Chrome Error ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED: Connection Refused
This error typically occurs when website server is down. Below you'll find 5 proven fixes to resolve it.
What Causes Chrome Error ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED?
Chrome error ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED (Connection Refused) can be triggered by several issues:
- Website server is down
- Firewall blocking the connection
- Proxy settings misconfigured
- DNS cache corrupted
- Browser extensions interfering
How to Fix Chrome Error ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED — Step by Step
Clear browser cache and cookies
Chrome > Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data > All time > Clear data. Or press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
Flush DNS cache
Open CMD as Admin:ipconfig /flushdns
Then try the website again.
Check proxy settings
Chrome > Settings > System > Open your computer's proxy settings > Make sure 'Automatically detect settings' is ON and no manual proxy is set.
Disable firewall temporarily
Windows Security > Firewall > Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (both Private and Public). Test the site. If it works, add Chrome to the firewall exceptions and re-enable.
Try incognito mode
Press Ctrl + Shift + N. If the site loads in incognito, a browser extension is causing the issue. Disable extensions one by one to find the culprit.
Still Getting Error ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED?
IT Cares can diagnose and fix this error remotely — usually in under 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED mean?
Your browser tried to connect to a website but the server actively rejected the connection. This is different from a timeout — the server is reachable but refusing your request.
Is the problem on my end or the website's?
Try the site on your phone (using mobile data, not WiFi). If it works there, the problem is your computer or network. If it fails on mobile data too, the website is likely down.
Can a VPN cause this error?
Yes. VPNs can trigger connection refused errors if the website blocks VPN IP addresses or if the VPN's DNS settings conflict with the site. Try disconnecting your VPN.
Why does only one site give this error?
The specific server is either down, blocking your IP, or has reached its connection limit. It's not your computer — only that site has the issue.
Should I reset my router?
It's worth trying. Unplug your router for 30 seconds, plug it back in, wait 2 minutes for it to fully restart. This clears the router's DNS cache and assigns a fresh connection.
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