If you’re using a WordPress host server to publish your website, you know how simple and rewarding it can be (especially if you’ve gone through the complications of a non-WordPress host in the past).
But you’ll also be familiar with the frustration that, unlike some other hosts, when a WordPress error occurs, it’s up to you to fix it.
A common issue with WordPress is too many redirects or a redirect loop error.
WordPress users who choose the fully hosted option don’t need to deal with that, but if you went with the WordPress installation, you’re one of many users who have encountered this problem.
Luckily, there is a solution. In fact, there are several very straightforward fixes you can try to make sure this redirection rarely or never happens again.
In this article, we’re going to discuss why the “too many redirects” glitch happens in the first place as well as give you answers to some relevant WordPress questions.
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Table of Contents
What is the Redirection Loop in WordPress?
To understand why this redirect loop error happens and how to fix it, let’s show you how to recognize it first.
Your browser might display an error message that says, “The page isn’t redirecting properly.”
Or you might run into something like, “err_too_many_redirects” or see the “This web page has a redirect loop” message:
All of these messages indicate the same issue.
To put it in the simplest terms, either your browser isn’t able to connect to the hosting server, or your browser is in a trap — moving between two different pages infinitely.
Why Do Too Many Redirect Happen in WordPress?
There could be several reasons why you’re suddenly struggling with the redirect problem. Most of them have to do with the WordPress site URL misconfiguration.
But it could also be due to a corrupt plugin file, your browser settings, and WordPress cache. And while WordPress is an incredibly reliable and stable platform, if you have too many SEO plugins and tools taking control of your URLs, you’ll eventually run into the too many redirects that will require action.
The bottom line is that while this is a single redirect issue, it does have several variations and solutions.
How to Fix “Too Many Redirects” in WordPress: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Although it may sound rather serious, the redirect loop error isn’t as bad as it seems. However, the fix might require you to try several solutions, until you find the one that gets rid of the too many redirects error.
Solution 1 – Delete Your Browser Cache and Data
Regardless of which browser you’re using to work on your WordPress website, there’s a chance that a corrupted cache file or data could be causing the too many redirects problem.
If your browser is Chrome, then all you need to do is go to “Settings,” then select “Advanced” and then click on “Clear Browsing Data”. In case you’re using Firefox, open “Options” then “Privacy and Security” and select “Clear Data.”
Solution 2 – Fix the Incorrect URL Settings
A WordPress host will let you choose whether you want to add the www prefix to your site URL. If you have previously chosen to go with the prefix and then used the URL without it, it’s going to cause the redirect error.
You’d need to have the admin user role an access WordPress admin dashboard to complete this fix. On the other hand, it could be that your hosting provider has issues on their end, so you’d have to reach out to them and check.
Solution 3 – Disable the Hypertext Access File
The Hypertext Access file or the .htaccess file is used for the configuration of certain server settings. It could also be the reason why you see the redirect loop error over and over.
To fix it, you’ll need to access the file manager settings of your WordPress host server and find the .htaccess file. You then need to right-click on it and select “disable” or something similar.
How to Fix Too Many Redirects in WordPress FAQs
What is a load balanced WordPress?
A load balancer provides a very efficient distribution of internet traffic by using many different servers. Its job is to make sure there’s a high availability of the website and more flexibility when it comes to server demands. In the context of WordPress, it’s a tool that you can use when your website starts to grow and requires a better response.
What are the benefits of WordPress self-hosting?
One of the more apparent benefits is that you get to have your own domain name. For many bloggers and business owners, that’s imperative.
Another major plus is having much more customization and design options. The WordPress website that is self-hosted is often more profitable anyway, which is why it’s much more prevalent among WordPress users.
What is an FTP client?
Perhaps you’ve heard of the term FTP client and wondered what it means, especially when talking about WordPress.
The acronym stands for File Transfer Protocol, and essentially, it’s a way to manage your files on the server. FTP client is often the reason specific server errors occur, and misconfiguration in the FTP client can lead to many connection issues.
What are other server-related issues a WordPress website can have?
When you have your own WordPress domain, there are all kinds of hosting server issues that can come up. The most common, and the one that causes most frustration among WordPress users, is when the page loads too slowly, or when your website suddenly goes down without explanation. More serious problems have to do with viruses and other security breaches.
What are some of the best WordPress hosting services?
The answer can vastly differ depending on your needs and budget, but some hosting services are just better suited for your WordPress website. Some of the best WordPress hosting providers include Bluehost, Kinsta, SireGround, YouStable and WPengine.
Conclusion
The WordPress “too many redirects” issue can be annoying, that’s for sure. At first, you might get stuck and wonder if you did something wrong. The fact is, redirect loop can happen because your browser has a corrupted file, or because the server you’re using for your website has internal errors and you’re just not aware of it.
When the redirect error has to do with the www prefix or the .htaccess file, you can apply the solutions provided in this article. And hopefully, you’ll never have to see the too many redirects issue again.
