Technology

The err_too_many_redirects error: Understanding the causes and finding effective solutions

The err_too_many_redirects error is a common issue faced by WordPress users while managing their websites. It is an issue that can affect the administration and disrupt the workflow and can occur due to various reasons.

Administrator

30 April, 2024

One of the most common errors that can arise and impact user experience when accessing a WordPress website is the err_too_many_redirects error. This error is not only disruptive but also a cause for concern for website owners. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of this error and provide solutions to fix it.

Defining the err_too_many_redirects Error

The err_too_many_redirects error is a common issue encountered by users while managing their WordPress website. This error typically appears when a browser is unable to find the URL to load due to a continuous loop of redirects. It’s a basic error that many people encounter, leading to interruptions in their workflow. This error can be caused by various factors. Therefore, if you want to find a solution, you need to determine the root cause of the err_too_many_redirects error.

Causes of the err_too_many_redirects Error

There are several reasons why the err_too_many_redirects error may appear on your screen. Here are some specific causes:

Corrupted Browser Cookies

Today, most websites use cookies to store information in a user’s browser and enhance their experience. However, sometimes these cookies may contain expired or corrupted data, leading to various issues on the website, including redirect errors.

Clearing cookies on your browser can help resolve the err_too_many_redirects error. When you clear cookies, the corrupted or expired information is removed, allowing your website to function without continuous redirection issues.

Outdated Cached Data

Another cause of the err_too_many_redirects error is outdated data stored in your cache. When a web server sends a redirect response, this information can be cached in your browser’s memory. As a result, even if the issue has already been resolved, you still need to clear the cache on both your website and your browser to ensure that no redirect errors occur.

Incorrect WordPress Website URL

If you can still access your WordPress website’s admin page, then the err_too_many_redirects error may be caused by an incorrectly configured WordPress website URL. This is a common cause, and you can easily fix it.

Faulty or Expired SSL/TLS Certificate

The err_too_many_redirects error can occur when your SSL/TLS certificate is faulty or has expired. An SSL/TLS certificate allows users to access a website via HTTPS protocol and encrypts data transferred between the user and the website.

If your website is set to use the HTTPS protocol but the SSL/TLS certificate is not properly installed or configured, this can prevent browsers from establishing an HTTPS connection to the server. As a result, the browser will be caught in a loop of redirects, causing the err_too_many_redirects error.

Plugin Conflicts

The err_too_many_redirects error can also be caused by plugin conflicts on your WordPress website. Certain WordPress plugins may interfere with WordPress’s redirect rules or the server configuration.

To identify the plugin causing the error, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Log into your WordPress admin page if you still have access. If not, you need to use your hosting account to access your hosting.

Step 2: If you are using your WordPress admin page, disable all plugins by going to the Plugins menu and selecting Deactivate, or disable the plugins one by one.

Step 3: After disabling the plugins, reload the website and check if the err_too_many_redirects error persists. If the error disappears, this indicates that one of the plugins was causing the conflict.

Step 4: Now, activate the plugins one by one and check after each activation to determine which plugin is causing the error. Once you have identified the conflicting plugin, you can remove it from your website or find a way to resolve the issue.

How to Fix the err_too_many_redirects Error

The err_too_many_redirects error can cause your website to continuously loop through redirects, preventing users from accessing the desired content. This leads to interruptions in managing and updating your website, severely impacting your workflow.

In reality, you can completely fix this error if you know the underlying cause. Here are some methods to help you eliminate the err_too_many_redirects error:

Clear All Cookie Data

To fix the err_too_many_redirects error, one effective method is to clear all cookie data on your browser. Here are the steps to clear cookies on Chrome and Firefox browsers:

On Chrome:

Step 1: Open the Chrome browser and go to chrome://settings/siteData.
Step 2: On the Manage Data page, search for the website causing the error. Once you find that website, click the trash can icon next to it to delete its cookie data.
Step 3: Repeat this process for other websites causing the error if necessary. After clearing all cookie data, reload the website and check if the err_too_many_redirects error still exists.

On Firefox:

Step 1: Open the Firefox browser and go to about:preferences#privacy or select Options and then Privacy & Security.
Step 2: In the Cookies and Data section, click the Manage Data button. On the Manage Website Data page, search for the website related to the error.
Step 3: When you find that website, click the Remove All button to delete its cookie data.

Clearing all cookie data refreshes your website and removes incorrect redirect information. This can quickly resolve the err_too_many_redirects error and restore your website to its normal state.

Clear Browser Cache or DNS Cache

If you are using caching plugins such as Swift Performance, WP Rocket, W3 Total

Frequently asked questions

The err_too_many_redirects error can prevent users from accessing the desired content on a website. It causes the website to continuously loop through redirects, interrupting the user’s workflow and causing frustration.

There are several reasons why this error may occur. Corrupted or expired browser cookies, outdated cached data, incorrect WordPress website URL configurations, faulty or expired SSL/TLS certificates, and plugin conflicts are the most common causes.

Clearing browser cookies removes any corrupted or expired data that could be causing the redirect loop. By deleting this information, you allow the website to function without continuous redirection issues, resolving the err_too_many_redirects error.

Outdated data stored in your cache can also lead to the err_too_many_redirects issue. When a web server sends a redirect response, this information is cached in your browser’s memory. Even if the issue is resolved, you must clear the cache on both your website and browser to prevent redirect errors.

If your WordPress website URL is configured incorrectly, it can result in the err_too_many_redirects error. This is because the browser will be unable to find the correct URL to load, leading to a continuous loop of redirects.

SSL/TLS certificates enable users to access a website securely via the HTTPS protocol and encrypt data transferred between the user and the website. If your SSL/TLS certificate is faulty or expired, browsers may be unable to establish an HTTPS connection to the server, resulting in a redirect loop and the err_too_many_redirects error.

Yes, plugin conflicts can interfere with WordPress’s redirect rules or server configuration, leading to this error. To identify the problematic plugin, log into your WordPress admin page and disable all plugins. If the error disappears, enable them one by one until the error reappears to pinpoint the conflicting plugin.

To fix this error, you must address the underlying cause. Common methods include clearing all cookie data, clearing browser or DNS cache, correcting WordPress website URL configurations, updating SSL/TLS certificates, and resolving plugin conflicts.