ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS means your browser detected an infinite redirect loop. The server keeps sending your browser from one URL to another in a circle: URL A redirects to URL B, which redirects back to URL A, endlessly. Chrome stops after 20 redirects to prevent an infinite loop and displays this error.
This is almost always caused by a misconfiguration on the server, but cached cookies and browser data can also trigger redirect loops on the client side.
Fix 1: Clear Cookies for the Specific Site
Cookies often cause redirect loops when the server reads a cookie value and redirects based on it, but the redirect destination sets the same cookie again. In Chrome, click the lock icon in the address bar, “Cookies and site data,” remove all cookies for that domain. Try loading the page again.
Fix 2: Clear All Browser Cache
A cached redirect response may keep looping even after the server configuration is fixed. Ctrl+Shift+Delete, “All time,” clear cache and cookies. Restart Chrome completely.
Fix 3: Try Incognito Mode
Incognito starts fresh without cookies or cache. If the site loads in Incognito, your regular browsing data is causing the loop. Clear all data for that domain in your regular browser.
Fix 4: Check HTTP vs HTTPS (Site Owners)
The most common server-side cause: a redirect rule sends HTTP to HTTPS, while another rule sends HTTPS back to HTTP. Check .htaccess, Nginx config, CDN settings, and CMS redirect plugins for conflicting rules. In WordPress, verify the Site URL and WordPress URL in Settings match and both use the same protocol.
Fix 5: Disable CDN or SSL Temporarily (Site Owners)
Cloudflare’s SSL mode can cause loops. If set to “Flexible” while the origin has forced HTTPS, requests bounce between HTTP and HTTPS endlessly. Set Cloudflare SSL to “Full” or “Full (Strict)” to match your origin’s SSL configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS only happen on some devices?
Cookies differ between devices. If a specific cookie triggers the redirect loop, devices without that cookie load normally. Clear cookies on the affected device to resolve it.
Can browser extensions cause redirect loops?
Yes. Extensions that force HTTPS, modify headers, or redirect URLs can conflict with server-side redirects and create loops. Test in Incognito to rule out extensions.
How many redirects is too many?
Chrome allows up to 20 redirects before giving up. A healthy website should have at most 1-2 redirects per request (e.g., HTTP to HTTPS, then www to non-www). More than 3 redirects indicates a configuration problem that wastes page load time.
Joyce Lewis is a talented journalist at 3Zebras, known for her insightful coverage of technology, gaming, and privacy issues. Her work delves into the human aspects of tech, from the politeness of virtual assistants to the security risks of smart toys. Joyce’s articles are engaging and informative, making complex topics accessible to a wide audience.