Quick Summary
The error "io.netty.channel.AbstractChannel$AnnotatedConnectException: Connection refused" in Minecraft indicates that your computer was unable to establish a connection with the server you're trying to join. This usually means the server isn't accepting connections for some reason, or your computer is being blocked from reaching it.
Common Causes
- Server is Offline: The Minecraft server you are trying to join is not running or is temporarily unavailable.
- Incorrect Server Address: You have entered the wrong IP address or port number for the Minecraft server.
- Firewall Blocking Connection: Your computer's firewall or antivirus software is blocking the connection to the Minecraft server.
- Server is Full: The Minecraft server has reached its maximum player capacity and cannot accept new connections.
- Server Issues: The server itself is experiencing problems such as crashes, maintenance, or network issues.
- Local Network Issues: Problems with your home network (router, modem) may prevent you from connecting.
- Incompatible Minecraft Version: Your Minecraft client version may be incompatible with the Minecraft server version. (e.g trying to connect with 1.20 to a 1.19 server)
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Verify Server Status and Address Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Contact the server administrator or check the server's website/Discord to ensure the server is online and running.
Step 2: Double-check the server IP address and port number you entered in your Minecraft client are correct. Even a small typo can prevent connection.
Method 2: Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software to see if they are blocking the connection. If you can connect after disabling them, you need to configure your firewall/antivirus to allow Minecraft and Java through.
Step 2: Add Minecraft and Java to your firewall/antivirus exceptions list. Refer to your firewall/antivirus software's documentation for instructions on how to do this.
Method 3: Restart Your Router and Computer Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Power cycle your router by unplugging it from the power outlet for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
Step 2: Restart your computer. This can resolve temporary network glitches that may be preventing the connection.
Method 4: Verify Minecraft Version Compatibility Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Check the Minecraft server's website/Discord to see what version of Minecraft it is running on.
Step 2: Launch your Minecraft client and select the correct version profile that matches the server. Create a new profile in the Minecraft launcher if needed.
Method 5: Check Server Capacity Show Steps ↓
Step 1: If the server is experiencing high traffic, it may be full. Wait a few minutes and try connecting again later.
Method 6: Check your hosts file Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Open your hosts file. The location depends on your operating system: On Windows, it is usually at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts. On macOS and Linux, it's at /etc/hosts. You may need administrator privileges to edit it.
Step 2: Examine the content. Look for any lines that contain the server's IP address. Remove these lines (or comment them out by adding a '#' at the beginning of the line) if they are there unexpectedly. This is to ensure your computer is not being told to redirect the server's IP address to a different location.
Step 3: Save the modified hosts file. You may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.