Too Many Redirects or Redirect Loops in WordPress

If you’re seeing the error “ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS” or “This page isn’t working – redirected you too many times” on your WordPress website, it means your browser is stuck in a redirect loop. This frustrating issue not only prevents visitors from accessing your site but also negatively impacts your SEO rankings and user trust.

Don’t worry – this is a common WordPress error, and in this guide, we’ll show you why it happens, how to fix it, and how to prevent redirect loops permanently.

What Does “Too Many Redirects” Mean in WordPress?

A redirect loop happens when your website keeps telling browsers to go to another URL, but that URL points back to the original one—or another chain of redirects that never ends.

As a result:

  • The browser cannot load the page.
  • Search engines like Google may stop crawling the site.
  • Visitors may leave due to a poor experience.

You’ll typically see:

  • Chrome: ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS
  • Firefox: “The page isn’t redirecting properly.”
  • Safari: “Too many redirects occurred.”

Common Causes of Redirect Loops in WordPress

Here are the main reasons behind this error:

  • Incorrect WordPress URL Settings
    • WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) don’t match.
    • Example: Your site is set to http:// but SSL forces https://.
  • Misconfigured SSL/HTTPS
    • Conflicts between hosting, plugins, and CDN (like Cloudflare).
  • Caching Conflicts
    • Old cache from browser, CDN, or plugins causing redirect mismatch.
  • Faulty Redirect Plugins
    • SEO or redirection plugins setting multiple conflicting rules.
  • Bad .htaccess Rules
    • Incorrect rewrite rules in .htaccess file.
  • Domain/Hosting Changes
    • Switching between www and non-www versions.
    • Migrating to HTTPS without proper configuration.

️ Step-by-Step Fix for “Too Many Redirects” in WordPress

Follow these troubleshooting steps in order:

Clear Browser & WordPress Cache

  • Clear cookies & cache in your browser.
  • Purge cache from plugins like WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache, LiteSpeed Cache.
  • Clear CDN cache (Cloudflare, BunnyCDN, etc.).

Many times, a simple cache clear fixes the issue!

Check WordPress & Site URL

  • Login to WordPress → Settings > General.
  • Make sure these match exactly:
    • WordPress Address (URL) = https://example.com
    • Site Address (URL) = https://example.com

⚠️ If locked out: update siteurl and home in phpMyAdmin under wp_options.

Disable Plugins via FTP

  • Use FTP or File Manager.
  • Rename plugins folder to plugins_old.
  • If site loads → one plugin is causing the issue.
  • Rename back and activate plugins one by one to identify the culprit.

Fix SSL/HTTPS Settings

  • If you force HTTPS in multiple places (hosting + plugin + Cloudflare), it creates loops.
  • Solution:
    • Use only one SSL handler.
    • Recommended: Really Simple SSL plugin.
    • In Cloudflare: disable “Always Use HTTPS” until setup is correct.

Reset .htaccess File

  • Connect via FTP.
  • Rename .htaccess to .htaccess_old.
  • Login WordPress → Settings > Permalinks → click Save Changes.
  • This regenerates a fresh .htaccess file.

Check Hosting or CDN Settings

  • Some hosts auto-force SSL or redirects.
  • Conflicting settings at server level (Nginx/Apache) can cause loops.
  • Contact your hosting provider if none of the above works.

✅ How to Prevent Redirect Loops in WordPress

  • Always use the correct domain format (decide: www or non-www).
  • Use only one method to force SSL (server OR plugin).
  • Regularly clear cache when making changes.
  • Keep plugins updated and avoid duplicate redirect plugins.
  • Use a reliable CDN setup with proper SSL configuration.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS mean in WordPress?

This error means your website is stuck in a continuous redirect cycle where one URL keeps redirecting to another, and eventually back to the original page. The browser stops loading and shows an error message.

Can redirect loops damage my SEO?

Yes. Redirect loops prevent Google and other search engines from crawling your site. If the issue continues, it may lead to de-indexing of affected pages and a drop in rankings. Fixing it quickly is crucial for SEO.

Is Cloudflare responsible for redirect loops?

Sometimes. If you’re using Cloudflare with Flexible SSL while your hosting server is also enforcing HTTPS, it can cause an endless loop. Switching Cloudflare SSL mode to Full (strict) usually resolves the problem.

How can I fix redirect loops without accessing the WordPress dashboard?

If you’re locked out of wp-admin, you can:

  • Access your site via FTP or File Manager to rename the plugins folder and disable all plugins.
  • Edit the wp-config.php file to define the correct WP_HOME and WP_SITEURL.
  • Use phpMyAdmin to update URLs directly in the wp_options table.

Why do plugins cause too many redirects?

Some SEO, redirection, or SSL plugins may set multiple rules that conflict with your server or CDN-level redirects. This results in multiple redirects that never resolve. Disabling such plugins helps identify the issue.

Does switching from www to non-www cause redirect loops?

Yes. If both versions (www.example.com and example.com) are set to redirect to each other, it creates a loop. You should choose one preferred domain in WordPress settings and enforce it consistently.

Can a misconfigured .htaccess file create redirect loops?

Absolutely. Incorrect rewrite rules in .htaccess can cause infinite redirections. Resetting .htaccess by renaming it and regenerating a new one from Settings > Permalinks usually fixes the issue.

What if my hosting provider forces HTTPS automatically?

Many modern hosting providers automatically enforce HTTPS. If you’re also forcing HTTPS through plugins or Cloudflare, it may create conflicts. Disable duplicate redirects and keep only one method active.

How do I prevent redirect loops in the future?

  • Always use the same domain format (www or non-www).
  • Force HTTPS from only one place (plugin, server, or CDN).
  • Avoid using multiple redirect or SSL plugins.
  • Clear caches after making changes.
  • Regularly check your site in different browsers to catch issues early.

 

The “Too Many Redirects” error in WordPress can be frustrating, but in most cases, it’s caused by simple issues like incorrect WordPress URLs, SSL conflicts, caching, or faulty plugins. By clearing caches, resetting .htaccess, checking your site URLs, and disabling problematic plugins, you can quickly fix the problem and restore your site. Remember redirect loops not only block visitors but also harm your SEO if left unresolved. That’s why it’s important to address them immediately.

If you’re not comfortable troubleshooting or the error still persists, let the experts handle it. WPCodex specializes in fixing WordPress errors, SSL issues, redirect loops, and performance problems. With WPCodex, your site will be back online safely, quickly, and SEO-ready.