How to Fix the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS Error (Complete 2025 Guide)

You try to open your website, but all you get is an error about too many redirects.

The page doesn’t load. You refresh. Nothing changes. Maybe you try a different browser or clear your cookies. Still stuck.

This is a common issue. It’s called ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS. Your site gets caught in a loop and refuses to load.

It can happen for a bunch of reasons. A misconfigured plugin. Bad HTTPS settings. Even a broken redirect rule.

The good news is that it’s fixable. And you don’t need to be a developer to figure it out.

This guide will walk you through what the error means, what causes this common WordPress error, and how to fix it step by step. You’ll also learn how to avoid it in the future and how platforms like Cloudways help reduce these kinds of problems from the start.

What Is the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS Error?

This error means your website keeps redirecting from one URL to another without reaching the actual page. It’s stuck moving between pages in a way that never completes.

Most of the time, it occurs due to a misconfiguration. A redirect rule might be sending traffic to a page that sends it right back. Or your HTTPS settings may conflict with how your server handles redirects. In both cases, the site doesn’t load.

When this happens, visitors can’t access your site. You might not be able to log in either.

Understanding the Redirect Loop

A redirect loop occurs when a website keeps sending users from one page to another, and then back again. The cycle repeats until the browser stops trying to load the page.

This usually indicates an issue with the site’s redirect rules. It could be related to HTTPS, the CMS, a plugin, or server configuration.

Fixing it requires identifying what triggers the loop and adjusting it so that the redirects point to the correct place and stop functioning correctly.

Variations Across Browsers

Browsers describe this issue in different ways, but they all mean the same thing: too many redirects were attempted, and the site couldn’t load.

Here’s how some common browsers show the error:

• Google Chrome: ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS
• Mozilla Firefox: “The page isn’t redirecting properly”
• Microsoft Edge: “This page has a redirect loop”
• Safari: “Too many redirects occurred trying to open [website]”

Despite having different messages, the meaning is the same and clear; it’s a redirect loop.

Common Causes of the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS Error

Redirect loops usually start with a configuration issue. Something is sending traffic in circles, and your browser has no way to resolve it. Here are the most common reasons this happens:

1) Incorrect Website URL Configurations

If your CMS, like WordPress, has mismatched URL settings, it can cause a loop. For example, the WordPress Address and Site Address might be pointing to slightly different URLs. If your server is also handling redirects, they can clash and keep sending users back and forth.

2) HTTPS or SSL Conflicts

Redirecting from HTTP to HTTPS is standard practice, but it can go wrong. If your application redirects to HTTPS and your server sends it back to HTTP, the loop begins. This often happens when SSL settings are misconfigured or when forced HTTPS is set up in more than one place.

3) Corrupted Browser Cache or Cookies

Sometimes the problem isn’t on the server at all. If your browser stores old redirect information or cookies, it may keep following a loop that no longer exists. Clearing your cache and cookies often helps in these cases.

4) Misconfigured Redirect Rules on the Server

Apache and Nginx servers rely on configuration files like .htaccess or nginx.conf to manage redirects. If there are overlapping or conflicting rules in these files, your site can enter a loop. This is especially common when manual edits are made without testing.

5) Plugin Conflicts in WordPress

Redirect or SEO plugins can create their own rules. If you have multiple plugins handling redirects, they might not work well together. One might send users to a URL that the other tries to redirect again. This kind of conflict is a common cause in WordPress sites.

6) CDN or Proxy Settings (like Cloudflare)

If you’re using a service like Cloudflare, your SSL settings need to match what’s set on your server. For example, if Cloudflare is set to “Flexible” SSL, but your server expects full encryption, the result is often a redirect loop. Conflicting page rules or cached redirects can also play a role.

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How to Fix the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS Error (Step-by-Step)

Now that you know what causes the error, here’s how to fix it. Start with the basics and work your way through each step until the issue is resolved.

1. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Before changing anything on your website, clear your browser’s cache and cookies. Sometimes, outdated redirect data stored in the browser causes the loop, even after the real issue is fixed.

• In Chrome: Go to Settings → Privacy and security → Clear browsing data
• Then, restart the browser and check the site again

2. Try Incognito or Private Browsing Mode

Open the site in an incognito window. This disables extensions and uses a clean cache. If your site works here, it’s likely a browser-side issue.

3. Clear Your Website and Server Cache

If your site uses caching plugins or server-side caching like Varnish or Redis, clear both. These caches might be holding on to outdated redirect rules.

• WordPress plugins to check: WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache, Breeze, etc
• On platforms like Cloudways, you can clear application and server caches separately from the control panel

4. Check and Fix HTTPS Redirect Rules

Redirect loops often happen when HTTPS is misconfigured. Look for duplicate or conflicting rules between your CMS, web server, and any plugins.

• For Apache, review the .htaccess file for any RewriteRule or Redirect lines
• For Nginx, check the site’s server block or configuration file for return 301 or rewrite directives
• Only set one redirect rule from HTTP to HTTPS. Avoid layering multiple rules across the server, CMS, and CDN

Note: If you’re using Cloudways, SSL is managed through the platform. One-click installation with Let’s Encrypt helps avoid manual setup errors.

5. Verify WordPress URL Settings

Checking your WordPress Site Address and Site URL is also important in order to deal with this error. In your WordPress Admin Dashboard:

• Go to Settings > General.
• Make sure both the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) match and use the correct protocol (https:// if SSL is active).
• If you can’t access the dashboard, edit wp-config.php and define the URLs manually:

define('WP_HOME','https://yourdomain.com');

define('WP_SITEURL','https://yourdomain.com');

6. Disable Faulty Plugins Temporarily

If the error started after a plugin update or install, disable all plugins.

• Use your hosting control panel or rename the /plugins folder via FTP or File Manager
• If the error goes away, reactivate plugins one by one to find the one causing the conflict
• Redirect or SEO plugins like Redirection, Rank Math, or Yoast SEO are the most common offenders

Note: Avoid using multiple plugins that handle redirects. They can override each other and create loops.

7. Review CDN or Proxy Settings

If you’re using a CDN like Cloudflare, check your SSL settings.

• Set the SSL mode to Full or Full (strict). Avoid using Flexible, as it causes conflicts if your server already has SSL
• Check for page rules or cached redirects in Cloudflare
• Purge the cache after making changes

8. Use Online Redirect Checker Tools

If you’re still stuck, use a redirect checker to trace what’s happening.

Sites like httpstatus.io or Redirect Checker let you see each redirect step and where the loop begins. This can help you spot misconfigurations or conflicting rules more clearly.

How Cloud Hosting Platforms Like Cloudways Reduce Redirect Errors

Redirect problems often happen when your settings are scattered across different places. One rule is set in your app, another on the server, and something else in your CDN or SSL setup. That kind of mix-up leads to redirect loops.

Cloudways helps avoid these issues by keeping things simple and easy to manage.

1) Platform-Level Caching Separation (App vs Server)

On many hosting setups, cache layers can overlap. You might clear your WordPress cache, but forget the server cache is still storing the old redirect. That’s when loops get stuck.

Cloudways keeps these layers separate. You can clear app-level and server-level cache independently through the dashboard. This avoids confusion and makes troubleshooting a lot easier.

2) Simplified SSL Management (Free Let’s Encrypt + Auto-Renew)

Redirect loops often start with HTTPS misconfigurations. Cloudways lets you install a free SSL certificate with one click. It also takes care of renewing it for you.

You don’t have to mess with complex server rules or remember to renew your certificate manually. This reduces the chance of redirect conflicts between HTTP and HTTPS.

3. Safe Testing With Staging Environments

If you’re planning to change redirect rules or install a new plugin, it’s safer to test those changes first. Cloudways provides staging environments where you can do that.

You can clone your site, try the changes, and only push them live once you’re sure everything works. That helps you catch redirect issues before your users see them.

4. Access to Logs and Performance Tools

When you’re troubleshooting a redirect loop, it helps to see exactly what’s happening. Cloudways gives you direct access to logs and built-in APM tools.

These tools help you trace which URLs are being redirected, how many times, and where the loop starts. You don’t have to guess.

5) 24/7 Technical Support

If you’re stuck, Cloudways has a support team that understands WordPress, redirects, SSL, and caching. They’re available around the clock and can help walk you through the issue.

They won’t just send you to a help doc. They’ll actually help fix it.

How to Prevent Redirect Loops with Modern Dev Tools in 2025

Fixing redirect errors is one thing. Avoiding them altogether is better. Here’s how you can stop redirect loops from happening in the first place.

1) Use of Staging Environments to Catch Issues Early

Before updating a plugin, changing redirect settings, or editing server rules, test everything on a staging site. Cloudways makes this easy. You can create a full copy of your site with one click and test changes safely.

This helps you catch any redirect problems without risking your live site.

2) Avoid Stacking Multiple Redirect Tools

You only need one tool or service handling redirects. If your server, WordPress plugins, CDN, and security software are all trying to control redirects, they can clash.

Pick one place to manage redirects. If you use a plugin, make sure no extra redirect rules are running on the server or CDN at the same time.

3. Keep SSL and HTTPS Settings Consistent

Set your site to use HTTPS across the board and avoid mixing settings. If your WordPress address uses HTTPS, make sure your server and CDN are also set to enforce HTTPS.

If you’re using Cloudflare or a similar service, choose the correct SSL mode. Use “Full” or “Full (Strict)” if your server already has an SSL certificate.

4. Watch for Plugin Updates That Change Redirects

Plugins that manage SEO, redirects, or security sometimes update their settings automatically. A small change after an update can cause a redirect conflict you didn’t expect.

After updating, check your site and test key pages. If something breaks, it’s easier to catch it early.

5. Use Logs and Redirect Checkers

Keep an eye on your logs if you’re running a busy or high-traffic site. They’ll show you if pages are being redirected more times than expected.

You can also use redirect checker tools now and then to make sure nothing’s looping behind the scenes.

Quick Fix Checklist for ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS

If your site is stuck in a redirect loop and you want to troubleshoot quickly, use this list to guide your steps. It covers the most common fixes, from browser-level to server-side.

• Clear your browser’s cache and cookies
• Open the site in incognito mode to rule out extensions
• Clear your website cache (plugin-based) and server cache (like Varnish or Redis)
• Check your HTTPS redirect rules on both the server and app
• Make sure your WordPress Address and Site Address use the same URL and protocol
• Disable all plugins, then reactivate one by one to find any redirect conflict
• Review CDN settings (especially SSL modes) if using services like Cloudflare
• Use a redirect checker tool to trace where the loop starts
• Test any major changes in a staging environment first
• Monitor server logs or APM tools to catch hidden redirect chains

These steps should cover 95% of redirect loop cases. If the error keeps coming back, there’s likely a hidden rule or plugin conflict that needs a closer look.

Conclusion

Redirect errors like ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS usually come down to small misconfigurations. A wrong URL setting, conflicting plugin, or SSL issue can send your site into a loop.

In this blog, you learned what causes the error, how to fix it step by step, and how to prevent it from happening again. You also saw how tools like redirect checkers, staging sites, and managed hosting features can help.

Keeping your setup clean and your redirects simple is the best way to avoid these problems. And if you’re on a platform like Cloudways, a lot of the heavy lifting is already taken care of.