If you’ve ever tried opening a website and got hit with the frustrating ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error, you’re not alone. This error can appear in Google Chrome, Firefox, or pretty much any browser — and it can show up unexpectedly even when your internet seems to be working just fine.
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This issue is usually related to connection problems on your end, DNS hiccups, firewall rules, or even website server issues. For example, if you’re running into other browser issues like “ERR_ADDRESS_UNREACHABLE,” this troubleshooting guide might also help you diagnose your network setup. In this guide, I’ll walk you through simple, effective ways to troubleshoot and fix the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error, based on real-world fixes from community forums, tech support threads, and personal testing.
1. Start With the Basics
Before we dive into deep technical settings, let’s rule out some basic possibilities:
- Try opening the website on a different device or network. If it works elsewhere, the issue is most likely with your device or network.
- Restart your router and PC. Sometimes, a quick reboot clears up lingering conflicts.
- Check if other websites load. If only one site refuses to connect, the issue might be with the website itself.
If nothing else loads, move on to the steps below.
2. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Sometimes, outdated or corrupted cache and cookies can prevent your browser from connecting properly.
Here’s how to clear cache in Chrome:
- Open Chrome → click the three-dot menu in the top-right.
- Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data.
- Select All time as the time range.
- Check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
After that, restart your browser and try visiting the website again. If you’re using Chrome and want to dive deeper, here’s a full walkthrough on clearing cache and cookies in multiple browsers that goes beyond just Chrome.
3. Check Your Proxy Settings
Incorrect or misconfigured proxy settings are a common cause of this error.
3.1 On Windows:
- Open the Start Menu → search for Internet Options.
- Go to the Connections tab → click LAN settings.
- Make sure “Use a proxy server for your LAN” is unchecked unless you manually set one.
3.2 On macOS:
- Go to System Preferences > Network.
- Select your connection → click Advanced > Proxies.
- Uncheck all selected proxy options unless you require them.
Give the browser another shot after applying changes.
4. Reset the Hosts File (Windows)
If someone or something (like adware) has modified your hosts file, you might face connection issues.
To reset it:
- Press Win + R and type:
%WinDir%\System32\Drivers\Etc- Open the hosts file with Notepad.
- Delete everything inside and paste in the default text below.
- Save the file to your desktop.
- Rename the original hosts file (e.g., to hosts_old) in the Etc folder.
- Move your new file into that folder.
- Restart your PC.
Default HOSTS File for Windows 10/11:
# Copyright (c) 1993-2006 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# 127.0.0.1 localhost
# ::1 localhostYour hosts file is now clean — any entries blocking your connection have been removed.
5. Flush DNS and Reset TCP/IP
DNS and network stack issues can often trigger connection errors.
On Windows:
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run these commands:
ipconfig /flushdns
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset
Restart your PC afterward.
On macOS:
Open Terminal and run:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
Then restart your Mac. If this still doesn’t fix it, another error to look out for is DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NO_INTERNET — here’s a separate guide that covers that in detail.
6. Disable Firewall or Antivirus (Temporarily)
Your firewall or security suite could be blocking your connection. To test:
- Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus
- Try accessing the site again
If it works, add the website or app to your exception list, then re-enable your protection.
NOTE: Just be sure to turn your firewall/antivirus back on once you’ve finished testing.
7. Try Using a Different DNS Provider
If your current DNS provider is having issues, switching to a public one like Google or Cloudflare can help.
Recommended DNS:
- Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
You can change DNS from your network adapter settings or your router.
Final Option: Try a Different Browser or VPN
Still no luck? Try loading the page in another browser or with a VPN.
- If it works in another browser → the issue is browser-specific
- If it works via VPN → your ISP or network might be blocking the site
8. FAQs
What causes this error to appear?
It’s usually a result of issues like DNS misconfiguration, incorrect proxy settings, browser cache conflicts, or firewall interference.
Can this be caused by antivirus or firewall software?
Yes. Overprotective security software can sometimes block connections that are actually safe. Temporarily disabling it can help isolate the issue.
Is this a virus or malware warning?
No — this error typically means your device or browser couldn’t establish a connection with the website. It’s not malware-related.
Can mobile phones experience this issue too?
Absolutely. If your mobile device’s network or DNS settings are off, the same error can show up when browsing on Chrome or Safari.
Why does it happen on only one browser?
That’s a strong indicator the problem is browser-specific. Clearing cache or resetting settings usually fixes it.
9. Final Thoughts
The ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error is frustrating, but not unbeatable. From browser cache to proxy settings and DNS tweaks, one of the steps above should get you back online.
If you’ve tried everything and still can’t fix the issue, it’s best to contact your ISP or seek professional help. You could also try opening the website from a friend’s connection to confirm whether it’s a local issue.
Let me know which fix worked for you — and if you’d like me to cover a related error like DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN next!
