Quick Summary
The 'ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED' error in Chrome indicates that your browser was unable to establish a connection with the website you are trying to access. This typically means that either the server is unavailable, actively refusing the connection, or there is a problem with your network or browser settings.
Common Causes
- Server is Down or Unavailable: The web server hosting the website might be temporarily down for maintenance, experiencing technical issues, or is permanently unavailable. This is the most frequent cause when the issue is not on the user side.
- Firewall or Security Software Interference: Firewall software or other security applications on your computer could be blocking Chrome's access to the website or the website's responses. This can happen due to overly aggressive settings or incorrect configurations.
- Incorrect Proxy Settings: Chrome might be configured to use a proxy server that is either not working, misconfigured, or requires authentication which you haven't provided. An incorrect proxy setting prevents Chrome from directly connecting to the internet.
- DNS Resolution Issues: Your computer may be unable to correctly translate the website's domain name into an IP address, preventing the browser from locating the server. This could be due to a problem with your DNS server or your computer's DNS cache.
- Website is Actively Blocking You: In rare cases, a website might be configured to actively refuse connections from certain IP addresses or regions. This is usually a security measure implemented by the website administrator. Your IP address might have been flagged by the website's services.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Check if the Website is Down
Step 1: Use a website like 'isitdownrightnow.com' or 'downforeveryoneorjustme.com' to verify if the website is globally down. If it is, there is nothing you can do except wait for the website to be fixed.
Method 2: Check your Internet Connection
Step 1: Make sure your internet connection is active. Try accessing other websites to verify your connection.
Step 2: Restart your modem and router. Unplug them from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, plug the modem back in, wait for it to connect, then plug the router back in and wait for it to connect.
Step 3: Try using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi to rule out wireless connectivity issues.
Method 3: Disable Firewall and Antivirus Temporarily
Step 1: Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software.
Step 2: Try accessing the website again. If the error is resolved, you need to adjust the settings of your firewall or antivirus to allow Chrome or the specific website.
Step 3: Remember to re-enable your firewall and antivirus software after testing.
Method 4: Check Proxy Settings
Step 1: In Chrome, go to Settings > System > Open your computer's proxy settings.
Step 2: Ensure that 'Automatically detect settings' is enabled or that the proxy settings are configured correctly. If you don't need a proxy, make sure it is disabled.
Step 3: Close and reopen Chrome to apply the changes.
Method 5: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Step 1: In Chrome, press Ctrl+Shift+Delete (or Cmd+Shift+Delete on Mac) to open the 'Clear browsing data' window.
Step 2: Select 'All time' as the time range.
Step 3: Check 'Cookies and other site data' and 'Cached images and files'.
Step 4: Click 'Clear data'.
Step 5: Restart Chrome.
Method 6: Flush DNS Cache and Reset TCP/IP
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator (on Windows) or Terminal (on macOS).
Step 2: Type ipconfig /flushdns (Windows) or sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder (macOS) and press Enter to flush the DNS cache.
Step 3: For Windows, type netsh winsock reset and press Enter to reset TCP/IP.
Step 4: Restart your computer.
Method 7: Try a Different Browser
Step 1: Install a different browser like Firefox or Edge.
Step 2: Try accessing the website with the new browser. If it works, the problem is likely specific to Chrome.