How to Fix ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS Error on Your WordPress Site?

Encountering the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error on your WordPress site can be frustrating. This error typically occurs when your website gets stuck in an infinite loop of redirects, preventing users from accessing your content. Resolving this issue is crucial because it directly impacts your site’s functionality and user experience. 

If left unchecked, it can lead to decreased traffic, lower search engine rankings, and a poor impression on visitors. Therefore, understanding the causes behind the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error and implementing the right fixes promptly is essential to get your site back on track.

What is the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS Error?

The ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error occurs when a website is caught in an endless loop of redirection, preventing it from loading properly. This happens when the server’s configurations, plugins, or incorrect URL settings continuously redirect the site between different addresses, causing the browser to stop the process. Essentially, the browser gives up after too many redirects, resulting in this error message. Addressing this issue is important to restore access to your site and ensure a smooth user experience.

ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS Message Variations

Different browsers display the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error in various ways, which can sometimes cause confusion. Here’s how this error message appears on popular browsers:

• Google Chrome Error Message: “This page isn’t working. example.com redirected you too many times. ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS”

• Mozilla Firefox Error Message: “The page isn’t redirecting properly. Firefox has detected that the server is redirecting the request for this address in a way that will never complete.”
  
• Microsoft Edge Error Message: “This page isn’t working right now. example.com redirected you too many times.”
  
• Safari Error Message: “Safari Can’t Open the Page. Too many redirects occurred trying to open ‘example.com.’ This might occur if you open a page that is redirected to another page, which is then redirected to open the original page.”
  
• Opera Error Message: “This page isn’t working. example.com redirected you too many times. ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS”

Further reading: Common WordPress Errors and How to Fix Them

Common Causes of ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS

By understanding the common causes of the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error, you can take the correct steps to resolve it. This error typically arises from the following causes, all of which can lead to infinite redirect loops.

Misconfigured Settings

One of the primary causes of the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error is misconfigured settings. When your WordPress site’s settings are not correctly configured, it can create a loop of redirects. This often happens when the settings in the .htaccess file or other configuration files are incorrect.

Plugin Conflicts

Another common culprit is plugin conflicts. Plugins designed to manage redirects, such as SEO plugins or security plugins, can sometimes clash with each other. Consequently, these conflicts can lead to an endless redirect loop, causing the error to appear.

Incorrect URL Settings

Incorrect URL settings can also trigger this error. If your WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) are not set correctly, a mismatch can occur that leads to continual redirects. This issue is especially prevalent when transitioning from HTTP to HTTPS without properly updating the URLs in the WordPress settings.

SSL/TLS Misconfigurations

Improper SSL/TLS configurations can result in redirect loops, particularly when transitioning from HTTP to HTTPS. If your site is set to enforce HTTPS without the correct settings, it can cause continuous redirection between HTTP and HTTPS.

CDN or Proxy Server Issues

If you use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) or a proxy server, misconfigurations here can also lead to redirect loops. This is common when the CDN or proxy server is not set up correctly to handle redirects.

Server Configuration Errors

Server-side configurations, such as those in the web server’s settings (e.g., Apache or Nginx), can lead to this error. Incorrect redirect rules in the server configuration can create an infinite loop.

Database Issues

In some cases, database issues can cause redirect loops. This might happen if incorrect values are stored in the WordPress database, particularly in the wp_options table, where site URLs and other important settings are stored.

Redirect Loops from External Services

External services or third-party integrations can sometimes inadvertently cause redirect loops. For example, social media login plugins or third-party authentication services can sometimes be improperly configured, leading to redirects.

Learn how to: Fix the ‘This Site is Experiencing Difficulties’ Error in WordPress

Preliminary Steps to Fix Redirect Loops in WordPress

The first step in troubleshooting the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error is to clear your browser cache and cookies. Cached data and stored cookies can sometimes cause issues by retaining old redirect information. Clearing these can provide a fresh start and help determine if the problem is browser-specific.

• Use an Alternate Browser or Incognito Mode: If clearing the cache and cookies does not resolve the issue, try accessing your site using a different browser or in incognito mode. This approach helps to rule out browser-specific problems. If the site loads correctly, the issue may be related to your main browser’s settings or extensions.

• Accessing the Site via FTP or Hosting Control Panel: If the above steps don’t work, you might need to access your site files directly. Use an FTP client or your hosting control panel to access your WordPress site’s root directory. This access allows you to check and modify configuration files, deactivate plugins, and make other necessary changes to resolve the redirect loop.

Know more: Best WordPress Redirect Plugins

Advanced Steps to Fix ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS 

If the preliminary steps don’t fix the error, you can try these advanced steps. Note: Before you make any changes, it’s best to take a backup of your website. 

Check and Fix Your Site’s URL Settings

Start by verifying the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) in your WordPress dashboard under Settings ⟶ General. Ensure they are correct and match the actual URL of your site. Incorrect URL settings can cause redirect loops. You can also define these URLs in the wp-config.php file to temporarily override dashboard settings.

Examine .htaccess File

The .htaccess file in your WordPress root directory can contain redirect rules that may cause loops. To reset it, access your site via FTP or your hosting control panel, locate the .htaccess file, and rename it (e.g., .htaccess_old). Then, create a new .htaccess file with default WordPress content:

# BEGIN WordPress
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]
</IfModule>
# END WordPress

Delete WordPress Cache

Cached data can cause persistent redirect loops. If you use a caching plugin, clear the cache through the plugin’s settings. You may also need to clear the server-side cache if your hosting provider offers it and any CDN cache if you’re using a Content Delivery Network.

Learn: Best Alternatives to Google Cache Pages

Review Plugins and Themes for any Conflicts

Deactivate all plugins to see if the redirect loop is resolved. If it does, reactivate them one by one to identify the conflicting plugin. Additionally, switch to a default WordPress theme (like Twenty Twenty-One) to rule out theme-related issues.

Look at Your Server Settings

Server configurations play a critical role in how redirects are handled. Misconfigured settings in your web server can lead to ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS errors. Here’s a guide on what to look for and how to fix potential issues in both Apache and Nginx servers:

Apache Server Configuration

Apache uses the httpd.conf file and potentially other configuration files in the conf.d directory or .htaccess files to manage site settings. To access configuration files:

• Connect to your server using SSH or access your hosting control panel.

• Locate the httpd.conf file, typically found in /etc/httpd/ or /usr/local/apache2/conf/.
• Open the httpd.conf file using a text editor like nano or vim.
• Look for RewriteRule or Redirect directives. These lines manage redirects and can cause loops if misconfigured.

Example of a Proper Redirect:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

Ensure there are no conflicting rules, such as multiple rules that redirect the same URL to different destinations.

If you find conflicting rules, comment them out by adding a # at the beginning of the line or remove them if they are unnecessary. Save the changes and restart Apache to apply the new configuration:

sudo systemctl restart httpd

Nginx Server Configuration

Nginx uses the nginx.conf file and additional configuration files located in the conf.d directory to manage site settings. To access configuration files:

• Connect to your server using SSH or access your hosting control panel.
• Locate the nginx.conf file, typically found in /etc/nginx/ or /usr/local/nginx/conf/.
• Open the nginx.conf file using a text editor like nano or vim.
• Look for rewrite or return directives. These lines manage redirects and can cause loops if misconfigured.

Example of a Proper Redirect:

server {
    listen 80;
    server_name example.com www.example.com;
    return 301 https://example.com$request_uri;
}

Ensure that there are no conflicting rules, such as multiple rules that redirect the same URL to different destinations.

If you find conflicting rules, comment them out by adding a # at the beginning of the line or remove them if they are unnecessary. Save the changes and restart Nginx to apply the new configuration:

sudo systemctl restart nginx

Additional Considerations

Ensure that your virtual host configurations do not have conflicting redirects.

• If you are using a reverse proxy, check the proxy server configuration to ensure it’s not causing redirect loops.

• Check your server logs for additional clues about the redirect loops. Apache logs are typically found in /var/log/apache2/, and Nginx logs in /var/log/nginx/.

By thoroughly examining and adjusting your server settings, you can resolve redirect loops and prevent the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error from disrupting your WordPress site.

Know about: Ultimate Guide to WordPress Error Logs

Configure SSL Settings

Ensure that your SSL settings are correctly configured. If you’ve recently switched to HTTPS, ensure your URLs are updated to reflect this change. Plugins like Really Simple SSL can help smooth the transition from HTTP to HTTPS.

Related: How to Install a Free SSL Certificate in WordPress

Check CDN or WAF Configuration

If you use a CDN or a Web Application Firewall (WAF), incorrect settings can cause redirect loops. Ensure your CDN or WAF is correctly configured to handle your site’s redirects. You may also need to clear the CDN cache and verify that your origin server’s settings align with those of the CDN.

Inspect and Adjust Database Settings

Sometimes, issues in the WordPress database can cause redirect loops. Here’s how to address potential database-related problems:

• Use a tool like phpMyAdmin or access your database via SSH.
• In phpMyAdmin, locate the wp_options table.
• Verify the values for siteurl and home. They should match the actual URL of your site.
• If necessary, update these values directly in the database.

Example SQL Query to Update URLs:

UPDATE wp_options SET option_value = 'http://example.com' WHERE option_name = 'siteurl';
UPDATE wp_options SET option_value = 'http://example.com' WHERE option_name = 'home';

Also, check for any unusual entries or conflicting redirect settings in the wp_options table that might cause loops.

Review Third-Party Services

Third-party services integrated with your site can sometimes cause redirect loops. Here’s how to manage these:

• Temporarily disable third-party services to see if the redirect loop is resolved. 
• Check the documentation for each service to ensure they are configured correctly. 
• Also, verify the settings and permissions for each third-party service. Ensure that the callbacks and redirects are correctly configured.

Use Diagnostic Tools

Several tools can help diagnose and resolve redirect loops:

• Online Redirect Checkers: Use online tools like Redirect Checker to trace the redirect path and identify loops.

• Browser Developer Tools: Open the Developer Tools in your browser (F12 or right-click and select “Inspect”). Go to the “Network” tab and reload the page to see the chain of redirects.

• WordPress Debugging: Enable debugging in WordPress by adding the following lines to your wp-config.php file:

define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);

Check the debug.log file in the wp-content directory for any redirect-related errors or issues.

Final Thoughts

Fixing the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error on your WordPress site is crucial for maintaining optimal functionality and a seamless user experience. By following the outlined steps, you can troubleshoot and resolve this issue promptly. However, some issues may require more advanced solutions or a deeper technical understanding.

In this case, consider seeking professional help for quick resolutions. Our 24/7 WordPress support team is ready to tackle any problem, preventing small issues from escalating into major disruptions. So, reach out to us for expert assistance and enjoy uninterrupted website performance.