ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS Error: What It Is and How to Fix It

The ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS is a frequent and frustrating browser issue that all users and web owners experience, often referred to as a "redirect loop." The browser keeps bouncing from URL to URL, unable to find the final destination or "landing page". This not only hinders an individual's experience while visiting websites but also has a negative impact on search engine optimization (SEO) and ultimately website performance if left unresolved.

The guide will provide you with a complete understanding of the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error, including its definition, why it occurs, the effect on your website, and steps to successfully resolve the error.

What Is ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS?

ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS occurs when a browser detects an infinite redirection loop while trying to load a webpage. Instead of reaching the page that you requested, the browser is redirected between URLs repeatedly until it halts the process.

Some of the most common browsers to show this error are Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. All the browsers have the same or similar error message that displays "This page is not working" or "This page isn't redirecting you correctly".

Key characteristics of this error:

Infinite redirect loop

The browser keeps moving between two or more URLs without reaching a final page, exhausting the redirect limit.

Client-side detection

The error is triggered by the browser when it exceeds the allowed number of redirects, not by the server alone.

Affects both users and admins

Visitors cannot access the site, and site owners may be locked out of the admin panel in severe cases.

Common Causes of ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS

Understanding the root causes of err_too_many_redirects is important to figure out a way to fix it effectively and entirely. In many cases, these issues occur due to misconfigurations rather than server failures.

HTTP to HTTPS Redirect Issues

When HTTPS is enabled incorrectly, the server may keep redirecting between HTTP and HTTPS versions of the same URL. Similar to ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR, SSL-related misconfigurations can prevent proper page loading.

• A forced HTTPS redirect may conflict with SSL settings or CDN rules.
• Both the servers and CMS may try to enforce HTTPS simultaneously
• This creates a loop where the browser never reaches a stable version.

Misconfigured Redirect Rules

Improper or inappropriate rules in configuration files often trigger this error.

• Conflicting rules in .htaccess, nginx.conf, or server panels can override each other.
• Redirects pointing to already redirected URLs cause endless loops.
• Regex-based redirects may unintentionally match multiple paths.

CMS or Plugin Redirect Conflicts

Content management systems like WordPress rely heavily on plugins and themes that can affect redirect behavior.

• Security or SEO plugins may force redirects independently.
• Multiple plugins attempting URL normalization can clash.
• Incorrect site URL settings inside the CMS dashboard can trigger loops.

Browser Cache and Cookie Issues

Sometimes the problem exists only on the user side due to corrupted browser data.

• Old cookies may contain outdated redirect instructions.
• Cached redirect responses may persist even after fixes.
• Different browsers may show different behaviors for the same site.

How ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS Affects Your Website

This error does more than just block page access. If unresolved, it can cause long-term damage to performance, trust, and search visibility.

Impact on User Experience

Users are immediately stopped from accessing content, which increases bounce rates and reduces engagement.

• Visitors may assume the site is broken or unsafe.
• Repeated errors reduce credibility and trust.
• Returning users are less likely to revisit the site.

SEO and Ranking Impact

Search engines struggle to crawl sites that are stuck in redirect loops.

• Googlebot may fail to index affected pages.
• Redirect loops waste crawl budget.
• Prolonged errors can cause ranking drops or deindexing.

Admin and Backend Access Problems

In some cases, even administrators cannot log in.

• Redirect loops may affect login or admin URLs.
• Fixing the issue becomes harder without backend access.
• Emergency server-level intervention may be required.

How to Fix ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS (Step-by-Step)

Fixing err_too_many_redirects requires a methodical and structured approach. First, you can start with simple checks and later move toward deeper configuration reviews.

Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

This step is the quickest and often resolves those issues that are user-specific.

• Clear cookies that are related to the domain that is being affected.
• Remove cached redirects stored by the browser.
• Try testing the site in an incognito mode or private window.

Check HTTP and HTTPS Configuration

Ensure your site has a single protocol that is consistent.

• Confirm that SSL certificates are active and valid.
• Avoid forcing HTTPS from multiple sources simultaneously.
• Set a single canonical URL version.

Audit Redirect Rules

Ensure that redirect logic is always clean, intentional, and minimal.

• Audit .htaccess or server configuration files.
• Remove redirect rules that are duplicates or conflicting.
• Remember to avoid redirecting URLs back to themselves.

Verify CMS Site URL Settings

CMS-level URL settings must match the behavior of the server.

• Make sure that “Site URL” and “Home URL” are identical.
• Match protocol (HTTP or HTTPS) across all settings.
• Disable plugins temporarily so that you can isolate conflicts.

Check CDN and Proxy Settings

CDNs such as Cloudflare and others can introduce hidden redirect layers.

• Ensure the SSL mode that matches the server configuration.
• Avoid the enforcement of double HTTPS.
• Purge CDN cache after making necessary changes.

How to Prevent ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS

Prevention is easier than recovery. Take precautionary measures to avoid redirecting loops entirely, so you don't have to look for ways of recovery later. The following are a few best practices that can help you avoid redirect loops.

Maintain Clean Redirect Logic

Always make sure to document and test redirects before deployment.

• Avoid chaining multiple redirects.
• Use 301 redirects in cases where it is necessary.
• Ensure auditing redirect rules are regularly.

Use Consistent URL Structure

Consistency in URLs can help prevent accidental loops.

• Choose either www or non-www and stick to it. Avoid changing URLs.
• Standardize trailing slash usage.
• Keep internal links aligned with canonical URLs.

Monitor Website Changes

Many redirect issues arise after updates or migrations. Following a website redesign SEO checklist can help prevent redirect errors during site updates.

• Test redirects after plugin or CMS updates.
• Monitor server logs for redirect anomalies.
• Use SEO tools to detect redirect chains early.

When to Seek Professional Help

Some redirect issues are more complex and require the intervention of experts to resolve them.

• Server-level misconfigurations may need hosting support.
• Enterprise sites with multiple domains require careful planning.
• SEO recovery after prolonged redirect errors may need audits.

Final Thoughts

The ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error is frustrating, but it can easily be fixed with the correct methods. In many cases, it happens due to conflicting redirects, a mismatch in protocols, or CMS misconfiguring CMS rather than serious server failures.

However, you can quickly resolve these issues by understanding the causes, following a systematic process for troubleshooting, and maintaining clean redirect practices. Addressing redirect loops timely restores access while keeping user trust intact and stabilizing SEO performance and website in the long-term.

FAQs for ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS

Q. What does ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS mean?

A. It means your browser is stuck in an infinite redirection loop and cannot reach the final webpage.

Q. Can err_too_many_REDIRECTS affect SEO?

A. Yes, redirect loops prevent search engines from crawling pages properly, which can hurt rankings.

Q. Is ERR_TOO_MANY_redirects a server or browser issue?

A. It’s usually caused by server or website configuration errors, though browser cookies can trigger it.

Q. How do I fix err_too_many_redirects in WordPress?

A. Check site URLs, disable redirect-related plugins, review .htaccess, and clear cache.

Q. Can SSL misconfiguration cause ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS?

A. Yes, conflicting HTTP and HTTPS settings are one of the most common causes of this error.