GST emSigner Error | Fix that Works

The “GST emSigner error” usually appears as “Failed to establish connection to the server” or simply fails to show your digital signature in the dropdown.

This happens because the browser cannot “talk” to the emSigner program installed on your computer, often due to a port block or the service being stopped.

Here is the step-by-step fix, ordered from the most common solution to the most advanced.

1. The “Run as Administrator” Fix (Works 90% of the time)

The emSigner service often stops running in the background.

1. Locate the emSigner icon on your desktop.

2. Right-click it and select Run as Administrator.

3. Wait for a small pop-up message that says “emSigner service started successfully”.

4. Go back to the GST portal and refresh the page. Try signing again.

2. The “Browser Exception” Fix (Crucial for Chrome/Edge)

Modern browsers block the “localhost” connection that emSigner uses for security reasons. You must manually allow it.

1. Open a new tab in your browser (Chrome or Edge).

2. Type this exact URL in the address bar and hit Enter: https://127.0.0.1:1585

3. You will likely see a warning: “Your connection is not private.”

4. Click Advanced and then click Proceed to 127.0.0.1 (unsafe).

5. If you see a blank page or a 404 error, that is good. It means the browser can now see the emSigner.

6. Go back to your GST tab and try filing.

3. Change the Port (If Port 1585 is busy)

Sometimes other applications occupy port 1585.

1. Open the emSigner application (look for the icon in your taskbar tray near the clock).

2. Right-click the icon and select Settings (or open the main window).

3. Look for the “Port” number. If it is 1585, try changing it to 2095 or 1645.

4. Click Apply/Update and restart the emSigner application.

5. Note: If you change the port, you must repeat Step 2 above with the new port number (e.g., https://127.0.0.1:2095).

The “GST emSigner error” usually appears as “Failed to establish connection to the server” or simply fails to show your digital signature in the dropdown. This happens because the browser cannot “talk” to the emSigner program installed on your computer, often due to a port block or the service being stopped.

Here is the step-by-step fix, ordered from the most common solution to the most advanced.

1. The “Run as Administrator” Fix (Works 90% of the time)

The emSigner service often stops running in the background.

1. Locate the emSigner icon on your desktop.

2. Right-click it and select Run as Administrator.

3. Wait for a small pop-up message that says “emSigner service started successfully”.

4. Go back to the GST portal and refresh the page. Try signing again.

2. The “Browser Exception” Fix (Crucial for Chrome/Edge)

Modern browsers block the “localhost” connection that emSigner uses for security reasons. You must manually allow it.

1. Open a new tab in your browser (Chrome or Edge).

2. Type this exact URL in the address bar and hit Enter: https://127.0.0.1:1585

3. You will likely see a warning: “Your connection is not private.”

4. Click Advanced and then click Proceed to 127.0.0.1 (unsafe).

5. If you see a blank page or a 404 error, that is good. It means the browser can now see the emSigner.

6. Go back to your GST tab and try filing.

3. Change the Port (If Port 1585 is busy)

Sometimes other applications occupy port 1585.

1. Open the emSigner application (look for the icon in your taskbar tray near the clock).

2. Right-click the icon and select Settings (or open the main window).

3. Look for the “Port” number. If it is 1585, try changing it to 2095 or 1645.

4. Click Apply/Update and restart the emSigner application.

5. Note: If you change the port, you must repeat Step 2 above with the new port number (e.g., https://127.0.0.1:2095).

4. Reinstall the Correct Version

If nothing works, your emSigner version might be outdated (GST frequently updates security protocols).

1. Go to Control Panel > Uninstall a program and remove the current emSigner.

2. Log in to the [suspicious link removed].

3. Click on your Username (Profile) > Register/Update DSC.

4. Click the link to “Click here to download” the emSigner utility (ensure you pick the one for “GST” and not MCA/Income Tax, as they are different).

5. Install the new version and restart your computer.

4. Reinstall the Correct Version

If nothing works, your emSigner version might be outdated (GST frequently updates security protocols).

1. Go to Control Panel > Uninstall a program and remove the current emSigner.

2. Log in to the [suspicious link removed].

3. Click on your Username (Profile) > Register/Update DSC.

4. Click the link to “Click here to download” the emSigner utility (ensure you pick the one for “GST” and not MCA/Income Tax, as they are different).

5. Install the new version and restart your computer.