How to Fix the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS Error in WordPress

Encountering the “ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS” error in WordPress can be a perplexing challenge for both beginners and seasoned developers. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the troubleshooting process to diagnose and resolve this issue without relying on plugins. From examining critical settings to understanding the underlying causes, you’ll find comprehensive instructions below to help you conquer the frustrating redirect loop error

Check WordPress Address and Site Address

Misconfigured WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) settings can lead to redirect issues. These settings must accurately represent your website’s URL. When these settings are incorrect, it can cause WordPress to generate incorrect URLs, leading to redirect loops.

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to “Settings” > “General.”
3. Verify that the “WordPress Address (URL)” and “Site Address (URL)” fields accurately reflect your website’s URL.

Examine Your .htaccess File

The .htaccess file contains directives that control website behavior. Incorrect settings in this file can trigger redirection problems. The .htaccess file plays a significant role in URL rewriting and redirect management. If it contains incorrect directives or is corrupted, it can lead to redirect issues.

1. Access your website’s root directory using FTP or your hosting control panel.
2. Locate the .htaccess file.
3. Temporarily rename it to something like “.htaccess_backup.”
4. Check if the “ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS” error is resolved. WordPress will create a new .htaccess file with default settings if needed.

Investigate Your Plugins

Plugins, when misconfigured or outdated, can cause conflicts and lead to redirect loops. Deactivating them helps identify if a plugin is the cause of the error.

1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to “Plugins.”
2. Deactivate all plugins using the “Deactivate” option in the bulk actions menu.
3. Check if the error persists.
4. Activate your plugins one by one, checking for the error after each activation.
5. Once you identify the problematic plugin, consider updating it or finding an alternative.

Inspect Your Theme

Themes, especially custom or poorly coded ones, may contain errors that trigger redirect loops. Switching to a default theme helps determine if your current theme is causing the issue.

1. In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to “Appearance” > “Themes.”
2. Activate a default theme like Twenty Twenty-One.
3. Verify if the error is resolved.
4. If it disappears, investigate your current theme for issues or contact its developer.

Clear Cookies and Browser Cache

Stored browser cache and cookies may contain outdated redirect information. Clearing them ensures you’re working with a clean slate.

1. Access your browser settings.
2. Find the option to clear cookies and cache.
3. Clear both cookies and cached files.
4. Restart your browser and check if the error persists.

Verify SSL/TLS Configuration

Misconfigured SSL/TLS settings can lead to mixed content issues and, consequently, redirection problems. When SSL/TLS settings are incorrect, it can result in mixed content warnings and, subsequently, redirect errors when loading secure (HTTPS) pages.

1. Log in to your hosting control panel.
2. Review your SSL/TLS settings and certificates.
3. Ensure that HTTPS is properly configured.

Review Server Settings

Server-level settings, including redirects, might conflict with your WordPress configuration. Server settings can override WordPress settings, causing unexpected redirects. Investigating them is essential for troubleshooting.

1. Access your hosting control panel or server configuration.
2. Examine any server-level redirects or settings that may conflict with your WordPress settings.

Examine CDN Configuration

A misconfigured Content Delivery Network (CDN) can interfere with proper URL handling. CDNs can alter how content is served and cached, potentially affecting URL handling and leading to redirect problems.

1. Log in to your CDN provider’s dashboard (e.g., Cloudflare).
2. Check your CDN configuration and settings for any anomalies.

Address Mixed Content Issues

Mixed content, where resources load over both HTTP and HTTPS, can trigger redirect errors.

1. Review your website’s source code.
2. Update resource links (e.g., images, scripts, stylesheets) to use HTTPS.
3. Ensure that all references to HTTP resources are updated to HTTPS throughout your site.

Contact Your Hosting Provider

Hosting providers can assist with identifying server-related issues causing redirects. Hosting providers manage server configurations and can provide insights into server-related issues that may be causing redirects.

1. Contact your hosting provider’s support team.
2. Explain the “ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS” error and outline the steps you’ve taken.
3. They may be able to identify server-level problems contributing to the redirects.

Create a Backup Before Any Changes

Backing up your site ensures that you can recover your data and settings if any changes exacerbate the issue during troubleshooting.

1. Use your hosting control panel or a WordPress backup plugin to create a full backup of your site.
2. Store the backup files securely, ensuring you can revert to a working state if necessary.

That’s it! You’ve successfully learned how to diagnose and resolve the “ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS” error in WordPress by following these comprehensive steps. By understanding the underlying causes and taking appropriate actions, you can effectively tackle this frustrating issue and maintain a smoothly running website.