The ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS message occurs when a browser cannot load a website due to excessive redirects, often caused by misconfigured servers or an infinite redirection loop. This error can result from issues like incorrect URL settings, conflicting cookies, or problems with security certificates.

Coming across errors when trying to access any website can be quite a frustrating experience. Moreover, the threat of search engines not being able to access the websites is a loss for businesses. Getting the error ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS means that the browser is stuck in a loop.

It is most commonly seen in WordPress sites but can happen with any platform that relies on redirecting. Let us find out more about this error and how we can fix it!

Understand ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS Message

The ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error, also known as the redirect loop, occurs when a webpage redirects several URLs which forces the browsers to block it. This issue could also result from an improper server configuration, CMS setting, or SSL mismatch.

This wastes time, harms SEO rankings, and affects user experience, potentially leading to lost revenue. Search engines may struggle to crawl the site, lowering its visibility. This guide helps identify the issue and offers effective solutions to ensure your site is accessible to visitors.

ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS – What Does It Look Like?

The ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS appears in different ways in different web browsers:

Google Chrome shows it as “This page isn’t working. [Domain] redirected you too many times.”

Mozilla Firefox: “The page isn’t redirecting properly. An error occurred during a connection to [Domain].”

Microsoft Edge: “This page isn’t presently functioning correctly as it seems that [Domain] redirected you too many times.”

Safari: “Safari Could Not Open the Page. Too many redirects occurred trying to open: [Domain].

What Causes the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS Error?

Let us understand the causes of this error message:

1. Poor Configuration of WordPress Settings

WordPress settings play an important role in URL management and accessibility to the site. Wrong address for WordPress Address and Site Address can cause redirection loops.

2. Misconfigured WordPress Plugins

Plugins enhance the capabilities of the WordPress site but may also cause conflicts. These conflicts can mismanage redirections or security features. A poorly configured plugin might create conflicting redirect rules, which eventually lead to an ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error.

3. Misconfigured Server Settings

A server configuration ensures that the URLs are processed and redirected appropriately. Errors in the .htaccess file for Apache servers or misconfiguration in Nginx settings can create redirect loops.

4. Poor HTTPS Settings

User trust and ranking in text engines rely heavily on secure connections. Improper redirection configuration can cause redirect errors. Even an HTTPS configuration in the server without having a valid SSL certificate, can lead to redirection by browsers, especially between secure and non-secured versions of the site.

5. Problems Related to the Cache/Cookies of the Browser

Outdated or corrupt cache and cookies can lead to the redirect error. For example, even if a site’s URL structure is modified, the browser can cache up the old one. When that website is accessed, the browser tries to load pages that no longer exist, thus causing the error.

6. Issues with Third-Party Services

CDNs and other third-party services help in the global distribution of content that improves the performance of a site. Misconfiguration with the CDNs can cause redirect loops.

7. Bad Website Domain Migrations

Website or domain migrations require a careful strategy. Any improper procedure in migration might cause redirect loops. For example, if the old domain points to the new one but the new domain is also configured to the old domain, it gives a redirect loop effect.

Also Read: How To Do a 301 or 302 Redirect for Websites

How to Fix the ERR_TOO-MANY-REDIRECTS Error?

Let us find the resolution of the ERR_TOO-MANY-REDIRECTS problem to keep the site user-friendly:

1. Delete Cookies

Cookies collect user-specific information to improve the browsing experience. An old or corrupt cookie can cause redirect loops, resulting in ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS.

Solution

Removing cookies can probably solve the redirect issue.

2. Clear Cache Data

You must clear server-level cache, cache from different proxy servers, and browser-based cache. Cached data itself can, at times, contain old redirect information, which may lead to continuous loops.

Solution

  • Clear the browser cache so that it obtains the latest version of your site.
  • Clear the cache provided by your hosting provider through your hosting dashboard.
  • Clear the cache if you are using proxy servers or such services.

This ensures that there are no old redirect instructions that allow the site to load properly.

3. Check Your SSL Certificates

Improperly installed SSL certificates may lead to browser redirects and form a loop. Verify your SSL installation and ensure that your server is properly configured to handle HTTPS requests without unnecessary redirects.

Mixed or incorrect settings between HTTP and HTTPS can cause redirected loops. Double-check your configuration so that your website has a consistent HTTPS setting.

  • For WordPress: Confirm that “WordPress Address” and “Site Address” are both set to https:// in General Settings.
  • For Server Configuration: Make sure there are no conflicting redirect rules in .htaccess (Apache) or nginx.conf (Nginx).
Also Read: Understanding The Key Differences Between HTTP And HTTPS For Your Website Security

4. Investigate Third-Party Services

Services like CDNs or Security Plugins can cause redirects. Review third-party services’ settings. Make sure CDN settings conform with HTTP or HTTPS for your site. You can also try to turn off security plugins temporarily to see whether they contribute to the redirect loop.

5. Update Your Links

Internal links that point to old URLs can also be the sources of redirects that can lead to loops. Use Plugins to update internal links within your database so they would direct to the correct URLs.

Updating internal links reduces the risk of redirect loops caused by outdated URLs.

6. Contact Your Web Host

If you’ve tried everything and still you experience the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error on the site, it may turn out the issue lies with your hosting provider. Some hosts apply default redirection rules that may conflict with your website’s configurations.

Reach out to your web hosting, technical support, and request:

  • A review of server-side redirect rules. They may need to alter default settings.
  • Check SSL/TLS settings. Some of the hosting may cause HTTPS conflicts on your redirects.
  • Check for server-side updates at the server level; such changes can lead to conflicting redirecting issues.
Also Read: How to deal with situations related to ‘My Website Is Down‘

Conclusion – Get Your Website Back Online

The ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error is not an unmanageable issue. If you know what’s causing it and how to troubleshoot the problem using the right approach, you can instantly get rid of it.

Get to the root cause by finding out what caused the issue and resolve it to restore your site’s functionality. Ensure your plugins are current, and use only secure hosting solutions to prevent the reoccurrence of this problem.

Contact the experts at Crazy Domains for the best web hosting and domain management solutions that ensure the smooth functioning of your site. With 24/7 technical support, SSL certificates, secure hosting services, and total maintenance, the experts allow businesses and individuals to maintain a steady online presence.

Call us today for more details!