Fix docs.google.com refused to connect Error in Minutes

The “docs.google.com refused to connect” error is often seen when attempting to open an add-on in Google Docs. We’ve also seen it occur when too many Google accounts are trying to be used at the same time. These tasks don’t normally cause this error, but if this is what you’re seeing, we’ve got all the fixes you need to get through it!

Fix docs.google.com refused to connect Error Now

Whether you’re trying to deal with add-ons when you see the docs.google.com refused to connect error, or you’re navigating multiple Google accounts in your browser, the following are our best tips for fixing the error. The simple solution is to sign out of your other accounts or install the add-on in Incognito Mode or in a separate browser profile.

1. Clear the browser cache and cookies

An overloaded or corrupt cache is the cause for lots of issues in a web browser. Give this a try to see if this fixes the docs.google.com refused to connect error. It’s incredibly easy to do and is why we’ve listed it first. Here’s how it works in Chrome:

1. Press Control+Shift+Delete to open the Delete browsing data prompt. This shortcut works in most browsers, not just Chrome.
2. Select the Basic tab.
3. Choose All time for the Time range.
4. Ensure both Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files are selected.
5. Choose Delete data.
6. See if you can install the add-on now.

2. Sign out of other accounts

If you use multiple Google accounts in the same browser, a quick fix for the docs.google.com refused to connect error is to simply sign out of the accounts you don’t really need right now.

1. Open Gmail or Google, and then select your profile icon at the top right.
2. Select Sign out of all accounts. If you don’t see that option, click Show more accounts first.
3. Open Google Docs and sign in to the account you want to use.
4. Install the add-on like you normally would, this time hopefully without seeing the docs.google.com refused to connect error.

3. Use Incognito Mode

If you, understandably, do not want to sign out of all the Google accounts that you’re signed into, you can use Incognito Mode instead to fix the docs.google.com refused to connect error.

1. Open your browser.
2. Tap the Control+Shift+N keyboard shortcut.
3. In the new window that opens, visit Google Docs.
4. Sign in with the account you want to use.
5. Install the add-on through the Extensions > Add-ons menu.

4. Make a new browser profile

If you use Chrome, you can create a separate profile for each Google account that you have. The profile will keep everything—including passwords, history, and auto-fill data—separate from other Chrome profiles.

1. Select your profile icon at the top right of Chrome.
2. Select Add new profile.
3. Choose Sign in, and then log in to your Google account.
4. Open Google Docs.
5. Install the add-on.

5. Update the browser

The docs.google.com refused to connect error can happen if your browser is really outdated. Update your browser to install much-needed bug fixes, one of which could be the first for this error. Here’s how to update Chrome (other browsers work similarly):

1. Select the three dots in the corner of the browser.
2. If you see Relaunch to update, select that. Otherwise, choose Settings at the bottom.
3. Select About Chrome at the bottom left.
4. Wait for the update to become ready, then select Relaunch.
5. Try to install the add-on now that Chrome is fully up to date.

Get Google Docs Working Again

The docs.google.com refused to connect error normally appears when you have lots, and lots of accounts signed in. It is rare for it appear if you’re only signed into two or three accounts.

If you’re only signed into one account and you see this error, it is possible that your account is restricted from installing add-ons. This generally happens with work accounts and not with personal accounts. In this case, you may have to ask your system admin (the person who gave you the logins for the work account) on how you can install add-ons.

You should know that the add-ons may be blocked under company policy and asking to unlock the feature may not necessarily mean it will be unlocked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a browser extension cause the ‘docs.google.com refused to connect’ error?

Yes, certain browser extensions, like those related to privacy, security, or ad-blocking, can interfere with Google Docs. Disable extensions one by one to see if one of them is causing the docs.google.com error.

Does this error affect all Google Docs features, or just add-ons?

Typically, this error occurs when trying to install or use add-ons, but in some cases, it can also interfere with loading documents if there’s a deeper account-related or connectivity issue.

Can a firewall or antivirus cause ‘docs.google.com refused to connect’ error?

Yes, overly strict security settings from a firewall app or AV program can block Google Docs from connecting properly. Temporarily disable these tools or add an exception for Google Docs to see if that fixes the error.

Will resetting my browser settings fix this error?

If other solutions don’t work, resetting your browser can help by restoring default settings and removing any conflicting configurations. In Chrome, go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults. Other browsers work similarly.

What should I do if this error keeps happening despite trying all fixes?

If none of these solutions work, try a different browser, check for Google service outages, or switch to a different network to rule out a connectivity issue. If you’re using a work or school account, contacting the network admin may be necessary.

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Fatima Wahab

Fatima has been writing for AddictiveTips for six years. She began as a junior writer and has been working as the Editor in Chief since 2014. Fatima gets an adrenaline rush from figuring out how technology works, and how to manipulate it. A well-designed app, something that solves a common everyday problem and looks

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