How to Fix the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED Error in Chrome: A Comprehensive Guide

As a seasoned tech expert with over 15 years of experience navigating the complexities of the digital world, I’ve witnessed firsthand the frustration that the dreaded ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error can bring. This error, often accompanied by the message “This site can’t be reached,” can leave you stranded, unable to access your favorite websites or even your own website. Don’t fret, though! This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to overcome this common internet hurdle.

The ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error arises when your browser, Chrome in this case, is unable to establish a connection to the website you’re trying to access. It’s a bit like trying to call someone who doesn’t pick up the phone. While the website may be up and running, something is preventing your browser from reaching it. This could be a temporary hiccup with your internet connection, a problem with your browser settings, or even an issue with your computer’s network configuration.

Fear not, because we’ll explore every possible cause and solution to conquer this error. We’ll start by understanding the error itself, then delve into various troubleshooting steps, and finish with a handy FAQ section to address your most common questions.

What is the ‘ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED’ Error in Chrome?

The ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED message appears in Chrome when your browser attempts to connect to a website, but fails to establish a communication link. This error typically occurs when the website server isn’t responding to your browser’s request for data. This doesn’t necessarily mean the website is down; it could be a temporary issue, such as:

• Network Connectivity Issues: Your internet connection might be unstable or experiencing temporary outages.
• Firewall Blockage: Your computer’s firewall or antivirus software might be blocking access to the website.
• Proxy Server Problems: If you’re using a proxy server, it could be malfunctioning or not allowing the website connection.
• DNS Problems: Your computer’s Domain Name System (DNS) settings might be outdated or incorrect.
• Website Server Issues: In some cases, the website server itself might be experiencing problems.

Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide to fix the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error. We’ll start by tackling the “This Site Can’t Be Reached” error, then move on to the “Failed To Load Resource” error.

How to Fix the ‘This Site Can’t Be Reached’ Error

This error typically arises when you’re trying to access an entire website. It’s a sign that your browser is unable to connect to the website’s server. The error message might even suggest a few things to try, like checking your connection, proxy settings, firewall, and DNS configuration.

Let’s go through the most common fixes, starting with the simplest:

1. Check Your Internet Connection

The first step should always be to verify that you’re actually connected to the internet. This might sound obvious, but it’s often overlooked! Here’s how to check:

• Open a different website: Try browsing to a website that you know is always up, like Google or YouTube. If you can access those, your internet connection is likely fine.
• Check your router: Make sure your router is turned on and has power. If the lights on your router are blinking or off, you might have a connection issue.
• Restart your modem and router: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve connection issues. Turn off your modem and router, wait about 30 seconds, and then turn them back on.

2. Clear Your Browser Cache

Your web browser stores data from websites you’ve visited to speed up loading times. However, this cache can become outdated or corrupted, causing issues like the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error. Here’s how to clear your cache in Chrome:

• Click the three-dotted icon in the top right corner of Chrome.
• Select “More tools” > “Clear browsing data.”
• In the popup window, check the box next to “Cached images and files.”
• Click “Clear data.”

3. Troubleshoot the Software on Your Computer

Some security and networking software on your computer can interfere with your connection to websites. This includes:

• Firewall: Your firewall might be blocking access to the website. Temporarily disable your firewall to see if that resolves the issue.
• Antivirus Software: Your antivirus software might be mistakenly flagging the website as harmful. Try disabling your antivirus temporarily to see if that helps.
• VPN: If you’re using a VPN, it could be interfering with your connection. Try disconnecting from the VPN to see if that resolves the problem.
• Proxy Server: If you’re using a proxy server, it might be malfunctioning or blocking the website. Try disabling the proxy server temporarily.

If you suspect any of these programs are causing the problem, try temporarily disabling them. If the website loads correctly after disabling the software, you’ll know it was the culprit. You can then adjust the software’s settings to allow access to the website.

4. Troubleshoot Your DNS Settings

Your computer uses DNS to translate website names into IP addresses, which are the numerical addresses computers use to communicate. If your DNS settings are outdated or incorrect, it can prevent you from reaching websites.

• Flush your DNS cache: This clears any outdated DNS information stored on your computer. Here’s how to do it in Windows:
  1. Open the Command Prompt (type “cmd” in the Windows search bar).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: “ipconfig /flushdns”
• Change your DNS server address: You can try using a different DNS server, like Google Public DNS, which are known for their speed and reliability. To change your DNS settings in Windows, follow these steps:
  1. Open the Control Panel.
  2. Go to Network and Sharing Center.
  3. Click “Change adapter settings.”
  4. Right-click your network connection and choose “Properties.”
  5. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties.”
  6. Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses:”
  7. For “Preferred DNS server,” enter: 8.8.8.8
  8. For “Alternate DNS server,” enter: 8.8.4.4
  9. Click “OK” to save the changes.

5. Reset the TCP/IP Settings

If your internet connection is misconfigured, resetting the TCP/IP settings can often resolve the issue. This returns your network settings to their defaults.

• Open the Command Prompt as described in step 4 above.
• Type the following command and press Enter: “netsh int ip reset resetlog.txt”
• Restart your computer.

How to Fix the ‘Failed To Load Resource’ Error

This error occurs when your website loads, but a specific resource, like an image, JavaScript, or CSS stylesheet, doesn’t load. The missing resource might cause your website to display incorrectly or behave strangely. You’ll typically encounter this error in Chrome’s Developer Tools (Inspect tool) when examining why a particular element is missing. The error message will likely read “Failed to load resource: net::ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED.” This indicates that your browser was unable to download the specified resource, possibly due to a problem with the file itself or the URL pointing to it. Here’s how to fix this error:

1. Check Your WordPress URL Settings

If you’re running a WordPress website, the first step is to check your WordPress URL settings. This is particularly important if you’re experiencing the “Failed to load resource” error on your own site. Here’s how:

• Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
• Go to “Settings” > “General.”
• Verify that the “WordPress Address (URL)” and “Site Address (URL)” are both correct and match each other.

If these URLs are correct, you’ll need to replace the missing or faulty resource causing the error.

2. Replacing Missing Image Resources

If the missing resource is an image, try finding it in your WordPress media library. If you can see it, try adding it again by editing the post or page where the image is missing. If you can’t find it in the media library, try uploading it again.

If the image is in the media library but looks broken, you might have an issue with image uploads. See our tutorial on how to fix image upload issues in WordPress for guidance.

3. Replacing Missing Theme Files

If the missing resource is a theme file, you’ll need to reinstall your WordPress theme. Follow these steps:

• Deactivate your current theme. If you have another theme installed, activate it. If not, install a default theme.
• Visit your website to check if the error is resolved. If it is, you’ll need to reinstall your theme.

4. Replacing Missing Plugin Files

If the missing resource is a plugin file, you’ll need to reinstall the plugin. You can do this by going to the Plugins page in your WordPress dashboard, finding the plugin, and clicking “Reinstall.” Alternatively, you can delete the plugin and then reinstall it from the WordPress repository.

If you’re comfortable with FTP, you can also connect to your hosting account and manually replace the specific file.

Conclusion

The ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error can be a frustrating obstacle, but by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to regain access to your favorite websites. Remember to start with the simplest fixes, like checking your internet connection and clearing your browser cache. If these don’t work, move on to more advanced troubleshooting techniques. If you’re still having trouble, contact your internet service provider or website host for support.

FAQs

What if the website is down?

If the website is truly down for everyone, there’s nothing you can do on your end. It’s best to wait for the website to come back online. You can check the website’s uptime status using a website like Website Uptime Status Checker.

How do I know if it’s my browser or the website?

If you’re able to access other websites without issues, the problem is likely with the specific website you’re trying to reach. If you’re encountering the same error on multiple websites, it’s more likely a problem with your internet connection or browser settings.

Can a virus cause this error?

Yes, a virus on your computer can interfere with your internet connection and cause errors like ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED. It’s a good idea to run a full system scan with your antivirus software to ensure your computer is free of malware.

How do I fix the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error on my smartphone?

The steps to fix the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error on a smartphone are similar to those on a computer. First, check your internet connection by trying to access a different website. If that works, try clearing your browser cache and data. You can also try restarting your smartphone or checking your mobile data settings.

What are some common DNS server addresses?

Google Public DNS is a popular choice:

• Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
• Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4

Cloudflare DNS is another good option:

• Preferred DNS server: 1.1.1.1
• Alternate DNS server: 1.0.0.1

What if I’m using a public Wi-Fi network?

Public Wi-Fi networks are often less secure and can be unreliable. If you’re on a public Wi-Fi network, try connecting to a different network, or try accessing the website from a different location.

Is there a way to fix this error without restarting my computer?

Sometimes you can resolve the error without restarting, especially if the problem is due to a temporary internet hiccup or an outdated browser cache. However, restarting your computer can often help to resolve more persistent errors by refreshing your network settings and closing any programs that might be interfering with your connection.

What if I’m still getting the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error?

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps in this guide and you’re still getting the error, it’s best to contact your internet service provider or website host for further assistance. They may be able to identify and resolve the issue more effectively.

Are there any other resources I can use to get help?

Yes, there are many online resources available to help you troubleshoot internet connection errors. You can search Google for your specific error message, visit the official Chrome support website, or consult forums like Reddit or Stack Overflow. You can also find useful troubleshooting tips and guides on various tech websites.

How can I prevent this error from happening in the future?

You can take several steps to minimize the chances of encountering the ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED error:

• Keep your browser up to date: Regular updates fix bugs and vulnerabilities that can cause connection problems.
• Use a reliable internet connection: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks when possible, as they can be unreliable.
• Check your firewall and antivirus software settings: Make sure they’re not blocking access to websites you want to visit.
• Consider using a DNS service like Google Public DNS or Cloudflare DNS: These services are known for their speed and reliability, which can improve your overall internet experience.

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