Have you ever tried to open your WordPress site, only to be met with a never-ending loop of “too many redirects” errors? It’s frustrating, especially when your website suddenly becomes unreachable to both you and your visitors.
Understanding why this happens—and how to fix it—is essential to keeping your site online and your audience happy. In this article, we’ll break down the top reasons behind this issue and guide you through practical steps to resolve it quickly.
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What Causes the “Too Many Redirects” Error in WordPress?
If you’ve ever visited your WordPress site only to be greeted by a browser message like “This webpage has a redirect loop” or “ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS,” you’re not alone. This error signals that something is causing your website to go back and forth between URLs endlessly, trapping your browser in a never-ending loop. Not only is it frustrating, but it also locks out site visitors and can harm your site’s credibility.
But the silver lining? This is a common problem with clear causes—and, more importantly, it’s usually straightforward to fix with the right approach.
Why Does the “Too Many Redirects” Error Happen?
This error typically occurs when WordPress gets stuck redirecting between two or more URLs repeatedly. Here are some of the leading culprits:
- Incorrect WordPress URL or Site Address settings.
- Faulty or misconfigured plugins.
- Corrupted .htaccess file.
- Issues with website caching.
- Problems with SSL or HTTPS settings.
- Conflicts between server and WordPress-level redirection rules.
Understanding and fixing the root of the issue is the key to getting your site back up.
How to Fix the “Too Many Redirects” Error in WordPress: Step-by-Step
Ready to resolve the error? Follow these steps in order. Each step tackles a common source of redirect loops.
1. Clear Browser Cookies and Cache
Your browser might be storing old redirect information. Start with the simplest fix:
- Clear your browser cache and cookies.
- Try accessing your site again.
If the issue persists, move on to the site-level solutions below.
2. Check WordPress URL and Site Address Settings
Incorrect URLs are one of the most common reasons for redirect loops.
- Log into your WordPress dashboard.
- Go to Settings › General.
- Look for WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL).
- Ensure both URLs are correct and match (including the use of
httporhttps). For example: https://yourwebsite.comhttp://www.yourwebsite.com
Mismatch or improper URLs can trigger endless redirection. Save any changes and re-test your site.
If you can’t access your dashboard:
- Edit your
wp-config.phpfile via FTP or your hosting control panel. - Add these lines, replacing the URLs as needed:
php
define('WP_HOME','https://yourwebsite.com');
define('WP_SITEURL','https://yourwebsite.com');
3. Disable All Plugins
A faulty plugin can set unwanted redirects or conflict with other plugins.
- Via the dashboard: Go to Plugins › Installed Plugins and deactivate all plugins.
- Via FTP: Rename your
/wp-content/plugins/folder to/plugins-deactivated/.
Revisit your site. If it loads fine, reactivate plugins one by one to find the culprit.
4. Switch To a Default Theme
Themes can also cause redirect issues, often due to custom functions.
- Go to Appearance › Themes in your dashboard.
- Activate a default WordPress theme, such as Twenty Twenty-Three.
- Check your website.
5. Reset the .htaccess File
The .htaccess file controls important redirection and permalinks on your site. Corruption here can cause loops.
- Access your site via FTP or File Manager.
- Find the
.htaccessfile in your root folder. - Download a backup copy.
- Delete the
.htaccessfile from your server. - Log into your dashboard (if you can) and go to Settings › Permalinks, then click Save Changes to regenerate a fresh
.htaccessfile.
6. Check SSL and HTTPS Settings
If your site switched from HTTP to HTTPS, ensure everything is configured properly:
- Avoid double redirects: Only one level (either your server or a plugin) should force SSL.
- Use a plugin like “Really Simple SSL” to handle transitions smoothly.
- Update all hardcoded URLs in your content, widgets, and settings to HTTPS.
7. Clear Website, Proxy, and CDN Caches
Caching plugins or services (like a CDN) might be serving outdated redirects.
- Clear your site cache (through your plugin or hosting panel).
- Purge CDN cache, if you’re using one (e.g., Cloudflare).
- Check whether your hosting provider caches pages on the server level and clear those as well.
8. Review Server-Level Redirects
Your web server may have redirection rules (in .htaccess, nginx config, or server control panel) that override WordPress settings. Double-check:
.htaccessrules for duplicate or conflicting redirects.- Hosting control panel redirect settings.
9. Consult With Your Hosting Provider
If everything else fails, hosting providers often have insight into server-side issues or log files that can clarify the problem.
Best Practices and Expert Tips for Avoiding Redirect Loops
- Always back up your site before making significant changes.
- Make changes one step at a time. This makes it easier to pinpoint the source of an issue.
- Record the original settings before you edit anything for easy restoration.
- Stay consistent with URLs (e.g., choose www or non-www, and stick with HTTP or HTTPS).
- Install only trusted plugins. Too many plugins or shoddy plugins increase the risk of problems.
- Regularly update WordPress, themes, and plugins.
Potential Challenges and How to Navigate Them
- Dashboard Inaccessibility: If you’re locked out, use FTP or a file manager from your hosting panel.
- No Obvious Solution: Sometimes, the problem is with a combination of plugins or custom code. Patiently re-enable plugins/themes one at a time and retest.
- Unintentional Redirects: If you redirect HTTP to HTTPS in both your server and a plugin, this can trigger a loop.
- Caching Headaches: Don’t forget edge caches or proxy caches—clear them all!
Practical Cost Tips
Solving redirect issues generally doesn’t require spending money. However, some tips for minimizing costs:
- Use free tools: FileZilla (FTP), cPanel’s built-in tools, and free plugins can handle much troubleshooting.
- Lean on your hosting support: Most reputable hosts include basic troubleshooting as part of your plan.
- Limit plugin purchases: Opt for trusted, regularly updated free plugins for redirects, caching, and SSL.
- Don’t pay for unnecessary migrations: If you’re moving domains, follow WordPress’s recommended process or ask your host for guidance.
You shouldn’t have to pay extra to fix a redirect loop—only rare cases (such as hiring a WordPress developer) might warrant a cost.
Summary
The “Too Many Redirects” error in WordPress is like a roadblock caused by endless detours. It usually comes down to misconfigured URLs, plugins, theme issues, or conflicting redirection rules. Fortunately, you can methodically work through the most common causes and have your site up and running again in no time. Patience and a systematic approach are your best tools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does “Too Many Redirects” mean in WordPress?
This error signals your browser keeps getting redirected between different URLs without finding the correct page, trapping it in a loop. It’s often caused by URL, plugin, or .htaccess misconfigurations.
2. Can I fix the redirect loop without technical experience?
Absolutely! Most solutions are straightforward: adjusting settings, deactivating plugins, or resetting files. Just remember to back everything up first, and follow step-by-step instructions.
3. Will fixing this error delete my content or site data?
No—solving redirect loops shouldn’t erase any posts, pages, or data. However, always back up your site before making any changes, just in case.
4. Why did this error appear after installing an SSL certificate?
Moving from HTTP to HTTPS can cause redirect conflicts if both your server and a plugin are forcing HTTPS, or if your site URLs weren’t updated to use HTTPS. Double-check all related settings to prevent overlap.
5. What should I do if nothing seems to work?
If all else fails, contact your hosting support team. They can investigate server-side issues, check error logs, and help you pinpoint tricky problems that basic fixes might miss.
By following the guidance above, you’ll not only solve your current redirect loop but also reduce the chances of facing similar issues in the future. Clear, careful action is the best way to keep your WordPress site smoothly accessible to all.