When connecting to your server through FileZilla, are you facing the ‘ECONNREFUSED’ error? This error message results from multiple reasons, ranging from firewall conflicts to the wrong port number. It’s a standard server error and has easy fixes.
In this article, I’ll explain what this error means and how you can fix it.
What Does ECONNREFUSED mean?
Before diving into what causes the error, let’s understand what ‘ECONNREFUSED’ even means. ECONNREFUSED stands for “Connection Refused By Server.” That means the server you are trying to connect to has refused the connection request.
Simply put, it means that your server is inaccessible. This error message is quite common and often shows up when using File Transfer Protocol (FTP) clients like FileZilla.
What is FileZilla, Exactly?
FileZilla is a popular tool that transfers files between a computer and your website’s remote server. Developers and site owners use it worldwide to upload and download files from their websites. It is essential for managing your website files. FileZilla performs many functions, from uploading, downloading, and editing files to creating directories. FileZilla allows file transfer through many protocols such as FTP, FTPS, and SFTP.
FTP is short for File Transfer Protocol. FTP is a standard transfer protocol used to upload and downdload files over the internet.
While FTP is extremely popular, there are more secure transfer protocols than this one, as FTP transmits data in plain text. Anyone can intercept the data while it is being transmitted, including hackers. Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) was developed to address these security concerns associated with FTP.
SFTP encrypts its data while it is being transmitted, making it more secure than FTP. Check out this guide if you’d like to understand the key differences and similarities between FTP and SFTP.
Possible Causes Behind The ECONNREFUSED Error Message
You’re Using The Wrong Port Number In FileZilla
Using the wrong port number in FileZilla is one of the most common reasons for the ECONNREFUSED error. You must use the correct port number when connecting to a server through an FTP or SFTP client. FTP connections typically use port 21, while SFTP connections use port 22. Don’t know what port number to use? I suggest you check with your hosting provider if you’re unsure which port to use.
A Conflict with Your Firewall or Antivirus Program
Another reason that may cause the ECONNREFUSED error is a conflict with your firewall or antivirus program. Your firewall or antivirus program can sometimes block access to the server, causing this FileZilla error is to pop up. To fix this, you can temporarily turn off your firewall or antivirus program and see if the error persists.
How to Fix The ‘ECONNREFUSED – Connection Refused By Server Error’ Message:
Here are some easy steps that you can take to fix the ECONNREFUSED error:
#1. Disable Your Firewall (Temporarily)
Disable your device’s Firewall temporarily to see if it is causing the issue. If the error message disappears, you need to configure your Firewall settings so that they allow access to the site.
I’m on a MacBook, and here’s how you’d switch off your Firewall on a MAC operating system:
- Open ‘System Preferences’ and select ‘Security & Privacy’.
- Select the Firewall tab and click the ‘Turn Off Firewall’ button.
- Check if the server error persists or has disappeared.
- If you’re looking for steps to switch off Windows Firewall, check out this helpful guide for Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista & XP by Lifewire.
If turning off your Firewall didn’t work for you and the issue persists, read on for the next solution you can try.
#2. Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus
If your antivirus program blocks the connection, try turning it off temporarily. All antivirus programs typically have a ‘disable scanning’ button or instructions specific to their programs on their websites. Below are instructions from McAfee on how to switch off their Antivirus program.
Note: Temporarily turning off your antivirus might fix the error. But in my opinion, this is not really a safe long-term solution. Your Antivirus program is important as it protects your device from malicious attacks. If the error message disappears, try adding your website to a safe-to-browse list in your antivirus software for the future.
#3. Check For The Correct Port Number
Ensure you use the correct port number to connect to your website’s server. The default port for FTP is 21, and the default SFTP port is 22. The FileZilla help forum has a dedicated page for the ‘econnrefused’ error, with steps to change port numbers. Check it out here.
Again, I want to highlight the importance of checking with the customer support team of your web host if you’re unsure what port number to use.
#4. Contact Your Web Hosting Provider
If none of the above fixes work for you, contact your web host for assistance if you’re still experiencing the ECONNREFUSED error message. A good web hosting provider will share more information about the main cause behind the problem and help you fix it.
While here, check out this step-by-step tutorial on configuring an FTP client with your hosting provider.
Conclusion: To Wrap Up
Encountering the ECONNREFUSED server error is not uncommon when managing a website.
However, it really doesn’t have to be disruptive to your work. I hope that this guide was helpful. I’ve listed the possible causes behind the error and shared steps to fix the issue.
Use the correct port number, check your firewall/antivirus settings for conflicts, and ensure your server is configured correctly to accept external connections.
If this server error persists, I suggest you contact your web hosting provider immediately.
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Nirali has over a decade of experience working in marketing with startups in a variety of sectors, including e-commerce, ed-tech, and SaaS. She has a keen understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing early-stage companies and a track record of developing effective content strategies that drive growth and engagement.
Rick says
The firewall recommendation worked. Thank you!