Cannot Connect to Ollama API — Connection Refused Error [Errno 111]

What this error means

RuntimeError: Cannot connect to Ollama API — ConnectError: [Errno 111] Connection refused is a Ollama failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix ollama api connection refused error (errno 111). Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

Sentry-reported production issue: ConnectError [Errno 111] Connection refused when connecting to Ollama API. Multiple instances traced to httpcore connection failure.

Common causes

• Ollama is a widely used local LLM platform. Connection refused errors block all local AI inference, affecting developers running self-hosted models for cost savings or privacy.
• Sentry-reported production issue: ConnectError [Errno 111] Connection refused when connecting to Ollama API. Multiple instances traced to httpcore connection failure.

Quick fixes

1. Confirm the exact error signature matches RuntimeError: Cannot connect to Ollama API — ConnectError: [Errno 111] Connection refused.
2. Check the Ollama account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
3. Confirm the local service is running on the expected host and port, then retry the smallest request.

Platform/tool-specific checks

• Verify the command, editor, extension, or API client that produced the error.
• Compare local settings with CI, deployment, or editor-level settings when the error appears in only one environment.
• Avoid deleting credentials, local model data, or project settings until the failing scope is clear.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

1. Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
2. Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
3. Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
4. Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
5. Keep the working fix documented for the team or deployment environment.

How to prevent it

• Keep provider/tool configuration documented.
• Record non-secret diagnostics such as tool version, provider name, model name, and command path.
• Add a lightweight check before CI or production workflows depend on the tool.

Sources checked

• https://github.com/Tracer-Cloud/opensre/issues/1839
• https://github.com/Tracer-Cloud/opensre/issues/1840

Evidence note: Sentry-reported production issue: ConnectError [Errno 111] Connection refused when connecting to Ollama API. Multiple instances traced to httpcore connection failure.

Related errors

• Ollama service not started
• Ollama port blocked by firewall
• Ollama Docker network issue

FAQ

What should I check first?

Start with the exact RuntimeError: Cannot connect to Ollama API — ConnectError: [Errno 111] Connection refused text and the smallest action that reproduces it.

Can I ignore this error?

No. Treat it as a failed Ollama workflow until the root cause is understood.

Is this guaranteed to have one fix?

No. The imported evidence supports the troubleshooting path above, but tool behavior can vary by account, plan, version, provider, and local configuration.

How do I know the fix worked?

Rerun the same command, editor action, or request. The fix is working when that action completes without RuntimeError: Cannot connect to Ollama API — ConnectError: [Errno 111] Connection refused.