The ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error occurs in your server environment when a website is stuck in an infinite loop of redirects, preventing the page from loading. This issue can arise due to incorrect website settings, misconfigured redirects, or conflicting plugins. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix it.

What Causes the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS Error?

  • Incorrect URL settings in WordPress or other CMS platforms.
  • Conflicting redirect rules in .htaccess, Nginx, or web server configurations.
  • Misconfigured caching causing old redirects to persist.
  • Faulty plugins or themes interfering with redirects.
  • SSL/TLS issues, especially when forcing HTTPS incorrectly.

How to Fix ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS

1. Clear Browser Cookies and Cache

Corrupted cookies and cache can sometimes cause redirect loops. Try clearing your browser’s cache:

  • In Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Clear Browsing Data
  • Remove cookies for the affected website and reload the page.

2. Check Website URL Settings

If using WordPress:

  • Go to Settings → General
  • Ensure that WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) are correct.
  • If unsure, try setting both to https://yourdomain.com (without www if needed).

If locked out of the dashboard, update URLs in the database using phpMyAdmin:

  • Open wp_options table
  • Edit siteurl and home values accordingly

3. Disable Conflicting Plugins

Faulty plugins may cause redirect loops. Disable them via FTP:

  1. Connect to your server using FTP or File Manager.
  2. Navigate to wp-content/plugins.
  3. Rename the plugins folder to plugins_disabled.
  4. Try reloading the site.
  5. If the issue is fixed, rename the folder back and reactivate plugins one by one to find the culprit.

4. Check .htaccess File (For Apache Servers)

An incorrect .htaccess configuration can cause redirection loops. Try resetting it:

  1. Connect via FTP and locate .htaccess in the root directory.
  2. Rename it to .htaccess_backup.
  3. Create a new .htaccess file and add the default WordPress rules:
    # 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 the file and check if the issue is resolved.

5. Check Redirects in Web Server Configurations

  • If using Nginx, check nginx.conf or site configuration files for conflicting return or rewrite rules.
  • If using Apache, check .htaccess, httpd.conf, or virtual host configurations for multiple Redirect or RewriteRule entries.

6. Disable CDN or Cloudflare Temporarily

If you’re using a CDN (e.g., Cloudflare), incorrect SSL settings might cause a redirect loop.

  • Log in to Cloudflare and navigate to SSL/TLS settings.
  • Change SSL mode to Flexible or Full (Strict) based on your SSL configuration.
  • Purge Cloudflare cache and try reloading the site.

7. Check for Mixed Content and Force HTTPS Correctly

If your site is forcing HTTPS incorrectly:

  • Ensure your SSL certificate is properly installed.
  • Avoid using multiple redirect rules in .htaccess or Nginx.
  • Use a plugin like Really Simple SSL to handle HTTPS redirections.

8. Reset WordPress to Default Theme

A theme with built-in redirection settings might be causing the issue.

  • Switch to a default theme (Twenty Twenty-Four) by renaming the wp-content/themes folder.
  • If the site loads, check your original theme’s settings.

Final Thoughts

The ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error can be frustrating, but following these steps should help you resolve it quickly. Start by clearing your browser cache, checking site URLs, and disabling plugins. If the issue persists, investigate .htaccess, server configurations, or CDN settings. With a systematic approach, you can pinpoint the cause and restore your website’s accessibility.