7 Ways to Fix the WordPress Login Redirect Loop Error Easily

Are you trying to log in to your WordPress site, only to get stuck in a frustrating loop?

Are you getting redirected to the login page, like a never-ending carousel?

This problem is called a WordPress login redirect loop. It’s one of the most common WordPress login issues that can make you feel locked out of your own site. Don’t worry; you’re not alone, and there are solutions to this problem.

So, what exactly is a WordPress login redirect loop?

When you enter your username and password, you expect to access your dashboard. But instead, you end up back on the login page. This happens because the site keeps redirecting you, and you can’t break the cycle.

There are many reasons why this issue occurs. In this article, we will walk you through these reasons as well as several methods to fix it. Let’s dive in and get you back to running your site smoothly.

TL;DR: A WordPress login redirect loop keeps sending you back to the login page. This blocks you from getting into your site. Malware, cache issues, conflicting themes or plugins, etc. can cause this issue. Start fixing this issue by using MalCare to scan your site for malware.

1. Scan your site

Sometimes, malware on your site can block you from logging in. This might cause repeated redirects, making it hard to access your dashboard. Malware can also lock you out and harm your site’s performance and security. The first step towards fixing this issue is to scan your site using a WordPress security plugin. You can then remove any malware found to fix this issue.

But how do you scan your site if you can’t get into wp-admin?

This is where MalCare can help. MalCare offers an external dashboard, letting you scan your site even if you can’t log in. This makes it easy to find and remove malware without accessing the WordPress admin area.

MalCare has more benefits too. It has a smart firewall that can block various WordPress attacks. Its vulnerability scanner can detect threats early and protect against them. Plus, it doesn’t slow down your site while scanning.

2. Clear caches and cookies

Old cache files and corrupt cookies can cause WordPress login redirect loops. Clearing these can often fix the problem. Start by clearing all caches. This includes the cache from your browser and any caching plugins you use. If you use a Content Delivery Network (CDN), its cache might need clearing too.

After clearing the cache, you should also clear your browser cookies. This lets them be set fresh, which might solve the redirect loop. If you are a site owner, you can ask your users to do the same.

As an extra step, you can add the following code to the functions.php file of your site’s current theme. This will reset cookies every time your users access your site.

setcookie(wordpress_logged_in, null, strtotime('-1 day'));

Remember, this means they’ll have to log in each time, and the Remember Me option won’t work. Once the login redirect loop issue is resolved, remove this code. This prevents users from complaining that WordPress keeps logging them out.

3. Revert to a default WordPress theme

Sometimes, a new or changed theme can cause WordPress login redirect loops. Themes can have conflicts that mess with the logging-in process. To see if this is the problem, try switching to a default WordPress theme.

Default WordPress themes like Twenty Twenty-One are well-tested and usually don’t cause these issues. If the redirect loop stops, your old theme is likely the problem. You can keep the default theme or try to fix the issues with your original one.

4. Disable conflicting plugins, if any

Plugin conflicts can also cause WordPress login redirect loops. If you installed a new plugin or updated one, it might be clashing with others on your site. Disable the new or updated plugin and see if that helps.

If disabling the recent plugin doesn’t work, try deactivating all your plugins. Then, activate them one by one, checking each time if the issue is gone. This process helps you find out which plugin is causing the problem. Once you find it, you can decide whether to find a replacement or adjust settings to avoid conflicts.

5. Check site URL settings

Sometimes, your WordPress site URL and the URL registered with your hosting provider might be different. This mismatch can lead to problems logging in. It’s important to make sure that both URLs match.

To do this, check the WordPress Address and Site Address in your wp-admin dashboard at Settings > General. Ensure these match the URL registered with your hosting provider. It’s also a good idea to check your site’s wp-config.php file to ensure the URLs are correct there, too.

Additionally, make sure all site URLs use the same protocol. For example, if you’re using https, all URLs should reflect that to avoid any conflicts. Having consistent URLs helps prevent the login redirect loop issue.

6. Get a dedicated site IP address

Hosting providers often share the same IP address across many of their client websites. This shared IP can sometimes confuse browsers. When the browser isn’t sure which site to load, it may cause a WordPress login redirect loop.

To prevent this, ask your hosting provider for a dedicated IP address. With a dedicated IP, your site has its own unique address, reducing the chance of confusion. Keep in mind that getting a dedicated IP usually comes at a price. However, the investment can help your site run more smoothly and avoid issues.

7. Restore the .htaccess file

Wrong changes to your .htaccess file can cause login redirect loops. This can happen if you or a plugin accidentally alters the file. Such changes might prevent you from accessing your site.

To fix this, you can remove any custom code added recently or uninstall the plugin that made the changes. Another option is to restore a backup of your .htaccess file from before the changes were made. This can bring your site back to normal.

If these steps don’t solve the issue, replace your current .htaccess file with the default code. Keep in mind that this will erase any custom settings you or your plugins have added. Ensure you have a record of any important settings before making this change.

How to prevent the WordPress login redirect loop issue?

Preventing a WordPress login redirect loop is easier than fixing one. By taking some simple steps, you can keep your site safe from such issues. Let’s look at a few strategies to prevent these problems.

Use a security plugin

A good security plugin can protect your site from threats that cause login issues. MalCare is a great choice for WordPress security. It helps to detect and remove malware before it can cause problems. It also secures your site against vulnerabilities and bots, reducing the chances of other security issues.

Take regular backups

Take regular backups to ensure that you have a copy of your site to revert to if anything goes wrong. Use a reliable service like BlogVault, which seamlessly integrates with WordPress. With its automatic backups, you can restore your site to a working version when needed, saving you from major headaches.

Test software on staging

When adding new plugins, themes, or updates, test them on a staging site first. This protects your live site from unexpected issues, such as redirect loops, by allowing you to find problems before they reach your main site. MalCare users get staging sites that let them try out changes safely.

Regularly perform security audits

Regularly perform security audits to catch potential issues early. During an audit, check for suspicious users and vulnerabilities. Also, ensure your plugins and themes are updated. Identifying security gaps in advance can greatly reduce the risk of login problems and keep your site running smoothly.

Regularly check for other redirect loops

Frequently check your site for other redirect loops beyond login issues. Use tools such as SerpWorx or browser plugins like Redirect Path that diagnose redirect problems. Catching these early can stop them from growing into bigger problems. It also keeps your site’s performance stable for your visitors.

Final thoughts

Dealing with a WordPress login redirect loop can be annoying, but you can solve it with some simple steps. Start by using a security tool like MalCare. It helps you quickly find and remove malware that might cause these problems. MalCare not only fixes current issues but also protects against future ones. By keeping your site secure, you can enjoy hassle-free management.

Follow it up by addressing possible causes like clearing cache or disabling conflicting plugins. Changing themes or checking your .htaccess file might also help. Taking these actions can help you regain access to your site and keep it working well.

FAQs

What is the WordPress login redirect loop error?

The WordPress login redirect loop happens when you try to log in, but you keep getting sent back to the login page instead of reaching the dashboard. This can be caused by wrong URL settings, problems with themes or plugins, bad cookies, or issues with the .htaccess file. Sometimes, malware or cache issues can also cause this loop. The loop makes it hard to access your site and do any work until you fix the problem.

How to fix a WordPress redirect loop?

To fix a WordPress redirect loop, try these steps:

1. Clear your browser cache and cookies
2. Clear any caching plugins and CDN caches
3. Deactivate all plugins, then reactivate them one by one
4. Switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-One
5. Check that site URLs in WordPress settings match those with your host
6. Restore your .htaccess file from a backup or use the default code
7. Consider getting a dedicated IP address for your site from your hosting provider

Can plugins cause a WordPress login redirect loop error?

Yes, plugins can cause WordPress login redirect issues. Sometimes, a new plugin or an update to an existing one can conflict with other plugins or with your theme. This conflict can create a loop that sends you back to the login page repeatedly. To fix this, you can try deactivating your plugins and then reactivating them one by one to see which one is causing the problem. Once you find the plugin causing the issue, you can look for a solution or consider using a different plugin.