The "Proxy Server Refused Connection" error is a frustrating issue faced by many Mac users when trying to connect to the internet. This error typically arises due to problems with the proxy settings, network configurations, or connectivity issues. Whether you're trying to access the internet through a corporate proxy, a VPN, or using a manual proxy configuration, this issue can significantly disrupt your browsing experience. In this ultimate guide, we’ll delve into the possible causes of this error and provide a step-by-step solution to help you resolve it. This guide will cover the troubleshooting methods that can fix this error on your Mac, allowing you to regain seamless internet connectivity.
To begin with, it's essential to understand what the "Proxy Server Refused Connection" error means. A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet. It is typically used in networks for privacy, security, or access control purposes. When you try to access the internet, your connection request goes through the proxy server, which checks it and either grants or denies access based on the settings.
The "Proxy Server Refused Connection" error indicates that the proxy server is refusing to allow your device to establish a connection. This could happen due to several reasons, including incorrect proxy settings, server misconfigurations, network issues, or restrictions imposed by the proxy server itself.
There are several factors that can trigger this error on your Mac. Understanding these causes is the first step toward resolving the issue. Some common reasons include:
The most common cause of the "Proxy Server Refused Connection" error is incorrect proxy settings on your Mac. If your device is manually configured to use a specific proxy server and the settings are wrong, your connection will be blocked. Incorrect settings can include wrong IP addresses, ports, or authentication credentials.
Your Mac’s network configuration might be causing the issue. This could be due to issues with DNS settings, router configurations, or even problems with your Wi-Fi connection. If the network is misconfigured, it might prevent the proxy server from accepting your connection.
Another possible cause is issues on the server side. The proxy server itself may be down, misconfigured, or temporarily unable to process requests. This could be due to maintenance, high traffic, or internal issues with the proxy service.
Firewall settings and security software on your Mac or network might be blocking the connection to the proxy server. Firewalls can sometimes prevent your device from accessing the internet through a proxy, especially if they mistakenly identify it as a threat.

If you are using a VPN or another proxy service, there may be restrictions in place that are preventing your connection. Some VPN providers or proxy servers may have limitations on the types of traffic they allow, or they may restrict access based on your location or device.
Now that we have explored the causes, let's discuss the step-by-step methods you can use to fix this error on your Mac. These solutions are aimed at addressing the underlying issues that could be preventing your connection.
The first thing to check is whether the proxy settings on your Mac are correctly configured. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the System Preferences on your Mac.
- Click on Network.
- Select the network connection you are using (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
- Click on the Advanced button.
- Go to the Proxies tab.
- Ensure that the correct proxy settings are entered. If you're using a manual proxy, make sure the proxy ip address and port number are correct. If you're unsure about the correct settings, contact your network administrator or the proxy provider for assistance.
If the settings are incorrect, update them to the right values. Alternatively, you can disable the proxy settings by unchecking the options under the Proxies tab.
If the proxy settings appear correct, you should examine your Mac’s network configuration:
- Go to System Preferences > Network.
- Check your connection’s settings, including DNS servers and IP address configurations.
- If you suspect any issues with the DNS, try using a public DNS server (such as Google’s 8.8.8.8) to see if it resolves the issue.
- Also, ensure that your router is functioning correctly, as network issues could prevent your Mac from communicating with the proxy server.
Sometimes, simply restarting your network devices (like your router and modem) can help resolve connectivity issues. Power cycle these devices by turning them off for 30 seconds and then turning them back on. Afterward, check if the error persists.

If your Mac’s firewall or security software is causing the issue, try temporarily disabling it to check if that resolves the connection error:
- Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall.
- Disable the firewall temporarily and attempt to reconnect.
- If the connection works, the firewall might need to be reconfigured to allow proxy connections.
Remember to re-enable your firewall after testing to ensure your Mac remains protected.
If the error persists, there could be a problem with the proxy server itself. Check the status of the proxy service you are trying to use. If it's a third-party service, reach out to their support to inquire about any outages or restrictions that might be affecting your connection.
If you're still unable to connect, test whether the problem lies with the proxy server by temporarily disabling the proxy. You can do this by going back to the Proxies tab in the network settings and unchecking all proxy options.
If you’re able to connect without the proxy, the issue is most likely with the proxy configuration or service itself.
The "Proxy Server Refused Connection" error can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can quickly resolve the issue on your Mac. By ensuring your proxy settings are correct, checking your network configuration, and addressing any firewall or server-side issues, you can restore your internet connectivity. Remember that the key is to methodically work through each potential cause and apply the relevant fix. By following this guide, you should be able to resolve the error and get back to browsing the web without interruption.