Fix Python ConnectionRefusedError (2025 Guide)

Posted on: March 23, 2025

Encountered a "ConnectionRefusedError" in Python? This error occurs when a network connection attempt is rejected by the target server. Let’s fix it fast in this 2025 guide!

What Causes "ConnectionRefusedError"?

ConnectionRefusedError is a subclass of OSError and is raised when Python tries to connect to a server that actively refuses the connection. Common causes include:

• Server Not Running: The target service isn’t active on the specified port.
• Wrong Address/Port: Incorrect IP or port number used.
• Firewall Blocking: Network rules prevent the connection.

# This triggers "ConnectionRefusedError"
import socket
s = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
s.connect(("localhost", 9999))  # No server on port 9999

How to Fix It: 3 Solutions

(Diagram: Developer checks server, resolves error, runs successfully.)

Solution 1: Verify Server Status

# Wrong
import socket
s = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
s.connect(("localhost", 9999))

# Fixed
import socket
host = "localhost"
port = 8080  # Ensure server runs here
s = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
try:
    s.connect((host, port))
    print("Connected!")
except ConnectionRefusedError:
    print(f"No server running on {host}:{port}")
finally:
    s.close()

Confirm the server is running and listening on the correct port.

Solution 2: Use Try-Except

# Wrong
import requests
response = requests.get("http://localhost:9999")

# Fixed
import requests
try:
    response = requests.get("http://localhost:8080")
    print(response.text)
except ConnectionRefusedError:
    print("Connection refused by server!")

Catch ConnectionRefusedError to handle refusals gracefully.

Solution 3: Retry with Delay

# Wrong
import socket
s = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
s.connect(("localhost", 9999))

# Fixed
import socket
from time import sleep

def connect_with_retry(host, port, retries=3, delay=2):
    s = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
    for attempt in range(retries):
        try:
            s.connect((host, port))
            return s
        except ConnectionRefusedError:
            print(f"Attempt {attempt + 1} failed, retrying...")
            sleep(delay)
    print("All retries failed!")
    s.close()
    return None

s = connect_with_retry("localhost", 8080)
if s:
    s.close()

Retry the connection in case the server is temporarily unavailable.

Quick Checklist

• Server down? (Check status)
• Connection refused? (Use try-except)
• Temporary issue? (Add retries)

Conclusion

The "ConnectionRefusedError" in Python indicates a rejected connection, but with these 2025 solutions, you’ll resolve it quickly. Got another Python error? Let us know in the comments!