Troubleshooting 'Too Many Redirects' Errors: Causes and Fixes

What is the 'Too Many Redirects' Error?

The "ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS" or "This page isn’t working – redirected too many times" error occurs when a website gets caught in an infinite redirection loop. This means the browser keeps being sent from one URL to another without ever reaching the final destination.

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Common Causes of Redirect Loops

1. Incorrect Website Configuration

• Wrong redirect rules in . htaccess, Nginx, or Apache
• Misconfigured CMS settings (e.g., WordPress, Joomla, Magento)
• Conflicts between HTTP and HTTPS redirects

2. Plugin or Theme Conflicts (WordPress or Other CMSs)

• SEO plugins, caching plugins, or security plugins may force conflicting redirects.
• A recent plugin update or installation might have changed redirection settings.

3. HTTP and HTTPS Misconfigurations

• Redirecting HTTP to HTTPS while another setting forces the opposite direction.
• Issues with SSL certificates or mixed content settings.

4. Cloudflare or CDN Misconfigurations

• If Flexible SSL is enabled in Cloudflare while the origin server already forces HTTPS, it creates a loop.
• Other CDN services might also be handling redirects improperly.

5. Cookie or Cache Issues

• Corrupted cookies can cause repeated redirections.
• Browser cache may store outdated redirect data.

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How to Fix the 'Too Many Redirects' Error

Step 1: Clear Browser Cookies and Cache

1. Try accessing the site in an incognito window.
2. If the site loads, clear cookies and cache:
   • Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data
   • Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Clear Data
   • Edge: Settings > Privacy, Search, and Services > Clear Browsing Data

Step 2: Check Your Website Redirect Settings

• If you own the website, inspect .htaccess, Nginx, or Apache configurations for incorrect rules.
• In WordPress, check Settings > General and ensure the Site Address (URL) and WordPress Address (URL) are correctly set (either both HTTP or both HTTPS).

Step 3: Disable Plugins (For WordPress or CMS Users)

1. Log in to your hosting file manager or FTP.
2. Navigate to wp-content/plugins and rename the folder of suspected plugins (e.g., yoast-seo → yoast-seo-disabled).
3. Reload your site and check if the issue is resolved.

Step 4: Fix Cloudflare SSL and CDN Issues

• In Cloudflare, go to SSL/TLS Settings and set it to "Full" or "Full (Strict)" instead of "Flexible."
• Purge the Cloudflare cache and try again.

Step 5: Manually Check and Fix Redirect Loops

1. Use tools like:
   • Redirect Checker
   • Google Chrome DevTools (Network tab → Check for multiple 301 or 302 redirects).
2. If a redirect loop is detected, update or remove conflicting redirect rules.

Step 6: Check Hosting and Server Configurations

• If using Apache, inspect .htaccess for incorrect redirect rules.
• For Nginx, check nginx.conf for improper redirects.

Preventing Redirect Issues in the Future

✅ Avoid multiple redirect rules across different platforms (CMS, hosting, CDN, etc.).
✅ Ensure HTTPS is configured properly and consistently.
✅ Regularly review plugin settings and updates in WordPress or other CMSs.
✅ Use a redirect checker tool to test website redirects periodically.

FAQ: Troubleshooting 'Too Many Redirects' Errors

1. What does the ‘Too Many Redirects’ error mean?

It means the website is stuck in an infinite redirect loop, where one URL keeps redirecting to another without ever reaching the final page.

2. What causes the ‘ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS’ error?

Common causes include:

• Incorrect redirect settings in .htaccess, Nginx, or Apache
• Conflicting WordPress/CMS plugin redirects
• HTTP to HTTPS misconfigurations
• CDN issues (e.g., Cloudflare Flexible SSL conflicts)
• Browser cache or corrupted cookies

3. How do I fix the ‘Too Many Redirects’ error as a website visitor?

• Clear browser cache and cookies
• Try opening the site in incognito mode
• Test the website on another browser or device

4. How do I fix this error on my WordPress website?

• Check Settings > General and ensure the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) match
• Disable recent plugins, especially SEO, caching, or security plugins
• Reset .htaccess by renaming it and letting WordPress regenerate a new one

5. How can Cloudflare cause redirect loops?

If Flexible SSL is enabled while your origin server already forces HTTPS, Cloudflare keeps redirecting between HTTP and HTTPS.
Fix: Set Cloudflare SSL to "Full" or "Full (Strict)" instead of "Flexible."

6. How do I prevent redirect errors in the future?

• Avoid multiple redirect rules across your CMS, hosting, and CDN
• Ensure SSL/HTTPS settings are configured consistently
• Regularly review website redirects using online tools

7. Can my web host help fix the redirect issue?

Yes! If you're unable to resolve the issue, contact your hosting provider. They can check server configurations and logs for redirect errors.