How to Deal With the Router Connection Refused Error?

Routers are very useful for connecting your computers to the internet. The latest models allow a high level of customizability for your network. But, your router might also cause you considerable inconvenience due to various issues. The ‘connection refused’ is one such annoying problem you might face while using a router.

This error shows up mainly when you’re trying to connect to the internet. In such cases, you might need professional assistance to fix the issue. However, you might want to try some troubleshooting steps first. The ones listed below should help you fix the connection problem.

6 Methods to Fix the Router Connection Refused Error

The connection refused error might have various causes. So, the cause might differ from one case to another. And, you need to apply the right solution depending on what causes the issue on your device. Here are some of the tried and tested methods to fix this error on your router:

• Restart Your Router

The error you’re facing is probably a temporary one. And, you might face various other errors like this one quite often. But, they’re usually quite easy to resolve. As you probably know, rebooting is one of the best ways to get rid of errors immediately.

So, switch off your router and unplug it from the power source. Then, plug it back in after at least for seconds and switch on the device. If you still see the error, you need not worry yet. You can try out some more solutions that we’ve listed below. 

• Clear all your Browser Cache

Do you face the connection refused error while using your browser? Then, your browser cache might be the culprit behind the problem. Now, cache files usually speed up your browser by saving some information from the sites you visit. But, they might often lead to various technical problems.

The websites you visit regularly might have changed in design and content. In such cases, that would make your cache files outdated. And, you don’t have any use for them after that. So, you must keep clearing your browser’s cache from time to time. And, that can often help you fix connection-related errors. 

• Check the Status of the Website

The web page that you’re trying to view might be down at the moment. As a result, your computer shows an error when you try to access the site. So, your router is not at fault in such cases. And, you must inquire about the status of the website, if you can’t find any other explanation.

And, for that, you can simply try opening other websites. If you face the same error, then there might be an issue with your router or computer. 

• Switch to a Cable Connection

Are you facing an error while using a wireless connection? In that case, you might want to consider using an ethernet cable for making the connection. After all, wireless connections often face hindrances due to various reasons. Moreover, they’re not always as strong as cable connections.

So, get an ethernet cable if you don’t have one. Then, try accessing the internet with your router. Do you still see the router connection refused error? If yes, then there are some more tricks you can try out. 

• Disable your Firewall and Antivirus 

Your device faces a wide range of cybersecurity threats while connected to the internet. It needs protection from viruses, malware and malicious networks. So, most devices come with a pre-installed firewall and other security measures. Apart from that, you’re also probably using good antivirus software.

Now, your firewall and antivirus might be very effective in keeping away threats. But, they also sometimes prevent you from accessing certain networks or files that are harmless. In such cases, you might need to disable them for a while. So, disable the firewall and antivirus on your computer and try using the router again. This might do the trick in many cases. 

• Configure your Proxy Settings

You might be using a proxy server to connect to the internet. While this is a good way to protect your device, it can sometimes cause issues. And, that includes the connection refused error, among other problems. The web server might often reject your proxy server’s IP address. As a result, you see a connection refused error on your screen.

You can fix this issue by making suitable changes to your proxy settings. And, the steps for doing that depend on the browser that you’re using.

What if the Error Persists?

Can’t find a solution to the connection refused error? Then, you might want to let a certified professional handle the task. So, reach out to an expert as soon as possible and book an inspection of your device. Regardless of the cause, you‘ll get an optimal solution before long.