Experiencing the frustrating issue of website access on your computer while your phone connects flawlessly to the same sites? It’s a common tech puzzle, especially when encountering the “ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED” error. This error message indicates that your computer is being denied connection by the website’s server, even though your phone, on the same network, accesses it without a hitch. Let’s dive into the potential reasons behind this discrepancy and how to troubleshoot these frustrating connection issues.
One of the first things to consider is your network setup. Are you using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your computer? VPNs are often used for privacy and security, routing your internet traffic through a different server. While beneficial in many ways, a VPN can sometimes be the culprit behind blocked website access.
It’s possible that the website you are trying to access is blocking traffic originating from the VPN server’s IP address. This could be due to various reasons, such as security policies or content restrictions implemented by the website. Interestingly, as pointed out by a user in an online forum, even when a VPN is configured for split tunneling – meaning only specific traffic is routed through the VPN – it can still interfere with general internet browsing. This interference can occur because the VPN might alter your DNS (Domain Name System) settings.
DNS servers translate website names (like why.edu.vn) into IP addresses that computers use to connect. A VPN connection might automatically change your computer’s DNS settings to its own DNS servers. If these VPN DNS servers are experiencing issues or are blocked from accessing certain websites, you might encounter the “ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED” error.
Another factor to examine is your router configuration. Your router acts as a gateway between your home network and the internet. It’s conceivable, though less common, that your router has specific filters or settings that are blocking access to certain websites on your computer. Rebooting your router is a simple yet effective troubleshooting step that can resolve temporary glitches or configuration issues.
Firewall settings on your computer could also be playing a role. A firewall is designed to protect your computer from unauthorized access, but sometimes it can mistakenly block legitimate website connections. Similarly, browser settings or extensions might be interfering with website access. Trying a different browser can quickly determine if the issue is browser-specific.
If you’ve disconnected from both Ethernet and Wi-Fi and still see the “ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED” error, it suggests the problem might be originating from within your computer itself, possibly due to incorrect system or browser configurations, or even cached data.
To systematically troubleshoot this issue, consider these steps based on real user experiences:
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VPN Check: If you are using a VPN, temporarily disable it and try accessing the website again. If the site loads without the VPN, it indicates that the VPN connection is likely the cause.
Alt Text: Icon representing a VPN connection, symbolizing network security and privacy.
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iCloud Private Relay: If you are an Apple user and have iCloud Private Relay enabled, try turning it off temporarily. This feature, similar to a VPN, can sometimes cause connection issues with certain websites.
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Router Reboot: Restart your router. This can often resolve temporary network glitches. Unplug your router, wait for about 30 seconds, and then plug it back in.
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Browser Test: Try accessing the website using a different web browser. If the site works in another browser, the issue might be with your primary browser’s settings or extensions.
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DNS Configuration: Investigate your DNS settings. If you suspect your VPN has altered them, you might need to revert to your default DNS settings or try using public DNS servers like Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
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Firewall and Security Software: Check your computer’s firewall settings and any security software you have installed. Ensure that they are not inadvertently blocking website access.
In a real-world scenario, a user discovered that their work VPN, even when not routing all traffic, was changing their DNS settings, causing the “ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED” error. By adjusting their VPN configuration to prevent it from altering DNS settings, they resolved the issue. This highlights the often-hidden impact of VPNs on network configurations.
In conclusion, when you can access websites on your phone but not your computer, especially with the “ERR_CONNECTION_REFUSED” error, the problem often lies within your computer’s network configuration, VPN settings, DNS, router, or browser. By systematically checking these areas and trying the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can pinpoint the cause and restore seamless website access on your computer. Remember to consider whether a VPN or similar service is active, as these are frequent culprits in such connection discrepancies.
