Glossary of web design terms you should know
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Generate a websiteERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error
The ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error is a browser message that shows up when a website gets caught in a loop of endless redirection. Essentially, the site continually attempts to redirect the visitor from one URL to another, then back again, until the browser gives up and displays the error message instead.
If you're the owner of the website, this typically indicates an issue with how your redirects are configured. Perhaps your HTTPS settings are clashing, there are plugins battling over URLs, or your domain forwarding rules have gotten a little out of control.
Why does the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error occur?
Think of it this way: your browser is looking for a straightforward route to the webpage. When it finds too many detours consecutively, it concludes that something is fundamentally amiss. Below are some common culprits.
- Incorrect URL redirects
Imagine telling people to go from Door A to Door B, but then accidentally telling them to go from Door B right back to Door A. That's a never-ending loop that will trigger this error. - HTTPS or SSL misconfigurations
If you're trying to force the secure HTTPS connection in too many places at once (like your website's software, your hosting company, and a content delivery network), they can get confused and create an infinite back-and-forth. - Cookies or caching issues
Occasionally, old or corrupted data saved in your browser can interfere with how redirects are handled. - Plugin or CMS settings
Particularly on a platform such as WordPress, certain SEO or redirect management tools can interfere with each other or overlap and create duplicate rules without you realizing it.
How to fix the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error
Here are some things you can try to get things working again.
- Clear cookies and cache
Sometimes, a simple clean-up of your browser's temporary data can resolve the issue. Try opening the site in a private browsing window or manually clearing your cache and cookies. - Check redirect rules
Take a close look at any redirects you've set up manually, whether it's in a file called .htaccess, your website's admin area, or your content delivery network's settings. Make sure you haven't accidentally created a loop. - Temporarily disable plugins
If you're using a system like WordPress, try turning off your plugins one by one (especially any related to SEO or redirects) to see if that solves the problem. - Review your HTTPS settings
Only one system should be in charge of making sure your site uses HTTPS. Check your website software, CDN, and hosting account to ensure they aren't all trying to do it at the same time. - Check domain settings
Ensure your website address isn't bouncing between the "www" and non-"www" versions, or between the regular "http" and secure "https" in a way that creates a loop.
FAQs about the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error
What does “too many redirects” mean?
It's like your browser is trapped in a hallway with two doors, each leading back to the other. This usually happens because of mistakes in how website addresses are being forwarded.
Is this error caused by my browser?
Usually not. While clearing your browser's temporary files can sometimes help as a quick fix, the real problem is almost always on the website itself.
Can this error hurt my SEO?
Absolutely. If search engines can't access your site because of these redirect issues, it can definitely harm your rankings over time.
How do I know which redirect is causing the issue?
There are free online tools called "Redirect Checkers" that can trace the path of redirects and help you pinpoint where the loop starts. Your browser's developer tools can also show you this information.
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