Fix: Connection Refused on Your Minecraft Server
Troubleshoot 'Connection Refused' errors when your server actively refuses connections.
"Connection Refused" means the server is actively rejecting the connection. Unlike "Connection Timed Out" (where nothing responds), this means something is listening but refusing.
Common Causes and Fixes
Server Not Running
The most common cause. Check the Dashboard on the XGamingServer panel — if the server is offline, start it.
Server Still Starting
Large modpacks can take 2-5 minutes to fully start. Watch Console for the "Done" message before connecting.
Wrong Port
Verify you're using the correct port. Check Network in the panel for your assigned port. It may not be the default 25565.
Server Crashed on Startup
If the server starts and immediately stops, check Console for error messages. See Server Won't Start.
Max Players Reached
If the server is full, new connections will be refused. Check max-players in Startup or server.properties.
💡 Tip: "Connection Refused" means something IS responding at that address — it's just not accepting your connection. This narrows the problem to the server itself, not the network.
See also: Fix: Connection Timed Out | Connect to Your Server
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