Overview

When attempting to visit your website, seeing a "Domain Refused to Connect" or "ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED" error message indicates that your web browser reached the network address, but the server actively refused the request.

In many cases, this is caused by stale browser caching or localized DNS data, which you can resolve through quick self-service troubleshooting. If the error persists after clearing local data, it may indicate a server-side firewall block or service downtime requiring technical support intervention.

Self-Service Troubleshooting Steps

Follow these steps to determine whether the error is caused by local browser data or a server-level issue:

Step 1: Test in Incognito / Private Window

Your browser may have cached an outdated version of your site or an earlier connection error.

1. Open a New Incognito Window (Chrome/Edge) or Private Window (Firefox/Safari).

2. Type your full web address (e.g., [https://yourdomain.com](https://yourdomain.com)) and hit Enter.

3. If your site loads in Incognito/Private mode: Clear your main browser's cookies and web cache to resolve the issue permanently.

Step 2: Try a Different Web Browser or Device

To isolate whether the issue is restricted to a single browser application:

1. Open a completely different browser (e.g., test in Firefox or Edge if you normally use Chrome).

2. Alternatively, test loading your domain on a mobile device disconnected from your local Wi-Fi network (using cellular data).

3. If the site loads on cellular data but not Wi-Fi: Your network router or local IP address may be temporarily cached or blocked by local security settings.

Step 3: Flush Your Local DNS Cache

Stale DNS records on your computer can cause connection refusal errors.

• Windows: Open Command Prompt and run: ipconfig /flushdns

• Mac: Open Terminal and run: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

Need Extra Help?

If self-service browser steps do not resolve the connection error:

• Action: Connect directly with a Live Agent via chat, phone call or email.

• What to provide:

  1. Your Domain Name.

  2. Your current Public IP Address (you can find this by visiting whatismyip.com).

  3. A full screenshot of the exact error page showing the URL bar.