Quick Summary
The error "io.netty.channel.AbstractChannel$AnnotatedConnectException: Connection refused" in Minecraft indicates that your computer was unable to establish a connection with the server you're trying to join. This usually means the server isn't accepting connections for some reason, or your computer is being blocked from reaching it.
Common Causes of Error io.netty.channel.AbstractChannel$AnnotatedConnectException: Connection refused
- Server is Offline: The Minecraft server you are trying to join is not running or is temporarily unavailable.
- Incorrect Server Address: You have entered the wrong IP address or port number for the Minecraft server.
- Firewall Blocking Connection: Your computer's firewall or antivirus software is blocking the connection to the Minecraft server.
- Server is Full: The Minecraft server has reached its maximum player capacity and cannot accept new connections.
- Server Issues: The server itself is experiencing problems such as crashes, maintenance, or network issues.
- Local Network Issues: Problems with your home network (router, modem) may prevent you from connecting.
- Incompatible Minecraft Version: Your Minecraft client version may be incompatible with the Minecraft server version. (e.g trying to connect with 1.20 to a 1.19 server)
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Verify Server Status and Address Show Steps ›
Step 1: Contact the server administrator or check the server's website/Discord to ensure the server is online and running.
Step 2: Double-check the server IP address and port number you entered in your Minecraft client are correct. Even a small typo can prevent connection.
Method 2: Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings Show Steps ›
Step 1: Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software to see if they are blocking the connection. If you can connect after disabling them, you need to configure your firewall/antivirus to allow Minecraft and Java through.
Step 2: Add Minecraft and Java to your firewall/antivirus exceptions list. Refer to your firewall/antivirus software's documentation for instructions on how to do this.
Method 3: Restart Your Router and Computer Show Steps ›
Step 1: Power cycle your router by unplugging it from the power outlet for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
Step 2: Restart your computer. This can resolve temporary network glitches that may be preventing the connection.
Method 4: Verify Minecraft Version Compatibility Show Steps ›
Step 1: Check the Minecraft server's website/Discord to see what version of Minecraft it is running on.
Step 2: Launch your Minecraft client and select the correct version profile that matches the server. Create a new profile in the Minecraft launcher if needed.
Method 5: Check Server Capacity Show Steps ›
Step 1: If the server is experiencing high traffic, it may be full. Wait a few minutes and try connecting again later.
Method 6: Check your hosts file Show Steps ›
Step 1: Open your hosts file. The location depends on your operating system: On Windows, it is usually at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts. On macOS and Linux, it's at /etc/hosts. You may need administrator privileges to edit it.
Step 2: Examine the content. Look for any lines that contain the server's IP address. Remove these lines (or comment them out by adding a '#' at the beginning of the line) if they are there unexpectedly. This is to ensure your computer is not being told to redirect the server's IP address to a different location.
Step 3: Save the modified hosts file. You may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.