Completely Resolve Gradio Client's Classic Error: Could not fetch config from http://127.0.0.1:7860
When using pyVideoTrans software or code to call a Gradio application, do you often encounter a cold red error line?
gradio_client.exceptions.ConnectionError: Could not fetch config from http://127.0.0.1:7860.
Don't worry, you're not alone. This is the most common "roadblock" when using gradio_client
. This guide will take you from basic troubleshooting to uncovering the "culprit behind the scenes," completely conquering this error.
The Core of the Error: What Is It Saying?
The literal meaning of this error message is: "Could not fetch configuration information from http://127.0.0.1:7860
."
Simply put, your client program acts like a messenger. It first needs to go to the server's address to get a "menu" (i.e., the application's configuration information, such as available APIs and input/output definitions) before it can start ordering (submitting data). This error means your messenger couldn't even get through the server's door, let alone retrieve the menu.
The root cause is 99% not with gradio_client
itself, but with network communication being blocked between the client and the server.
Part 1: Basic Troubleshooting Checklist (Solves 80% of Problems)
Before diving deeper, let's go through a standard set of checks that resolve the vast majority of cases.
Step 1: Is Your Gradio Server Actually Running?
This is the most common and easily overlooked reason.
How to Check:
- Check the Terminal: Look at the terminal window where you started the Gradio application (e.g., by running
python app.py
). Is it still running? Did it crash with an error? A properly running server will display:Running on local URL: http://127.0.0.1:7860
- Test with a Browser: This is the most crucial test! Directly open the server's displayed address
http://127.0.0.1:7860
in your browser.- If you can see the Gradio interface: Congratulations, the server is healthy! The problem lies elsewhere; continue reading.
- If the browser shows "Unable to access" or "Connection refused": This means the server didn't start successfully. Go fix your server code first to get it running properly.
- Check the Terminal: Look at the terminal window where you started the Gradio application (e.g., by running
Step 2: Do the Address and Port Exactly Match?
Make sure your messenger isn't going to the wrong address.
How to Check:
- Server Side: Check the parameters of your
app.launch()
. If you wroteapp.launch(server_port=8000)
, then the address ishttp://127.0.0.1:8000
. - Client Side: Ensure the URL in
Client()
exactly matches the URL displayed when the server starts.
python# Server is on port 7860 # app.launch() # Client must connect to port 7860 from gradio_client import Client client = Client("http://127.0.0.1:7860/") # Correct # client = Client("http://localhost:7860/") # Also correct # client = Client("http://127.0.0.1:5010/") # Wrong!
- Server Side: Check the parameters of your
Step 3 (Special Case): Are You Using Docker or a Virtual Machine?
Running a Gradio server inside a Docker container is a common pitfall.
- Principle: A Docker container has its own network. The
127.0.0.1
inside the container refers to the container itself, not your computer. - Solution:
- Server Side: Must listen on
0.0.0.0
to accept connections from outside the container.pythonapp.launch(server_name="0.0.0.0", server_port=7860)
- When Starting the Container: Must use the
-p
parameter to map the container port to the computer port.bash# Map your computer's port 7860 to the container's port 7860 docker run -p 7860:7860 your_gradio_image
- Client Side: Connect to your computer's address
http://127.0.0.1:7860
.
- Server Side: Must listen on
The same principle applies to virtual machines.
Part 2: Uncovering the "Culprit Behind the Scenes" – The Network Proxy (VPN Software) You Didn't Expect
If you've completed all the above checks and the problem persists, you've likely encountered the same "culprit" as I did.
Final Discovery: The problem lies with running VPN or network proxy software (like Clash, V2Ray, etc.)!
Why Does Proxy Software Interfere with Local Connections?
When you enable the "System Proxy" or "Global Mode" in your proxy software, it takes over all network requests from your computer, including those sent to 127.0.0.1
(localhost).
The intended journey of this request should be: [Your client script] -> [Your operating system] -> [Your Gradio server script]
(Completed instantly)
But with the system proxy enabled, it becomes: [Your client script] -> [Your operating system] -> [**Proxy software**] -> ???
When the proxy software receives a request pointing to the local machine, it might get "confused." Its main task is to forward traffic to remote servers, so it might mishandle this local request, causing it to be dropped or lost, never reaching the Gradio server listening on your machine.
This is why you can open it in the browser, but gradio_client
fails! The browser might have its own proxy rules or plugins that bypass local addresses, while Python's network requests are solidly intercepted by the proxy software.
Part 3: Best Practice: Elegantly Solve the Problem Without Turning Off the Proxy
Turning off the proxy software every time is too troublesome. Fortunately, we have better methods.
Solution 1: Set Proxy Rules to Bypass Local Addresses (Highly Recommended)
This is the "set it and forget it" method. You need to tell your proxy software: "Please let all traffic accessing local addresses pass through directly."
In your proxy software's configuration file (e.g., Clash), find the rules section and add DIRECT rules for local addresses, ensuring they are placed near the top of the rule list.
For example, add this to Clash's config.yaml
:
rules:
# ... other rules ...
- DOMAIN,localhost,DIRECT
- IP-CIDR,127.0.0.0/8,DIRECT
# ... other rules ...
After saving and reloading the configuration, the problem is solved. Your proxy software will intelligently allow local traffic while continuing to proxy other network requests.
Solution 2: Disable the System Proxy
Option in the Proxy Software
As shown, disable it in Clash:
Clear the system proxy in V2Ray:
Solution 3: Use the NO_PROXY
Environment Variable (Temporary Solution)
If you just want to run the script temporarily, you can set an environment variable to tell the program not to use the proxy for this run.
- Linux / macOS:bash
export NO_PROXY="localhost,127.0.0.1" python your_client_script.py
- Windows (CMD):cmd
set NO_PROXY=localhost,127.0.0.1 python your_client_script.py
- Windows (PowerShell):powershell
$env:NO_PROXY="localhost,127.0.0.1" python your_client_script.py
Summary: Ultimate Troubleshooting Checklist
When you encounter Could not fetch config
again, check in the following order for maximum efficiency:
- ✅ 【Primary Check】 Am I running any VPN or network proxy with System Proxy Mode enabled? Try disabling it or setting up local direct rules.
- ✅ 【Browser Test】 Can I open
http://127.0.0.1:7860
in the browser? (Confirm if the server is alive) - ✅ 【Verify Address】 Does the URL in
Client()
exactly match the URL displayed when the server starts? - ✅ 【Check Environment】 If using Docker, is
server_name="0.0.0.0"
configured and is port mapping-p
set? - ✅ 【Check Firewall】 Is the system firewall or antivirus software blocking Python's network connections?
We hope this detailed guide helps you clear the obstacles and makes your journey with gradio_client
smooth sailing from now on!