ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS: What It Is & How to Fix It

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What Is the “ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS” Error?
  3. Causes of ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS Error
  4. How to Fix Too Many Redirects: 10 Solutions
  5. How to Identify ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS Errors on Your Website
  6. Conclusion
  7. FAQs

Introduction

Imagine you're trying to access a website and suddenly, you're greeted with an error message that prevents you from reaching your destination. Frustrating, right? One such common issue is the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error. This particular error disrupts user experience and can significantly impact a website's traffic and credibility.

In this article, we'll delve into the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error, explore its causes, and provide a comprehensive guide on how to fix it. By the end, you'll have a firm grasp of why this error occurs and actionable steps to resolve it.

What Is the “ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS” Error?

The ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error occurs when a browser finds itself caught in an endless loop of redirections. This happens when a webpage redirects to another page, which in turn, redirects back to the original page or another, creating a vicious cycle. Eventually, the browser exhausts its attempts to load the page and shows the error message.

This error can manifest differently across various browsers:

  • Google Chrome: "This page isn't working. example.com redirected you too many times."
  • Firefox: "The page isn't redirecting properly."
  • Safari: "Safari Can't Open the Page."

Let's break down the causes and solutions for this pesky error.

Causes of ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS Error

  1. Browser Cache and Cookies: Corrupted or outdated data stored in the browser.
  2. Website's Cache: Outdated or corrupted cached files on the website.
  3. Server Cache: Cache stored on the server causing redirect loops.
  4. CDN Cache: Content Delivery Network (CDN) caching outdated redirects.
  5. Misconfigured Redirects: Incorrect server configuration files causing infinite loops.
  6. URL Settings in CMS: Incorrect URL configurations in content management systems like WordPress.
  7. Problematic Plugins: Conflicting or outdated plugins affecting redirects.
  8. HTTPS Issues: Incomplete SSL certificate installation or misconfigured HTTPS settings.
  9. Third-Party Services: Incorrect settings in services like Cloudflare.

How to Fix Too Many Redirects: 10 Solutions

1. Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies

Sometimes, clearing browser data can resolve the issue:

Google Chrome:

  1. Click the three dots at the top-right corner and go to Settings.
  2. Select "Privacy and Security" and then "Clear browsing data."
  3. Set the time range to "All time," uncheck "Browsing history," and click "Clear data."

Firefox:

  1. Click the menu button at the top right and select "Settings."
  2. Click on "Privacy & Security" and scroll to "Cookies and Site Data."
  3. Click "Clear Data" and confirm by clicking "Clear."

Safari:

  1. Click "Safari" in the menu bar and select "Preferences."
  2. Go to the "Advanced" tab and check "Show Develop menu in menu bar."
  3. From the Develop menu, choose "Empty Caches."

2. Clear Your Site Cache

If your site is running on WordPress, clearing the site cache might help:

W3 Total Cache Plugin:

  1. Go to Performance > Dashboard.
  2. Click "Empty all caches."

WP Super Cache Plugin:

  1. Go to Settings > WP Super Cache.
  2. Under "Delete Cached Pages," click "Delete Cache."

3. Clear Your Server Cache

For those using managed WordPress hosting like WP Engine or Kinsta, you can clear the server cache via your hosting dashboard. If your host doesn't offer this, contact support for assistance.

4. Clear Your CDN Cache

Flush the cache in your CDN (e.g., Cloudflare):

  1. Log into your CDN provider's dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Caching settings.
  3. Click the "Purge Everything" button.

5. Check Your Existing Redirects

Review your server configuration files to ensure there are no misconfigured redirects:

Apache Server: Check the .htaccess file for incorrect rewrite rules that might create an infinite loop.

6. Reset Your .htaccess File

  1. Access your hosting control panel and navigate to the root directory (usually named public_html).
  2. Locate the .htaccess file, download a backup, then edit it to remove custom rules temporarily.
  3. Replace the file content with the default WordPress rules and save.

7. Check Your URL Settings

Ensure your WordPress settings match the correct domain:

  1. Go to Settings > General.
  2. Check "WordPress Address (URL)" and "Site Address (URL)."
  3. Ensure they are consistent and free of leading or trailing spaces.

8. Disable Plugins

Faulty plugins can cause redirect issues. Disable all plugins and re-enable them one by one:

  1. In the WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
  2. Select all plugins and choose "Deactivate" from the bulk actions menu.
  3. Reactivate each plugin individually, checking the site after each activation to identify the culprit.

9. Check for HTTPS-Related Issues

Verify your SSL configuration and redirect rules:

  1. Use an SSL checker tool to ensure proper installation.
  2. Review your .htaccess file for correctly written HTTPS redirect rules.

10. Check Any Third-Party Services

If using Cloudflare, set the SSL/TLS encryption mode to "Full" or "Full (strict)" to prevent loops caused by the "Flexible" option:

  1. Log into Cloudflare.
  2. Select your domain and navigate to SSL/TLS settings.
  3. Choose the appropriate encryption mode.

How to Identify ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS Errors on Your Website

Manually identifying these errors can be time-consuming. Tools like Semrush's Site Audit can automate the process by scanning for redirect chains and loops.

  1. Set up a project on Semrush.
  2. Conduct a site audit to find and resolve redirect issues.
  3. Schedule regular audits to monitor new issues.

Conclusion

The ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error can be a significant nuisance, but with the right strategies, it is very manageable. From clearing caches to checking configurations, each step is crucial in diagnosing and rectifying the problem. Regular site audits and proper management of plugins, SSL certificates, and third-party services can prevent future occurrences, ensuring a smoother and more reliable experience for your users.

FAQs

Q: Can ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS affect SEO? A: Yes, unresolved redirect issues can degrade search engine rankings by affecting site accessibility and user experience.

Q: How often should I clear my website's cache? A: Regular clearing is advisable, especially after updates or changes to website content to ensure fresh data is served.

Q: What if clearing the cache doesn't fix the issue? A: If caching is not the problem, proceed to check redirect configurations, URL settings, and plugin conflicts as potential culprits.

Q: How do I prevent ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS in the future? A: Regular site maintenance, timely updates to plugins and configurations, and periodic audits can help prevent this error.

Implement these steps to keep your site running smoothly and ensure an optimal user experience.