Encountering an endless redirect loop on your WordPress site can be both confusing and frustrating. If you’ve run into the “ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS” message, you’re not alone—this is a common hiccup for many website owners and bloggers.

Fixing this issue is crucial, as too many redirects can drive away visitors, hurt your site’s reputation, and even impact your SEO.

In this article, we’ll explain what causes this error and guide you through simple, effective steps to get your site running smoothly again.

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What is the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS Error in WordPress?

The “ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS” error in WordPress can be frustrating, both for site owners and visitors. This error tells you that your website is stuck in a loop, sending browsers back and forth between URLs, which ultimately prevents the page from loading.

Essentially, your browser is trying to visit a page, but it keeps getting redirected elsewhere—over and over—until it gives up and shows the error message.

Let’s break down what causes this error, why it happens, and, most importantly, how you can fix it—and prevent it from resurfacing.

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Why Does WordPress Throw the “Too Many Redirects” Error?

Several issues can cause WordPress to enter a redirect loop. Here are the most common culprits:

• Misconfigured URL settings in WordPress or in the hosting environment
• Plugin or theme conflicts, especially those involving redirects
• Incorrect settings in the .htaccess file or web server configuration
• Caching issues or outdated cookies
• SSL/HTTPS misconfiguration

Understanding the possible sources of the error is the first step toward diagnosing and resolving it.

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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fix “Too Many Redirects” in WordPress

If you find yourself face-to-face with this error, don’t panic. Follow these steps to systematically identify and solve the problem.

1. Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies

Sometimes, your browser may store outdated redirect data. Begin by clearing:

• Your browser’s cache
• Cookies for your website

After clearing, reload the site to see if the error disappears.

2. Check Your WordPress Site URL Settings

WordPress uses two critical settings: WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL). If they are set incorrectly, it can cause redirect loops.

How to check and fix:

• If you can access your WordPress admin dashboard:
• Go to Settings > General.
• Ensure that both URLs are correct and consistent. For example, both should use either http:// or https://, not a mix.

• Save changes if you made any adjustments.

• If you can’t access your dashboard, update the URLs via wp-config.php:

• Connect to your site using FTP or your hosting file manager.
• Find and edit the wp-config.php file.
• Add these lines (replacing with your actual domain):
  php
define('WP_HOME','https://yourdomain.com');
define('WP_SITEURL','https://yourdomain.com');
• Save and upload the file.

3. Deactivate All Plugins

A common cause of redirect loops is a conflicting plugin, especially those related to security, caching, or redirection.

To test:

1. Via WordPress Admin:
2. Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.

3. Select all and choose “Deactivate” from the bulk actions menu.

4. If you can’t access the dashboard:

5. Use FTP or file manager.
6. Rename the wp-content/plugins directory (e.g., to plugins_old).

If the site loads, one of your plugins was the source. Reactivate plugins one by one, refreshing your site after each, until you find the culprit.

4. Switch to a Default Theme

Themes can sometimes add code or functions that result in redirect issues.

• Change your theme to a default WordPress theme, like Twenty Twenty-One.
• If you regain access, your original theme is at fault.

5. Check Your .htaccess File

The .htaccess file controls how URLs are processed. An incorrect rule can trap your site in a redirect loop, especially after plugin or permalink changes.

Steps:

1. Using FTP or your file manager, locate .htaccess in your site root.
2. Download a backup.

3. Replace its contents with the default code:
   “`
   # BEGIN WordPress

   RewriteEngine On
   RewriteBase /
   RewriteRule ^index.php$ – [L] RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
   RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
   RewriteRule . /index.php [L]

   END WordPress

   “`
   4. Save and reload your site.

If the error disappears, you may need to reapply custom rules cautiously.

6. Clear WordPress Caching

If you use caching plugins (like WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache, or others) or a host-level cache, clear all caches—both plugin and server-side.

Also, flush CDN caches if you use services like Cloudflare.

7. Check SSL and HTTPS Settings

SSL misconfiguration often leads to redirects between http and https versions.

• Ensure all URLs (WordPress settings, .htaccess, plugins) use the correct protocol.
• If you use plugins that force SSL, try disabling them temporarily.

8. Verify Any Redirects Set Up

Review any redirects created via plugins, .htaccess, or hosting panels. Look for:

• Redirects pointing URLs back and forth (e.g., A redirects to B, B redirects to A)
• Wildcard redirects (/* to /) that may capture too many requests

Remove or fix problematic rules and save changes.

9. Contact Your Web Host

If you’ve tried everything and still see the error, your hosting support may be able to help—especially if server-level settings or misconfigured reverse proxies are involved.

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Benefits of Fixing the Error Quickly

• Restores Site Accessibility: Visitors and search engines can access your site again.
• Improves SEO: Google can crawl your site without being blocked by loops.
• Better User Experience: Users aren’t met with confusing error messages.
• Prevents Revenue Loss: Especially important for online stores, where downtime can cost sales.

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Challenges You Might Encounter

• Diagnosing the Root Cause: Redirect loops can arise from multiple sources, making diagnosis tricky.
• Limited Access: Sometimes, the error locks you out of your admin dashboard.
• Conflicting Settings: Plugins, server rules, and site settings can all interact in unexpected ways.

Patience and a systematic approach will help you overcome these hurdles.

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Best Practices to Prevent ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS in WordPress

• Back up your site regularly before making major changes.
• Use only one plugin to manage redirects. Multiple plugins can create conflicting rules.
• Keep all plugins and themes updated.
• Use a quality hosting provider with proper server configurations.
• Double-check URL settings after any migration, domain change, or when enabling SSL.
• Test new redirections manually to ensure they do not cause loops.
• Clear cache after making changes to redirection or URL settings.
• Enable maintenance mode during troubleshooting (helpful for high-traffic sites).

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Practical Tips and Advice

• If you’re not comfortable with FTP or code edits, reach out to a developer or your host for help.
• Document any changes you make so you can easily revert if needed.
• Always keep a fresh backup handy, especially before editing core files.
• Check with your hosting provider about server-level caching or redirects you might not control directly.
• Learn to recognize the signs of loops (refreshing URLs, multiple redirects in development tools) so you can act quickly.

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Cost and Shipping Tips (If Relevant)

When dealing with website management, the “cost” here refers mainly to your time and potential downtime:

• Time Savings: Fixing the error yourself means you’ll avoid costs from hiring a developer.
• Prevention Saves Money: Downtime can mean lost sales or damaged reputation, which can cost a lot.
• Hosting Upgrades: Sometimes switching to a managed WordPress host can cost more but save on technical headaches.
• Outsourcing: If you choose to hire help, compare several providers for the best rate.

There’s no shipping involved, but keep in mind the value of your time and customers’ experience when assessing “costs.”

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Conclusion

The ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error is a common, yet solvable, issue in WordPress. By following a careful, step-by-step approach—checking your URL settings, disabling plugins and themes, verifying .htaccess rules, and addressing potential SSL issues—you can bring your site back online quickly.

Remember: take preventative steps to guard against this problem in the future. With good practices and regular maintenance, you can ensure your WordPress site remains healthy, accessible, and error-free.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error in WordPress?
Usually, it’s triggered by misconfigured URL settings, conflicting plugins, incorrect .htaccess rules, SSL issues, or caching problems. The error happens when your website keeps redirecting between pages without ending the cycle.

How do I know which plugin is causing the redirect loop?
Deactivate all plugins, then reactivate them one at a time. Refresh your site after each activation. When the error reappears after activating a specific plugin, that one is likely the source.

Can I fix the error without accessing the WordPress admin area?
Yes! You can use FTP or your hosting file manager to deactivate plugins, revert themes, or edit the wp-config.php and .htaccess files. This is helpful when you’re locked out of the dashboard.

Does switching to HTTPS cause redirect issues?
It can, especially if you have mixed HTTP/HTTPS links or force SSL via plugins or server rules. Double-check that all site URLs and settings are consistent after switching to HTTPS.

Will clearing my browser cache and cookies help?
Often, yes. Cached redirect data or cookies can cause your browser to repeat old redirects. Clear them first before further troubleshooting.

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By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error and keep your WordPress site running smoothly!