How to Fix MongoDB “ECONNREFUSED” Error

How to Fix the “ECONNREFUSED” Error in Node.js When Connecting to MongoDB

If you’re seeing the “ECONNREFUSED” error in your Node.js application, it means that your app is unable to connect to the MongoDB server. This can happen for several reasons, but the good news is that it’s usually easy to fix. In this guide, we’ll explain common causes of the error and how to resolve them.

Common Causes of the “ECONNREFUSED” Error

1. MongoDB Server Not Running
   First, make sure your MongoDB server is up and running. If it’s not running, start it with the command:

   mongod

2. Incorrect MongoDB Connection Settings
   Double-check the MongoDB connection settings in your Node.js application. Ensure the server address and database name are correct. Here’s an example:

   const { MongoClient } = require("mongodb");
   
   const url = "mongodb://127.0.0.1:27017"; // Make sure this URL is correct
   const dbName = "mydatabase"; // Make sure this is your actual database name
   
   const client = new MongoClient(url);

3. MongoDB’s Bind IP Configuration
   By default, MongoDB binds to the local IP address (127.0.0.1), which means it only accepts local connections. If you want to connect from a different machine, you’ll need to update the bind IP in MongoDB’s config file (mongod.conf).

   Find and update the bindIp setting to allow connections from other IP addresses.

4. Firewall or Security Software Blocking the Connection
   A firewall or security software might be blocking the connection to MongoDB. Ensure that your server’s firewall allows incoming connections on the default MongoDB port (27017).

Solutions to Fix the “ECONNREFUSED” Error

1. Use the IP Address Instead of ‘localhost’
   Sometimes, replacing ‘localhost’ with the actual IP address of the server can solve the issue. Update your connection URL in the code like this:

   // ❌ Instead of this
   const url = "mongodb://localhost:27017";
   
   // ✔️ Use this
   const url = "mongodb://127.0.0.1:27017";

2. Check MongoDB’s Log Files
   MongoDB keeps logs that can help identify any issues. If you’re on a Linux system, check the logs in the /var/log/mongodb/ directory. Look for any error messages related to the connection.

3. Check for System or Server Restarts
   Sometimes, a server or system restart can cause MongoDB to become inaccessible. Ensure that your server is up and running and that MongoDB is correctly started.

4. Check for Port Conflicts
   MongoDB uses port 27017 by default. If another service is using this port, MongoDB won’t be able to bind to it. Make sure no other service is using port 27017.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “ECONNREFUSED” error when connecting to MongoDB in your Node.js application. Always ensure MongoDB is running, check your settings, and troubleshoot network or server-related issues.

If the error persists, feel free to consult MongoDB’s documentation or community forums for more help.