Dealing with 'Redirected Too Many Times' Error: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions

What is ‘Redirected too many times’?

‘Redirected too many times’ error is a web browser error that occurs when a website or web page is stuck in an endless loop of redirections. It means that the browser cannot reach the intended destination because of the continuous redirection chain. This error typically prevents the website from loading properly, leaving users unable to access the content.

You might also encounter the error message ‘request exceeded the limit of 10 internal redirects due to probable configuration error.’ There are various versions of this error depending on the web browser you are using.

Redirected too many times Google Chrome

In Google Chrome, this error will be displayed as ‘ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS’ or ‘This webpage has a redirect loop problem.’

Redirected too many times Firefox

In Firefox, a message might appear in the center of the screen stating: The page isn’t redirecting correctly.

Redirected too many times Safari

In Safari, the error message will be displayed as “Safari Can’t Open the Page.”

Unlike Chrome and Firefox, Safari does not provide a button for page reloading.

What leads to ‘redirected too many times’ error?

The too many redirects error is caused by a web browser getting trapped in a continuous loop of redirections. These reasons are potentially why you are being redirected too many times:

• Misconfigured Redirects: If the website’s redirection rules are set up incorrectly, it can create a continuous redirect chain, leading to the error.
• Circular Redirections: This occurs when two or more URLs redirect to each other, causing the browser to redirect indefinitely.
• HTTPS to HTTP Redirection: This can sometimes lead to a loop, especially if the server forces HTTPS and the website is not configured properly.
• Faulty .htaccess File: The .htaccess file on the server controls URL redirections. If there are errors or conflicting rules in this file, it can trigger the error.
• Plugin or Code Issues: Faulty plugins, scripts, or custom code on the website can inadvertently cause redirection loops.
• Server Configuration: Server misconfigurations, such as incorrect domain settings or load balancer issues, can also contribute to the error.

When being redirected too many times, it is crucial to identify the root cause to implement the appropriate solution. Troubleshooting involves checking and adjusting redirection rules, examining the .htaccess file, reviewing SSL configurations, disabling plugins, or consulting with server administrators or hosting providers to resolve the issue. Addressing the underlying cause will help restore proper functionality and ensure a smooth user experience on the website.

How to recognize too many redirects on your website.

To identify ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS errors on your website, you can follow these steps:

• Inspect Web Browser Error Messages: When accessing your website, check for error messages like “ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS” in web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. These messages indicate the presence of redirection issues.
• Manually Test Website URLs: Manually test various URLs on your website and observe the browser’s behavior. If you notice excessive redirections or the browser being stuck in a loop, there might be a redirect error.
• Use Browser Developer Tools: Open the browser developer tools (usually accessible via F12 or right-clicking and selecting “Inspect”) and navigate to the “Network” tab. Look for the “Redirect” entries to see if there are any unusual or continuous redirections.
• Check Web Server Configuration: Review your web server configuration and ensure that your redirection rules are set up correctly. Avoid circular redirects, where one URL redirects to another and then back to the original URL.
• Verify .htaccess File: If you are using Apache server, check the .htaccess file for any misconfigured or conflicting redirect rules.
• Audit Website with Tools: Utilize website auditing tools like Semrush’s Site Audit to automatically scan your website for redirect-related issues. These tools can quickly identify redirect chains and loops.

• Check SSL Certificate and HTTPS Configurations: Make sure your SSL certificate is valid and properly installed. Incorrect HTTPS configurations can lead to redirection problems.
• Disable Plugins or Code: Temporarily deactivate plugins or custom code on your website and see if the error persists. Faulty plugins or code can sometimes trigger redirect issues.

By following these methods, you can effectively identify and troubleshoot ‘too many redirects’ errors on your website, ensuring a smoother user experience and proper functionality.

How to fix “redirected too many times”

Here are seven troubleshooting steps that can assist you in resolving the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error on your website. These steps are applicable to all websites, regardless of the content management system (CMS) you use. Additionally, if your website is built on WordPress, On Digitals will also provide specific tips for this platform.

Clear cookies on the redirecting website

To resolve the redirect loop issue, begin by clearing cookies on the website that is causing the problem. These are the steps for each browser:

Google Chrome

• Click the Customize icon at the top right, then select Settings.

• Navigate to Privacy and security from the left toolbar.
• Click on Cookies and other site data.

• Scroll down and choose See all cookies and site data.

• Search for the website’s name at the top right.
• To the right of the site, click Remove.

Safari

• Click on Safari and select Preferences.

• Go to Privacy.
• Click on Manage Website Data.

• Use the Search field to locate the website causing the redirect loop.
• Select the site and click Remove.

• Finally, click Done.

Clear Browser Cache

Google Chrome

• Click on the three dots at the top right-hand corner of your browser and then choose “Settings.”

• In the settings menu, select “Privacy and Security” from the sidebar and click on “Clear browsing data.“

• Set the time range to “All time,” uncheck the option for “browsing history,” and then click on “Clear data.”

Safari

• Click on Safari and select Preferences.

• Go to Privacy.
• Click on Manage Website Data.
• Select Remove All then choose Remove Now.

• Finally, choose Done.

Ensure that your SSL certificate is properly installed.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a protocol that establishes an encrypted connection between the server and the client. SSL certificates enable the use of HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) on websites. With HTTPS, data transmitted between the server and the browser becomes encrypted and protected, protecting users’ information from potential attackers.

Improper installation of an SSL certificate or attempting to force HTTPS on a website without SSL certificate can lead to websites being redirected too many times. To verify the correct installation of your SSL certificate and identify any potential issues, you can utilize SSL checker tools like SSL Shopper.

Check Third-Party Services

If you have ruled out cookies, cache, and HTTPS settings, third-party services can be the root of redirection errors.

The error can be brought on by a proxy server, an intermediary server that routes requests from clients to servers. For instance, Cloudflare has a Flexible SSL option that mandates requests to be sent over HTTPS between clients and Cloudflare while allowing HTTP queries between Cloudflare and your origin server.

Should you enable that option with an SSL certificate installed, the server will redirect these requests to HTTPS. This will likely result in websites being redirected too many times. A different encryption mode, such as Full or Full (strict), can help rectify this problem.

• Access your Cloudflare dashboard and choose your domain.

• Click SSL/TLS.

• Next, change the encryption mode to Full or Full (strict).

Check Your Plugins

For WordPress websites, third-party plugins may also be responsible for redirect errors. Redirect plugins offer a convenient way to set up redirects when permalinks are changed or specific conditions are met. However, modifying the settings or updating these plugins can sometimes lead to the “too many redirects” error.

Disable all of your plugins to see if they are the source of any issues. Then, re-enable each one separately to determine which one causes the issue.

• In the WP admin panel, click “Plugins” > “Installed plugins.”

• Check the box in the top left corner to choose all of your plugins.

• From the “Bulk Actions” drop-down box, choose “Deactivate” and then click “Apply.”

After refreshing your site, if the “too many redirects” error message disappears, plugins may be responsible for the issue. Next, reactivate each plugin one by one and reload your website after each activation. Repeat the process until you determine which plugin is causing the error.

Once you identify the problematic plugin, either report the issue to the plugin’s support team or seek an alternative option serving the same purpose.

Reset the cache in your WordPress website.

The .htaccess file plays a significant role in controlling page redirects on your website. If certain redirect rules are misconfigured or there are faulty variables present in the file, it can lead to “too many redirects” errors.

Review and configure the .htaccess file properly to avoid such issues and ensure smooth redirection behavior on your website.

If you suspect that your .htaccess file is responsible for redirection errors, you can reset it by following these steps:

• Access your website’s root directory on the server with an FTP client or file manager from your hosting provider.
• Locate the .htaccess file in the root directory.
• Download the .htaccess file to your computer as a backup, ensuring you have a copy of the original file.
• After creating a backup, delete the .htaccess file from the server.
• Check if the “too many redirects” error persists after removing the .htaccess file. If the error is resolved, it indicates that the problem was likely related to the .htaccess file.
• To recreate the .htaccess file, make a new text file and add the default or minimal configurations for your server setup. For many WordPress installations, the default .htaccess file looks like this:

# BEGIN WordPress

<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>

RewriteEngine On

RewriteBase /

RewriteRule ^index\.php$ – [L]

RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f

RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d

RewriteRule . /index.php [L]

</IfModule>

# END WordPress

• Save the text file as “.htaccess” and upload it to the root directory of your website.
• Test your website thoroughly to ensure that the “too many redirects” error is resolved and your website is functioning correctly.

Reach out to your hosting provider for assistance

If the previous steps fail to resolve the issue, consider reaching out to your hosting provider. As a last resort, inform them about the website being redirected too many times and it affects the site’s performance. The hosting provider may be able to identify the specific cause and even help you resolve it.

Final Thoughts

Handling the issue of websites being redirected too many times requires a thorough understanding of its causes, impacts, and appropriate solutions. Misconfigured redirect rules, faulty SSL settings, problematic plugins, and issues with the .htaccess file can all contribute to this error. The resulting impact can lead to a frustrating user experience, reduced website performance, and potential negative effects on SEO.

Follow On Digitals to stay updated with valuable information about website SEO. If you need to build a website for business or commerce purposes, On Digitals is undoubtedly a choice worth considering. With years of experience in the SEO field and providing customized website design services tailored to clients’ requirements, On Digitals is a reliable option.