Laravel 6.4.1 SQLSTATE[HY000] [2002] Connection refused
Stefan Izdrail
Founder & Senior Architect · 2026-06-29
In the world of web development, there can be numerous instances when you encounter issues with your application's database connection. One such issue that arises frequently is the Laravel 6.4.1 SQLSTATE[HY000] [2002] Connection refused error, which appears when attempting to use commands like php artisan migrate. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll explore the root cause of these errors and provide practical solutions to fix them.
Identifying the Cause: Connection Refused Error in Laravel Development
The SQLSTATE[HY000] [2002] Connection refused error primarily arises when there is an issue with your database connection settings or if MySQL services are not running properly. You could also encounter this error due to incorrect credentials, firewall issues, or network connectivity problems.
Debugging the Issue: Potential Pitfalls in Database Setup
- Incorrect .env file settings:
- Xampp or WAMP configuration:
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
To effectively resolve the Connection refused error, follow these steps:
- Check Xampp/WAMP services:
- Verify your database credentials:
- Test your connection manually:mysql,
phpMyAdmin, or a third-party GUI client (e.g., Navicat, HeidiSQL) to establish a direct connection with the database. If you are able to connect successfully, the issue likely lies in your Laravel application's code. - Check network and firewall settings:
Practical Solutions to Address Connection Errors in Laravel Development Workflow
- Update your PHP version:
- Clear Laravel's cache:php artisan cache:clear.
- Seek professional assistance: