How to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error in 5 Ways

5 Solution to fix ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error

The “ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED” error message is standard in non-WordPress-related sites. Usually, you will see this error sometimes in Google Chrome or any one of your favourite browsers. 

This error is not complex, and it can be resolved. In this article, you will learn how you can fix this error by just following a few simple steps:

  1. Check your internet connection.
  2. Clear your browser’s cache.
  3. Flush your DNS cache.
  4. Change your DNS address.
  5. Temporarily disable antivirus and firewall software.

What is Err_Connection_Refused Error?

Hundreds of possibilities can cause the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED Error on your browser. Most WordPress users face this type of Error daily. Sometimes The ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED Error is caused by server-side problems, but not in every case; it may depend on user-side problems also. 

This Error is resolvable from the user side. The most proven cause for this Error is incorrect firewall or server settings, unexpected downtime, malware attack, or unreliable internet connection.

You will never know where the problem lies because the error message ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED is straightforward, and there is not much to say about why it happened. So, it makes up to you to follow the possible solution one by one and pray anyone of them to solve this Error.

Solution 01: Check Your Internet Connection

Whatever device you use, either Windows or macOS or any other device, try accessing some of your other favourite websites to ensure your internet is working fine if you find any performance degradation on your internet connection like slowness or excessive page loading etc.

Restart your Router or Modem

Believe it or not, restarting the modem can solve hundreds of mysterious problems in your device. If you note anything unusual, you should restart your home or office router. Restarting the router can also fix the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED Error on your browser.

.If your router or modem does have a power button, then gently press it; if not, remove the power cable from the router

or modem and reconnect the cable after a few seconds.

Solution 02: Clear your Browser's Cache

Some of the vital information related to your search queries are stored in your computer as a cache by your web browser, like your browsing history, login credentials, cookies, etc.; this will help the web browser to load the web pages faster and improve your browsing performance.

The cached information helps you save valuable time, but sometimes the cached information gets corrupted, leading to errors like the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED etc. Still, thankfully all of the web browsers give us the option to clear the cached data in part or all of them.

Before cleaning the cached information in your browser, first, you need to make sure the website you are getting the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error is working in incognito or, also known as in private mode. If the website successfully loads in incognito or in-private mode, then clearing the cached information will be helpful.

Another option is to try a different web browser than what you are currently using.

Right-click on your browser and you will be given one option as New incognito or in-private window; opening it by clicking and see you get rid of the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error. If the error is is not resolved,, you can clean your browser cache.

How to Clear Cache for Google Chrome

Open a new Google Chrome browser and click the three dots icon in the top right corner. Select More Tools and Clear browsing data in the list of given options.

5 Solution to fix ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error

Make sure you tick the following option

  • Browsing history
  • Cookies and other site data
  • Cached images and files
  • Click the clear data button

Solution 03: Flush your DNS Cache and Renew your IP address

If the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED is caused due to your local system, flushing your DNS cache and renewing your local IP address too can help you eliminate the error. 

Ensure you are pointing to the correct DNS on your computer, or the host file might be corrupted. 

You can flush the DNS on your computer by following the simple command below and renewing your device’s IP address.

5 Solution to fix ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error
  • Press the Window key on your keyboard to open the search bar
  • Type cmd and open the command prompt as an admin
  • Type the following command one by one
    • Type ipconfig /flushdns and enter. This command will clear the DNS cache on your computer.
    • Type ipconfig /renew and enter. This command will renew the IP address for your device automatically for your computer.

Solution 04: Change your DNS address

The DNS IP address is permanently assigned by your ISP automatically, and all of the ISP have their own choice of DNS server for their service. 

Changing the DNS won’t harm your device or its performance, so you may temporarily or permanently change the server to any other DNS server, such as Google, Cloudflare, or Aguard free DNS. 

Changing the DNS address can also help you eliminate the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error on your device.

5 Solution to fix ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error
  • Press Window Key + R on your Keyboard to open RUN Window
  • Type ncpa.cpl in the run command and press Enter to open the network connection
  • Go to properties of your Network Interface
  • Select Internet Protocol Version (TCP/IPv4)
  • Click Properties
  • In General, select using the following DNS server address
  • Type your preferred Primary and Secondary DNS IP Address
  • Click OK and Click Close

Here I am using AdGuard free family protection DNS, which can block inappropriate and adult content, block phishing and dangerous site, protect privacy, and block tracking sites. 

For more information, check How to Block Ads in Windows 10 in 2 minutes.

Solution 05: Disable your Antivirus and Firewall Applications

Antivirus applications and firewall software can protect your device from various malicious activities and protection from all kinds of online threats. But like other software and services, your Antivirus and firewall can also mistakenly block certain websites that are entirely secure.

Because one of the important jobs of the Antivirus application is to regularly perform real-time checks and block any suspicious activity on your device, many users have claimed that Antivirus software like AVG and Avast have given false positive reports mistakenly very often.

So, without delay, go to your antivirus application and try to disable it temporarily after revisiting the website to see if the error ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED has disappeared.

If you still face the same ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error even after disabling your Antivirus application, then your Antivirus software is not the culprit here. So, immediately, enable your Antivirus application so that you don’t have to face any vulnerable attacks in between.

How to Disable Windows Defender Firewall in Windows 10

5 Solution to fix ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error
  • Press Window Key + R on your keyboard
  • Type control firewall.cpl and enter
  • On the left side, menu click Turn Windows Defender Firewall On or Off
  • Restart your PC

Now revisit the website to see if the error ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error is disappeared or not. If you find out you are still facing the same error, then your Windows firewall is not causing any problem here, so immediately enable your Windows firewall without any delay.

Mohammed Nihal
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