Website Keeps Redirecting? What Causes Redirect Loops and How to Fix Them

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Website Keeps Redirecting? What Causes Redirect Loops and How to Fix Them

If your website keeps redirecting, refreshes endlessly, or shows an error like “Too Many Redirects,” the issue is usually caused by a configuration conflict—not a broken website.

This guide explains why redirect loops happen and walks you through safe, step-by-step fixes to stop them.

Common Symptoms

You may be dealing with a redirect loop if:

  • The page reloads repeatedly and never finishes loading

  • You see ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS in your browser

  • The website works in one browser but not another

  • Clearing cache temporarily fixes the issue

  • You can’t access the WordPress admin area

What Causes a Website to Keep Redirecting

Redirect loops happen when a website is told to send visitors back and forth between URLs without an endpoint.

Incorrect HTTP ↔ HTTPS Settings

If your site forces HTTPS but the server or plugin forces HTTP, the browser gets stuck switching endlessly.

Conflicting Redirect Rules

Multiple redirect rules from:

  • WordPress

  • Hosting settings

  • SEO plugins

  • .htaccess file
    can conflict with each other.

Plugin or Theme Conflicts

Caching, security, or redirect plugins can unintentionally create loops.

Wrong Site URL Settings

If WordPress URLs don’t match your actual domain format (www vs non-www), redirects can fail.

Browser Cache or Cookies

Old redirect rules stored in your browser can cause the loop even after the issue is fixed.

Step-by-Step Fixes

Step 1: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Start here — this alone fixes many redirect issues.

  • Clear cache and cookies

  • Try incognito/private mode

  • Test in a different browser

Step 2: Check HTTP vs HTTPS

Make sure your site uses only one version.

  • Either https://yourdomain.com

  • Or https://www.yourdomain.com

Do not mix both.

Step 3: Disable Plugins Temporarily

If you can access WordPress:

  • Disable all plugins

  • Re-enable them one by one

  • Watch for the redirect to return

Pay close attention to:

  • Caching plugins

  • Security plugins

  • SEO plugins

Step 4: Verify WordPress Site URLs

In WordPress:

  • Go to Settings → General

  • Ensure:

    • WordPress Address

    • Site Address
      match exactly (including https and www)

Step 5: Check Hosting Redirect Settings

Some hosts apply redirects at the server level.

Look for:

  • Forced HTTPS settings

  • Domain redirects

  • CDN redirect rules

Disable duplicates.

Step 6: Review .htaccess (Advanced)

If you’re comfortable:

  • Check for duplicate redirect rules

  • Remove repeated rewrite conditions

  • Always back up before editing

When Redirect Loops Are Not Your Fault

Sometimes the issue comes from:

  • Hosting misconfiguration

  • CDN settings (like Cloudflare)

  • DNS propagation after changes

If fixes don’t work, contact hosting support and mention redirect loop specifically.

How to Prevent Redirect Issues in the Future

  • Use only one redirect method

  • Avoid stacking multiple redirect plugins

  • Match HTTPS, domain, and CDN settings

  • Clear cache after any URL changes

Final Tip

Redirect loops feel scary, but they’re usually simple configuration conflicts, not permanent damage. Fixing them early prevents search engines from blocking your site.

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