Replit
database
PostgreSQL Connection Refused on Replit
Your application fails to connect to PostgreSQL with a connection refused error. The database service is either not running or your connection string is incorrect.
Replit's PostgreSQL requires the correct credentials, port, and hostname which vary between development and production.
Error Messages You Might See
org.postgresql.util.PSQLException: Connection refused (Connection refused)
FATAL: password authentication failed for user
FATAL: database does not exist
Common Causes
- PostgreSQL service not started in Replit
- Wrong hostname (localhost vs network hostname)
- Incorrect port number in connection string
- Missing or wrong database credentials
- Database doesn't exist yet (migration not run)
How to Fix It
Verify PostgreSQL is running via Replit's database panel. Use the auto-generated connection string from Replit secrets. For Spring Boot, ensure spring.datasource.url, username, and password are correctly set. Run database migrations on first deploy using Flyway or Liquibase.
Real developers can help you.
Richard McSorley
Full-Stack Software Engineer with 8+ years building high-performance applications for enterprise clients. Shipped production systems at Walmart (4,000+ stores), Cigna (20M+ users), and Arkansas Blue Cross. 5 patents in retail/supply chain tech. Currently focused on AI integrations, automation tools, and TypeScript-first architectures.
Basel Issmail
’m a Senior Full-Stack Developer and Tech Lead with experience designing and building scalable web platforms. I work across the full development lifecycle, from translating business requirements into technical architecture to delivering reliable production systems.
My work focuses on modern web technologies, including TypeScript, Angular, Node.js, and cloud-based architectures. I enjoy solving complex technical problems and helping teams turn product ideas and prototypes into working platforms that can grow and scale.
In addition to development, I often collaborate closely with product managers, business analysts, designers, and QA teams to ensure that solutions align with both technical and business goals.
I enjoy working with startups and product teams where I can contribute both as a hands-on engineer and as a technical partner in designing and delivering impactful software.
Caio Rodrigues
I'm a full-stack developer focused on building practical and scalable web applications. My main experience is with **React, TypeScript, and modern frontend architectures**, where I prioritize clean code, component reusability, and maintainable project structures.
I have strong experience working with **dynamic forms, state management (Redux / React Hook Form), and complex data-driven interfaces**. I enjoy solving real-world problems by turning ideas into reliable software that companies can actually use in their daily operations.
Beyond coding, I care about **software quality and architecture**, following best practices for componentization, code organization, and performance optimization.
I'm also comfortable working across the stack when needed, integrating APIs, handling business logic, and helping transform prototypes into production-ready systems.
My goal is always to deliver solutions that are **simple, efficient, and genuinely useful for the people using them.**
Jen Jacobsen
I’m a Full-Stack Developer with over 10 years of experience building modern web and mobile applications. I enjoy working across the full product lifecycle — turning ideas into real, well-built products that are intuitive for users and scalable for businesses.
I particularly enjoy building mobile apps, modern web platforms, and solving complex technical problems in a way that keeps systems clean, reliable, and easy to maintain.
Matthew Jordan
I've been working at a large software company named Kainos for 2 years, and mainly specialise in Platform Engineering. I regularly enjoy working on software products outside of work, and I'm a huge fan of game development using Unity. I personally enjoy Python & C# in my spare time, but I also specialise in multiple different platform-related technologies from my day job.
Simon A.
I'm a backend developer building APIs, emulators, and interactive game systems. Professionally, I've developed Java/Spring reporting solutions, managed relational and NoSQL databases, and implemented CI/CD workflows.
Kingsley Omage
Fullstack software engineer passionate about AI Agents, blockchain, LLMs.
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Matthew Butler
Systems Development Engineer @ Amazon Web Services
Yovel Cohen
I got a lot of experience in building Long-horizon AI Agents in production, Backend apps that scale to millions of users and frontend knowledge as well.
You don't need to be technical. Just describe what's wrong and a verified developer will handle the rest.
Get HelpFrequently Asked Questions
How do I start PostgreSQL on Replit?
PostgreSQL auto-starts. Click the Database tab to verify it's running
Where's my PostgreSQL connection string?
In Replit Secrets as DATABASE_URL or similar. Copy it to your .env