mac Terminal

　　Run the following command. You need administrator privileges to do this.

　　sudo monthly -HUP mDNSResponder && echo macOS DNS Cache Reset

　　Clear your Mac's DNS cache

　　Once you're done, try accessing the problem site again. Hopefully, if you've followed all of our advice, it should work now. If not, your DNS might need some attention.

　　7. Change your DNS address

　　As we discussed above, outdated DNS cache entries are a potential source of issues like ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED messages. However, the DNS address itself can also cause such problems. This is because it can often become overloaded or even go offline completely.

　　In most cases, your DNS server address is automatically obtained from your internet provider. However, you can change it if needed. How you do this will again depend on the operating system you are using.

　　Let's explore how Mac users can complete this process. First, you need to open System Preferences . On the screen that appears, select the option labeled Network . Then, you need to click Advanced :

　　Mac Network Advanced Settings

　　From there, select the DNS option at the top of the screen. To add a new DNS server, click the + button. To edit an existing DNS server instead, double-click the DNS IP address you want to adjust:

　　Network DNS

　　You can try temporarily changing these to a public DNS server such as Google or Cloudflare.

　　Some people prefer to use Google's public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) for a long time because they are sometimes more reliable.

　　Cloudflare also offers its secure and fast free DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).

　　Tip: If you’re already using a free DNS server and are experiencing issues, removing it and defaulting back to your ISP’s DNS servers can sometimes resolve the issue. Google and Cloudflare aren’t 100% perfect, and in some cases, we’ve noticed that switching back has resolved the issue.

　　You can then try accessing the site again – and cross your fingers.

　　8. Disable any Chrome extensions

　　There's no denying that installing extensions often helps you get a more well-rounded Google Chrome experience. Many of the extensions available can add key features or even help automate complex processes.

　　However, a large number of extensions available for Google Chrome aren't developed by the browser's own developers. Instead, they're often created by third parties. This can mean there's no real guarantee that they'll work as you expect, or that they'll be properly updated over time.

　　Incorrect or outdated extensions can cause many problems – including the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error message. Therefore, it is important to regularly audit the extensions attached to your browser.

　　To do this, first open the Extensions menu in your Chrome browser . Then, you can start evaluating each installed extension one by one. First, ask yourself whether you really need each one. If you no longer need an extension, you can simply delete it.

　　Next, find out when each extension you want to keep was last updated. Ideally, it should have been updated within the past three months. Any longer than that could indicate that the extension has been neglected by its developer. If possible, you'll want to delete these extensions and replace them with newer alternatives.

　　Of course, new (and fully updated) extensions can still sometimes cause problems. If you suspect this is the case, first disable all attached extensions. If the site you're trying to access loads after doing this, you'll know there's a problem with at least one of them. You can then reactivate the extensions one at a time until you're familiar with the problem software.

　　9. Reinstall Chrome browser

　　Like any other application, Chrome itself is never completely bug-free. Your installed browser might contain various issues, especially if it hasn't been updated in a while. What's more, issues between your browser and your operating system are quite common.

　　Therefore, sometimes the only solution is to completely reinstall Chrome. You can do this by deleting the current installation from your device. Then, you can download the latest version of the browser by visiting the official Chrome website .

　　What to do if none of these solutions work

　　If none of the solutions we've provided you fix the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED message, this usually indicates a more serious problem on the server side (in other words, with the website itself).

　　Unfortunately, the only thing you can do in this situation is be patient. The site's owners are most likely working to resolve any issues and will be back to business as usual soon.

　　If accessing the site is a matter of urgency, you could try contacting its owners directly. There are many ways to do this, though social media and email are particularly effective – and less likely to be affected by any website downtime.

　　Explain the problem you're facing and mention that you've tried several solutions to no avail. Hopefully, the team behind the website will be able to contact you to discuss the best course of action. You might even be doing them a favor if you manage to make them realize they were unaware of the issue blocking access to their website.

　　summary

　　While connection errors are always frustrating, it's important to remember that they can usually be fixed. Your first port of call should always be to check if the problem lies with the webpage itself. On the other hand, if the problem lies with your own connection, you'll need to do some work to get things back up and running.

　　To try to resolve the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED message, you can:

　　Check if the page itself is closed.

　　Restart your router.

　　Clear your browser's cache.

　　Evaluate your proxy settings and adjust them as needed.

　　Temporarily disable antivirus and firewall software.

　　Flush your DNS cache.

　　Change your DNS address.

　　Disable any outdated Chrome extensions.

　　Reinstall the Chrome browser.