If you’ve ever clicked on a link and watched your browser churn before giving up with a cryptic error like “ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS,” you’re not alone. This common issue can be both frustrating and confusing. Whether you’re a website owner trying to get your site back up or a curious visitor wondering what went wrong, understanding what causes this problem — and how to fix it — can be incredibly helpful.
What Does “Too Many Redirects” Mean?
In simple terms, a “too many redirects” error occurs when your browser gets caught in a loop of redirection. Your browser is trying to reach a page, but it keeps getting bounced from one address to another and never really gets to the end point. When this happens repeatedly, your browser throws in the towel and displays an error.
This issue is annoying for users and potentially devastating for webmasters, as it often renders a website or sections of it completely inaccessible.
What Are Redirects?
Before diving into the causes, let’s break down what a redirect is. A redirect automatically sends visitors from one URL to another. For example, when example.com changes to www.example.com, a redirect ensures that people who type the old address are seamlessly taken to the new one.
There are several types of redirects, including:
- 301 Redirect: Permanent redirection
- 302 Redirect: Temporary redirection
- Meta Refresh: Often used in the HTML head section, this is less recommended for SEO
Common Causes of Too Many Redirects
There’s no single culprit behind redirect loops; rather, a variety of factors can lead to this frustrating scenario. Below are the most common causes:
1. Misconfigured Redirect Rules
Incorrect configurations in your site’s .htaccess, nginx.conf, or other server settings can lead to infinite loops. For example, you might accidentally create rules that bounce users between http and https versions of the site.
2. CMS Plugins and Settings
Content Management Systems like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal often rely on plugins or extensions for redirection. If multiple plugins offer similar functionality, they might conflict and create loops.
3. HTTPS and WWW Conflicts
If your site is forcing redirects between http and https, and at the same time between www and non-www, these combined redirects can result in a never-ending loop.
4. Cookies Storing Bad Redirect Information
Sometimes the issue is not on the server but in your browser. A cookie storing faulty session or preference data can lead your browser to repeat the same redirect steps in a loop.
5. Misconfigured Reverse Proxy or CDN
If you’re using a service like Cloudflare, improper settings related to SSL or caching might cause endless redirection. For instance, enabling “Flexible SSL” in Cloudflare can create a loop if your server is also trying to redirect to HTTPS.
How to Diagnose the Problem
Before you can fix the issue, you need to know exactly what’s wrong. Here are some ways to narrow it down:
- Try Another Browser: Sometimes clearing cookies or switching to a different browser quickly reveals whether the issue is browser-specific.
- Use Online Redirect Checkers: Tools like WhereGoes or httpstatus.io can help trace the URL redirection path.
- Disable Plugins Temporarily: If you’re using WordPress or another CMS, disable redirection-related plugins and check again.
- Review Server Logs: Server logs can provide insights into what redirection rules were triggered.
Clean Fixes for the “Too Many Redirects” Issue
The right fix depends on the root cause, but here are the most effective ways to tackle the problem:
1. Clear Browser Cookies and Cache
This is the easiest place to start. Corrupted or outdated cookies can throw browsers into redirect loops. Clear your cookies for the specific site, or all of them to be thorough.
2. Reset .htaccess File
If you’re using Apache, your .htaccess file may have conflicting redirect rules. Backup the existing file, then create a simple clean one with minimal rules. Here’s a basic example:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}/$1 [R=301,L]
3. Check WordPress Settings
Head over to Settings > General in WordPress and verify that the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) are correctly entered. A mismatch here can easily cause redirect loops.
4. Disable Conflicting Plugins
If you’re using multiple plugins that handle redirects, test by deactivating them one at a time. Start with redirection and SEO plugins.
5. Adjust CDN or Reverse Proxy Settings
If you’re using a service like Cloudflare, check your SSL settings. Avoid using “Flexible SSL” if your origin site already uses HTTPS. Opt for “Full” or “Full (Strict)” depending on the type of certificate you have.
6. Force a Single URL Version
Decide whether your site will use http or https and www or non-www. Once decided, force all traffic to go to that single version to avoid loops. In Apache, for example, you could use:
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^example\.com [NC]
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ http://www.example.com/$1 [L,R=301]
7. Use Redirect Mapping Strategically
If you’re implementing multiple redirects, create a redirect map or diagram to visualize all flow paths. This helps prevent circular paths. Tools like Screaming Frog SEO Spider can help audit live redirects.
Preventing Future Issues
After you’ve fixed the issue, make sure to prevent it from happening again. Here are a few tips:
- Limit Plugin Use: Only install essential plugins and make sure they don’t duplicate functionality.
- Test Redirects Before Going Live: When possible, test redirect rules in a staging environment.
- Monitor Traffic and Logs: Set up alerts or periodic checkups to watch for failing redirects, especially after major updates.
- Consolidate SSL and WWW Logic: If you’re using a CDN or proxy, let it handle HTTPS and redirect management to avoid conflicts on your origin server.
Conclusion
Redirects are powerful tools for managing site traffic, SEO, and user experience. But when mismanaged, they can lead to loops that lock users out, hurt rankings, and waste time. Understanding the root causes of the “Too Many Redirects” issue is the first step toward a stable and well-optimized website. If you’re proactive about managing redirects — whether through proper configuration, plugin auditing, or regular testing — you’ll avoid many of the headaches this error brings.
And remember: when in doubt, start simple — clear your cookies, isolate plugins, and check your redirect rules line by line. With a methodical approach, you’ll be back on track in no time.
Published on November 5, 2025 under .
