A redirect loop error on WordPress sites prevents users from accessing a website and often displays messages such as ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS. This problem affects both visitors and administrators, disrupting traffic, conversions, and backend access. Hosting diagnostics indicate that redirect-related issues contribute to nearly 15% of WordPress downtime incidents reported by small and medium websites. The error usually arises from configuration conflicts rather than core software failures, which means a structured approach can resolve it efficiently.
This article explains the main causes of the WordPress redirect loop error and provides reliable methods to fix it without compromising site stability.
What is a WordPress Redirect Loop Error?
A redirect loop occurs when a browser gets stuck between two or more URLs that continuously redirect to each other. In WordPress, this situation often involves mismatched protocols, incorrect site URLs, caching conflicts, or faulty redirect rules.
WordPress relies on correct URL definitions, server rewrite rules, and cookies to manage page requests. When these elements conflict, the browser exceeds its redirect limit and blocks access. The error can appear on the homepage, admin panel, or both, depending on the source of the issue.
Clear Browser Cookies and Cache
Before making server-side changes, start with the simplest fix. Corrupted cookies and cached redirects can trigger false redirect loops.
Steps to follow:
- Clear cookies related to your website.
- Clear the browser cache.
- Restart the browser.
- Reload the website.
Browser analytics show that nearly 20% of redirect loop complaints resolve after clearing cookies, especially when the issue stems from authentication or session conflicts.
Also Read: WordPress Database Connection Error Explained
Verify WordPress Site URL and Home URL
Incorrect URL settings remain the most common cause of redirect loops. This issue often appears after installing SSL certificates, migrating domains, or changing hosting providers.
Fix using wp-config.php:
- Access your site via FTP or File Manager.
- Open
wp-config.php. - Add or correct the following lines:
define('WP_HOME', 'https://example.com');
define('WP_SITEURL', 'https://example.com');
Ensure both values match exactly and use the correct protocol. A mismatch between http and https forces WordPress to redirect repeatedly.
Check HTTP to HTTPS Redirection
SSL-related misconfigurations account for a large percentage of redirect loop cases. Problems often occur when WordPress, the hosting server, and CDN services apply separate redirect rules.
What to verify:
- WordPress URLs use HTTPS if SSL is active
- The hosting control panel applies only one SSL redirect rule
- CDN services do not duplicate redirects
Web security studies indicate that improper SSL redirects cause over 35% of redirect loop errors on WordPress sites after certificate installation.
Disable All Plugins Temporarily
Plugins that manage security, caching, or redirection frequently cause conflicts.
How to disable plugins without admin access:
- Connect via FTP.
- Navigate to
wp-content. - Rename the
pluginsfolder toplugins-disabled. - Try accessing the site again.
If the redirect loop stops, restore the folder name and activate plugins one at a time to identify the source. Redirection and security plugins remain the most common offenders.
Switch to a Default Theme
Theme-level functions can introduce faulty redirect logic, especially in custom or outdated themes.
Steps:
- Go to
wp-content/themes. - Rename the active theme folder.
- WordPress will automatically activate a default theme.
- Test the website.
If the site loads normally, review the theme’s functions.php file for redirect-related code or outdated hooks.
Regenerate the .htaccess File
The .htaccess file controls redirects at the server level. Even a small syntax error can create an infinite redirect loop.
How to fix:
- Rename
.htaccessto.htaccess-old. - Try loading the website.
- If successful, log in to WordPress.
- Go to Settings → Permalinks and click Save Changes.
This action regenerates a clean .htaccess file using WordPress’ default rules.
Disable Caching and CDN Services
Caching layers sometimes store redirect responses incorrectly, especially after URL or SSL changes.
Recommended actions:
- Disable caching plugins temporarily
- Clear server-side cache from the hosting panel
- Pause CDN services such as Cloudflare
- Exclude
/wp-adminand login pages from caching
Performance audits show that stale cache configurations contribute to approximately 18% of WordPress redirect loop incidents.
Check the Hosting Server and PHP Configuration
Server-level misconfigurations can silently cause redirect loops.
Ask your hosting provider to confirm:
- PHP session handling works correctly
- Disk space remains available
- ModSecurity rules do not block WordPress requests
- Server-level redirects do not conflict with WordPress rules
Hosting reports show that shared servers account for a disproportionate number of redirect loop cases due to aggressive security rules.
Enable Debugging to Identify Hidden Errors
Some redirect loops stem from hidden PHP warnings or fatal errors.
Add the following to wp-config.php:
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);
Check the debug.log file in the wp-content folder to identify errors linked to redirection logic.
Conclusion
A WordPress redirect loop error often looks complex, but it usually results from small configuration conflicts involving URLs, SSL, plugins, or caching systems. By addressing each potential cause step by step, site owners can restore access without reinstalling WordPress or losing data.
Why allow a simple redirect conflict to block traffic and revenue? A disciplined troubleshooting process ensures long-term site stability and prevents the same issue from recurring after updates or migrations.
