Encountering the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error in Chrome can be frustrating, but it’s typically solvable with the right approach. This comprehensive guide covers everything from quick fixes to advanced solutions for both regular websites and localhost environments.
What Causes ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED Errors?
The ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error occurs when Chrome cannot establish a connection with a website’s server. This commonly happens due to:
- Server issues: The website server might be down or unreachable
- Network problems: Your local network configuration has connectivity issues
- Configuration conflicts: Incorrect DNS or proxy settings are preventing connections
- Security blocks: Firewall or antivirus software is blocking the connection
- Corrupted data: Problematic cached data or cookies are causing conflicts
Quick Solutions for ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED
1. Verify Website Availability
Before troubleshooting your system, check if the website itself is operational:
- Try accessing the website from a different device
- Use an online “website status checker” tool
- Check if the website is experiencing reported outages
Recent reports from early 2025 show that some websites experience intermittent connection issues that trigger this error.
2. Restart Your Network Equipment
Often the simplest solution is the most effective:
- Unplug both your router and modem from power
- Wait approximately 30 seconds
- Plug the modem back in first and allow it to fully connect
- Plug the router back in and wait for it to establish connection
- Try accessing the website again once fully reconnected
3. Clear Chrome’s Cache and Cookies
Corrupted cache and cookies are common culprits:
- Click the three-dot menu in Chrome’s upper-right corner
- Select Settings
- Navigate to Privacy and security
- Click Clear browsing data
- Select All time for time range
- Check both Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files
- Click Clear data
4. Reset IP Address and Clear DNS Cache
This solution has been particularly effective for users in 2025:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator (Windows + R, type “cmd”, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter)
- Run these commands one by one:
ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew ipconfig /flushdns
- Restart Chrome and try accessing the site again
Advanced Troubleshooting Methods
5. Disable Proxy Settings
Recent user reports indicate proxy issues can trigger connection refusals:
- Open Windows Settings (Windows + I)
- Go to Network & Internet > Proxy
- Turn off Use a proxy server
- Ensure Automatically detect settings is enabled
- Click Save and restart Chrome
6. Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings
Security software is often behind connection issues:
⚠️ Warning: Only temporarily disable your firewall for testing purposes. Always re-enable it immediately after troubleshooting.
- Temporarily disable your firewall:
- Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall
- Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off
- Select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall for both networks
- If the site loads, add Chrome to your firewall exceptions:
- Return to Windows Defender Firewall
- Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall
- Click Change settings then Allow another app
- Browse to Chrome’s executable and add it
- Check antivirus settings and add website exceptions if needed
7. Reset Chrome or Consider Reinstallation
If all else fails, reset Chrome to default settings:
- Go to Chrome Settings > Advanced
- Click Reset and clean up
- Select Restore settings to their original defaults
- Click Reset settings to confirm
- If resetting doesn’t work, consider uninstalling and reinstalling Chrome completely
Fixing ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED for Localhost
Developers frequently encounter this error when working with localhost environments. Here are specialized solutions:
Identify and Fix Port Conflicts
A common cause of localhost connection issues is port conflicts:
- Check if another application is using the same port:
netstat -ano | findstr :PORT
(Replace PORT with your port number, e.g., 3000, 8080, etc.)
- Identify the Process ID (PID) using the port
- Open Task Manager, go to Details tab, and find the process with that PID
- End the process or configure your application to use a different port
Use Port Management Tools
Tools like XAMPP can help with port management:
- Install XAMPP from apachefriends.org
- Open XAMPP Control Panel
- Click Netstat to view used ports
- If port 80 is in use:
- Stop Apache
- Navigate to the Apache configuration file
- Change the port from 80 to an unused port (e.g., 8080)
- Save and restart Apache
Flush DNS for Localhost
DNS caching can cause localhost connection issues:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator
- Run the command:
ipconfig /flushdns
- You should see a confirmation message: “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache”
- Restart your browser and try accessing localhost again
Check Your hosts File
Sometimes the hosts file can cause localhost issues:
- Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
- Open the “hosts” file with administrator privileges using Notepad
- Ensure there’s an entry for:
127.0.0.1 localhost - If missing or commented out (with #), add or uncomment this line
- Save the file and restart Chrome
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED appear only for specific websites?
This typically happens when there’s an issue with that particular website’s server, or when your security software or network configuration is blocking access to specific domains. Some ISPs may also selectively block certain connections.
Why can I access a website through Google search but not directly?
This unusual situation can occur due to browser caching issues, DNS resolution problems, or redirect configurations. Clearing your browser cache and flushing DNS usually resolves this issue.
Can antivirus software cause ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED errors?
Yes, antivirus and security software can block connections to websites they deem suspicious. Some recent antivirus updates have become more aggressive in blocking connections. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus or adding the website to the exceptions list.
Does the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error indicate a security threat?
Not necessarily. While the error can sometimes result from security software blocking suspicious websites, it’s more commonly caused by server issues, network problems, or misconfigured settings. Always investigate the specific cause before assuming it’s security-related.
Summary: Key Steps to Fix ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED
- Check if the website is down before troubleshooting your system
- Restart your network equipment (router and modem)
- Clear Chrome’s cache and cookies
- Reset your IP and flush DNS cache
- Check proxy settings and disable if necessary
- Adjust firewall and antivirus settings
- For localhost issues, check for port conflicts and verify your hosts file
Remember that different solutions work for different situations, so you may need to try several approaches before resolving the issue. If you’ve tried all steps and still encounter the error, consider seeking help from your network administrator or contacting your internet service provider.
Last updated: March 2025