Facing the Too Many Redirects WordPress Error? 10 Easy Ways to Fix It

Stuck in a loop with the too many redirects WordPress error on your site?

Frustrated because your site won’t load?

Why is this happening?

How do you get back to a working site?

Relax! You’re not alone.

Many users face this frustrating error. It can feel like a roadblock with no clear way out. But fear not! Fixing this issue isn’t as hard as it might seem.

The too many redirects WordPress error means your browser is caught in an endless cycle. It’s like the browser is bouncing between two or more pages, unable to land on the destination page. This usually results from a misconfiguration in your site settings or browser. Understanding and resolving these issues can help recover access to your site.

So let’s dive into easy steps to guide you out of this endless redirect cycle. Whether it’s clearing old data or tweaking settings, we’ll help you solve the problem and prevent it in the future.

TL;DR: The too many redirects WordPress error can be fixed by easy steps. This includes everything from refreshing the page to checking SSL configurations and site settings. But before you begin, take a full site backup to ensure you have a safety net to fall back upon.

1. Refresh the web page

Sometimes, the simplest solutions work best. It might seem obvious, but refreshing a web page could solve your problem. If you encounter the too many redirects WordPress error, try reloading the page.

Press the Refresh button on your browser. A page refresh can clear minor glitches and get things moving again. If refreshing doesn’t help, try using a different browser. Different browsers sometimes handle redirects in unique ways.

2. Delete all cookies

Cookies are small data blocks that websites store in your browser. They help sites remember details about your visits. But sometimes, these cookies might hold old or incorrect information. They can also get corrupted.

When this happens, your browsing experience may suffer. To fix this, you should clear all cookies.

Start by going to your browser settings. Look for an option to clear or manage cookies. Each browser will have slightly different steps. But you can usually find this in the Privacy or History section.

Select the option to delete all cookies. After clearing them, try accessing your site again.

3. Clear all caches

Caches store small bits of information to speed up your site visits. They help load sites faster. But sometimes, the cached data becomes outdated, causing problems.

Clearing caches can resolve these issues. You’ll want to clear several types: browser cache, caching plugin cache, CDN cache, and server cache.

Start by checking your browser settings to clear the browser cache. Next, if you use caching plugins on your site, visit their settings to clear those caches. If you’re using a CDN, log into its dashboard to find the option to clear the cache. Finally, you may need to contact your hosting provider to clear the server cache.

After clearing all caches, try accessing your site again.

4. Deactivate/disable WordPress plugins

Sometimes, plugins can cause site errors. A new plugin installation or an update might create conflicts. This could lead to issues with your site.

If you can access your site’s admin dashboard, start by deactivating all plugins. Go to the Plugins section and select Deactivate for each plugin. After this, try accessing your site again.

If you can’t access your admin dashboard, you’ll need to use FTP. Connect to your site using an FTP client like Filezilla. Locate the wp-content folder and rename the plugins folder to something else, like plugins_old. This will disable all plugins. Then, try accessing your site again.

If your site is back to normal, a plugin likely caused the issue. Rename the plugins folder to its default value. Next, deactivate all the individual plugins by renaming their folders, and then reactivate them one by one. Each time you activate a plugin, check if your site is still working. When you find the problematic plugin, you have options.

You can choose to replace the plugin or contact its developers. Let them know about the issue. They may release a patch to fix the problem. Once fixed, you can safely use the plugin again.

5. Check WordPress site settings

URL mismatches in your WordPress settings can cause errors. This often happens with differences in URLs between wp-admin, wp-config.php, and the database. Even something small, like using http in one URL and https in another, can trigger issues.

If you can access your site’s admin dashboard, start there. Go to Settings and check the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL). Make sure they match your site’s URL.

Next, access your wp-config.php file via FTP. Look for the WP_HOME and WP_SITEURL values. Ensure they match your site’s URL.

Then, use phpMyAdmin or your web host’s database manager to access your WordPress database. Check the values in the relevant table, usually called wp_options. Double-check the siteurl and home fields to confirm everything matches.

If there are any mismatches, correct them so all URLs are the same. Consistency across your site is key to smoothing out errors.

In case you can’t access the admin dashboard, you can edit your wp-config.php file and add a line of code to it. Use the following code as a guideline:

update_option('home', 'https://yoursite.com');

update_option('siteurl', 'https://yoursite.com');

Replace https://yoursite.com with your actual site URL. This forces the correct URLs back into your dashboard.

6. Check your site’s SSL configuration

Moving your site to HTTPS by installing an SSL certificate is a smart security move. Many web hosts even offer SSL certificates for free with their plans. However, during the setup process, you might encounter errors that lead to redirects. These issues could include incorrect SSL installation, misconfigured certificates, or domain name hiccups.

If you’ve recently switched to HTTPS or installed a new SSL certificate, it’s a good idea to verify your setup. Use an online tool like the Qualys SSL Server Test to check your site’s SSL configuration. This tool helps identify if everything is correctly configured.

If the test shows any issues, you can take steps like reinstalling the SSL certificate or adjusting the configuration. If it all seems a bit too technical, don’t hesitate to seek expert help.

7. Update hard-coded links

Your site’s webpages rely on various resources like images, audio, and videos. These resources use URLs to connect to your site. If your site uses HTTPS but these resource links do not, you might face mixed content and redirect issues.

To fix this, start by updating these links. Use a plugin like Better Search Replace to change all HTTP links to HTTPS. This tool helps streamline the process by updating many links quickly.

For resources that aren’t available over HTTPS, consider replacing them. Additionally, using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) can help avoid issues. CDNs often handle resource links more efficiently and securely.

8. Check for redirects on your server

Your server might have redirects set up. For example, HTTPS redirects will guide users from the HTTP version of your site to the HTTPS version. You might also use 301 redirects that help users find new pages if the old ones don’t exist anymore.

These redirects are usually set in your .htaccess file if you’re on an Apache server. If you run an nginx server, the configuration will be in the nginx.conf file.

To check or change these settings, you can edit these files. The following code redirects all HTTP requests to HTTPS in Apache servers:

RewriteEngine On

RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off

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

For nginx servers, the code is:

server {

listen 80;

server_name domain.com www.domain.com;

return 301 https://domain.com$request_uri;

}

Here, domain.com is replaced by your website name.

If you need to temporarily disable them, you can add a simple # in front of each line to comment them out. This works for Apache and nginx as well.

9. Check third-party settings

Third-party settings can also affect your site. These exist outside your website, such as on web host dashboards, CDNs, or web application firewalls.

Sometimes, these settings might mess with your site and cause redirects. For example, pay special attention if you use a service like Cloudflare’s WAF. If you’ve enabled Cloudflare’s Flexible SSL with an SSL certificate from another provider, it might lead to redirects. This is a common setup that often causes issues.

Instead, you can use the Always use HTTPS option in Cloudflare. This setting helps simplify SSL handling and avoids conflicts.

10. If all else fails, contact your web host

If you’ve tried everything and the problem remains, there might be a deeper issue with your WordPress site. It’s time to reach out to your web hosting provider.

Web hosts often employ WordPress experts. These professionals can dig into the settings and pinpoint what’s wrong. They have the tools and knowledge to troubleshoot and fix more complex problems.

Getting help from your web host can save you time and stress. They are equipped to handle issues that may be beyond your reach. Don’t hesitate to ask for their support if you need it.

What causes the too many redirects WordPress error?

Redirects are crucial in web development for tasks like changing URL structures and SEO optimization. A redirect sends users from one URL to another, often used when a page’s URL changes. There are several types of redirects, like 301 (permanent) and 302 (temporary).

The too many redirects WordPress error happens when a browser tries to load a website but gets stuck in a loop of redirects. This error usually occurs due to incorrect settings in the WordPress URL, .htaccess file, or plugin configurations. When a user tries to load a webpage, the server might issue redirect instructions to a new URL. If these URLs aren’t set correctly, they can create an endless loop, leading to the error. For instance, redirecting Page A to Page B and back again creates a loop.

This constant page loading ultimately results in the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error. Sometimes, WordPress plugins or themes add redirect instructions that conflict with server settings. This can also cause the same issue. This error isn’t just annoying; it can hurt your SEO and result in traffic loss if not fixed. 

How do browsers see redirects?

Understanding this error also involves knowing how browsers work. Browsers like Chrome follow redirect instructions sent by servers. But they have limits to protect users from harmful endless loops. Legitimate sites, like WordPress, might trigger this error unintentionally when misconfigured.

In a loop, the visitor’s browser keeps trying to load new URLs until it hits the maximum redirect limit. Once the limit is reached, the browser shows an error message like ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS. This can be alarming as it affects user experience and accessibility.

This isn’t a browser fault but a sign that something’s wrong with site settings. Though meant to protect users, it creates challenges for web admins.

Redirects are not bad on their own—they help manage site structure and navigation. The problem arises when they aren’t set up correctly. This leads to the too many redirects WordPress error.

How to prevent the too many redirects WordPress error in future?

Preventing the too many redirects WordPress error is about regular maintenance and careful management of your WordPress site. Here are some steps to help ensure this error doesn’t reappear:

Regularly clean cookies and caches: Clear your browser cookies and caches often. This practice helps avoid potential conflicts that might lead to redirect errors.

Keep plugins and themes updated: Always ensure your plugins and themes are up to date. Updates often include fixes for bugs that might cause redirects.

Test plugins and themes on staging sites: Before updating your plugins and themes, create a staging site and test them on it. This reduces the risk of installing something that could cause problems on your live site.

Use a dedicated website migration tool: When moving your site, use a tool like MigrateGuru. This ensures all redirects and settings are correctly transferred, minimizing errors.

Regularly audit users on your site: Conduct security audits to spot and remove any suspicious user accounts. Doing so helps maintain site security, reducing the risk of harmful redirects.

Final thoughts

Dealing with the too many redirects WordPress error can feel overwhelming. But fortunately, you’re not alone. Many WordPress users face this challenge. By following steps like refreshing the page, clearing cookies, and checking your settings, you can get your site back online. Remember that small tweaks often make a big difference. So having a bit of patience can help you solve the issue.

In the world of websites, problems can pop up unexpectedly. That’s why it’s smart to have regular backups of your site. If something goes wrong, a backup lets you restore your site easily. It acts as a safety net, giving you peace of mind. We recommend using MalCare to take automated and secure full-site backups. Plus, MalCare comes with a robust malware scanner and removal tool, a smart firewall, and vulnerability detection features. Together, they all keep your site safe and running smoothly.

FAQs

How to fix WordPress too many redirects?

To fix the WordPress too many redirects error, start by clearing your browser’s cookies and cache. Next, check the WordPress URLs in your site settings, wp-config.php file, and database to make sure they match. Then, deactivate all your plugins and reactivate them one by one to find the problem. Also, check your .htaccess file or nginx.conf for wrong redirects and fix them. If you have a new SSL certificate, ensure it is set up right. Tools like Qualys SSL Server Test can help. If nothing works, reach out to your web host for support. They can help solve deeper problems.

How do I fix redirected too many times?

To fix a redirected too many times error, start by clearing your browser’s cookies and cache. Then, ensure your site URLs are consistent across WordPress settings, the wp-config.php file, and the database. Temporarily deactivate all plugins. Then, activate them one by one to identify any causing the issue. Check your .htaccess or nginx.conf file for incorrect redirects and fix them. If you recently changed your SSL setup, verify it’s configured correctly. Use tools like Qualys SSL Server Test to do so. If the error persists, contact your web host for help, as they can assist with more complex issues.

How do I get rid of redirects in WordPress?

To get rid of redirects in WordPress, start by checking for incorrect URL settings in your WordPress admin area, the wp-config.php file, and the database. Make sure they all match. Next, review your .htaccess or nginx.conf file. Find and remove unnecessary or wrong redirect rules. Deactivate plugins temporarily to see if any are causing redirects. Then reactivate them one by one to identify the culprit. Additionally, ensure your SSL settings are properly configured. If the problem continues, consider reaching out to your web host for help, as they can provide further guidance.

How many redirects is too many for SEO?

For SEO, too many redirects can be problematic as they slow down your site and confuse search engines. Ideally, you should keep redirects to a minimum. One or two redirects are usually okay. But more than that can negatively impact page load times and user experience. Each extra redirect can cause delays. Search engines might penalize your website’s ranking for this. Keep your redirect chain short. This ensures a faster, more efficient path to your content. It also helps maintain good SEO practices.

Are redirects bad for SEO?

Redirects are not bad for SEO if used correctly. They help send users and search engines from an old page to a new one. This way, you keep your site’s rank. But too many redirects can slow down your site and cause issues. Use the right type, like 301 redirects for permanent changes. Keep the number of redirects low and avoid loops. This keeps your site fast and helps your SEO.