Some URLs trigger The proxy server is refusing connections rather than about:torconnect prior to bootstrap

🐞 Bug Report

Reproduction steps

Try to go to the following URLs prior to bootstrap:

  • pad.riseup.net
  • riseup.net
  • torproject.org
  • reddit.com

These pages will take you to the The proxy server is refusing connections page rather than auto-forwarding the user on to about:torconnect (with a baked in referral)

The following URLs DO trigger the correct behavour:

  • example.com
  • forum.torproject.org

Expected behaviour

We should always get redirected to about:torconnect

Actual behaviour

image

User impact

Bookkeeping

  • Browser version:
  • Browser channel:
    • Release
    • Alpha (16.0a9)
    • Nightly (2026-08-05)
  • Distribution method:
    • Installer/archive from torproject.org
    • tor-browser-launcher
    • homebrew
    • other (please specify):
  • Operating System:
    • Windows
      • Version:
    • macOS
      • Version:
    • Linux
      • Distribution + Version:
      • Desktop Environment + Version:
    • Android
      • Version:
      • Device:
    • Tails
    • Other (please specify):

Does this bug occur in a fresh installation?

Yes