ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED: What is it and 11 ways to fix it

ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED is an error message that you may encounter when accessing a website with Google Chrome. Although frustrating, it often indicates a client-side issue that you can easily fix.

This guide explains what the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error is and 11 methods to fix it.

Error codeERR_CONNECTION_REFUSEDbug typeConnectionbug variationsCan’t access this site
This page is not available
It can not be connected
Hmmm…can’t reach this pageCauses of the errorFaulty internet connection
Google sync error
Faulty Google Chrome Extensions
Antivirus, firewall, or VPN interference
Outdated browser or DNS cache

doWhat is the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error?

ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error message appears in Google Chrome when the browser’s connection attempt to a web page is rejected.

In Mozilla Firefox, this error generates the message “Cannot connect”. For its part, Microsoft Edge displays the message “Hmmm…can’t reach this page” when the problem occurs.

In most cases, ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED is a client error, which means that a problem on your machine caused it. However, in rare cases, the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error in Chrome can be caused by the target web server.

11 Methods to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED

This section will explore 11 methods to fix ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error in Chrome.

Most of the methods are for beginners, although some of them are advanced. We’ll guide you through each step, making the process as painless as possible. Let’s start.

1. Check if the website is down

The ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error can sometimes be caused by problems with the website itself, such as a server crash. Before trying the other methods, check if the site is accessible.

To check if a website is down, use free online tools like , either . All you have to do is enter the URL and the tool will tell you the status of the website.

If the website is not working for everyone, the only thing you can do is wait for the administrators to fix the problem. If not, the problem is definitely with your machine and you can try the following methods.

2. Reboot the network adapter

A faulty Internet connection can often be fixed simply by restarting the router. Whenever you have connection problems, this method is worth trying.

To reset your network adapter, locate your router and unplug it. Wait 10-30 seconds before plugging it back in. Once you have reconnected to the Internet, try to access the website again.

3. Troubleshoot internet connection

Windows and macOS have built-in tools to fix connection issues. These tools identify the problem and offer possible solutions.

Follow these steps to start the connection troubleshooter on a computer Windows:

1. open the Setting Through the start menu or by pressing the Windows key + I.
2. Scroll down to the menu Network and Internet.
3. Press the button Solve problems.

4. Select the network adapter you want to diagnose and press Following.

5. Wait for the system to finish analyzing the problems.
6. If problems are found, apply the suggested fixes.
7. Close the troubleshooter and reboot the system.

For users of Machere’s how to start the Internet troubleshooter:

1. Disconnect or unplug all external devices except your monitor and keyboard.
2. Power off the system.
3. Turn the system back on while holding D.
4. Choose the language you prefer.
5. Wait for it to finish running Apple Diagnostics.
6. If the system identifies problems with your connection, it will suggest possible solutions.
7. Apply the suggested solutions and reboot the system.

Try to visit the problematic web page again after running the troubleshooter on your system. If the problem persists, try the other methods.

4. Turn off sync with Google

Problems with Google sync can cause the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error in Chrome.

Here’s how to turn off sync in Google Chrome:

1. Open the three point menu located to the right of the address bar.
2. Choose Setting.
3. go to Sync and Google Services -> Disable.

Check if the error has been fixed. Don’t forget to turn sync back on after browsing the web.

5. Check Google Chrome extensions

Google Chrome extensions are great for extending Chrome’s features and improving the overall browsing experience.

However, many extensions are created by third-party developers and are not closely monitored by Google. Therefore, an outdated or problematic Google Chrome extension may be causing the error.

We suggest you check all the extensions installed in your Google Chrome browser. Make sure they are all recently updated and uninstall any that are out of date.

This is also an excellent opportunity to disable Chrome extensions that are cluttering your browser. Regular auditing of installed extensions is vital to avoid speed issues and security threats.

To remove an extension from the Google Chrome browser, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Chrome three-dot menu -> Extensions.
2. In the Extensions menu, find the extension you want to uninstall and click Put off.

Lastly, check if you can access the website after uninstalling the extension.

6. Reinstall Chrome

The current installation of Google Chrome may have issues that cause the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error. The easiest way to restore Chrome to original settings is to uninstall and reinstall it.

But before doing this, consider a quicker way to revert Chrome browser to its original settings by resetting it.

Follow these steps to reset Chrome:

1. Open Chrome.
2. Navigate to the three dots menu -> Advanced settings -> Restore settings and clean.
3. click on Restore the original default values ​​of the configuration.
4. Choose Reset settings.

If the error still appears, proceed to reinstall the Chrome browser. Here we explain how to do it in Windows:

1. Open Chrome.
2. Download the latest version of google chrome on your computer.
3. Opens Settings -> Apps -> Apps & features.
4. Find Google Chrome in the application listdisplay the menu of the three points and click on uninstall.

5. After uninstalling Chrome successfully, run the previously downloaded Chrome installer.

7. Disable antivirus and firewall

The purpose of antivirus and firewall programs is to protect your computer from security threats such as viruses and malware. These programs periodically scan your files and network traffic for malicious activity and block them from infecting your computer.

However, these programs are not perfect. Sometimes they can block secure websites, preventing users from accessing them. Instead of opening the website normally, you may get ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error in your browser.

Temporarily disabling antivirus and firewall can fix this error. That said, make sure the website you’re trying to access is secure before trying this method.

Here’s how to disable antivirus software and firewall on Windows if you use the default Windows Defender Firewall:

1. Access Windows Security by going to Settings -> Update and security.
2. click on Virus and threat protection.
3. In Antivirus settings and threat protectionChoose Manage settings.
4. turn off the Real-time protection.

5. go to Firewall and network protection.
6. Open each network profile: domain network, private network Y public network and deactivate Microsoft Defender Firewall.

If you use a computer macOSfollow these steps to temporarily disable the built-in firewall:

1. Click on the apple-logo in the top left-hand corner.
2. Choose System Preferences -> Security and Privacy.
3. Select the tab firewall to open your settings.
4. Click on the padlock icon and enter your username and password.
5. Once unlocked, select Disable Firewall.
6. Click again on the padlock icon to prevent further changes to the firewall settings.

If you’re using third-party antivirus and firewall software, the steps to disable it will be software-specific. We recommend that you study the documentation of the software to know how to do it correctly.

Note that you should only temporarily disable antivirus and firewall software. You risk getting viruses or malware if you keep them disabled. After trying this method, quickly restore the software to its original state.

8. Disable VPN

For many people, having a VPN is essential to ensure their privacy online. One allows users to mask their real IP address, making it appear that they are browsing the Internet from another location.

However, some VPNs can interfere with the connection and cause the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error in Chrome. Temporarily disabling the VPN may fix the problem.

Most VPN services make it easy to turn the VPN on and off. For example, here’s how to disable NordVPN:

1. Open the NordVPN client.
2. Make sure you are connected to a server and select Disconnect.
3. Select how long you want to pause the VPN connection.

Don’t forget to reconnect to the VPN once you’ve tried this method.

9. Clear cache

The browser cache is where Chrome stores cookies, login details, and other information to speed up the website loading process and personalize the user experience.

It’s possible that your browser is currently storing an outdated cache of the problematic website, causing the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error. Clearing the browser cache will force the browser to completely reload the website data, updating the cache to its latest version.

Another way to quickly open a web page without using the existing cache is to open it in incognito mode or use another browser. If the error message still appears, in Chrome:

1. Navigate to the three dots menu -> More tools -> Clear browsing data.
2. In the drop down menu WeatherChoose Since ever.
3. Make sure all browsing data, including the browsing history, cookies and other site dataas well as cached images and files are selected. then click Delete data.

Try to access the problematic website again. If the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error message persists, proceed to the next method.

10. Flush DNS cache

The cache of…