Troubleshooting redirect loop errors

Redirect loop errors happen when a website keeps redirecting between URLs and never loads, causing the browser to show an error like ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS or The page isn’t redirecting properly.

Common Causes of Redirect Loop Errors

• Cloudflare SSL/TLS option incompatible with your origin web server
• Page Rule misconfiguration in Cloudflare or similar services
• Hosting provider redirects (e.g., Apache/nginx RewriteRules, cPanel redirects)
• Registrar-level DNS or forwarding settings (e.g., GoDaddy, Bluehost, Network Solutions)
• Conflicting plugins (WordPress, Really Simple SSL, etc.)

Step-by-Step Redirect Loop Troubleshooting Checklist

1. Identify the error message (e.g., ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS).
2. Check SSL/TLS settings in your CDN (Cloudflare) and hosting control panel.
3. Review redirect rules in your web server (Apache, nginx) and hosting dashboard.
4. Inspect Page Rules or forwarding settings in Cloudflare or similar services.
5. Verify DNS and forwarding settings at your registrar (Bluehost, GoDaddy, Network Solutions).
6. Disable conflicting plugins (WordPress SSL plugins, etc.) and test again.
7. Contact your hosting provider or site administrator if the issue persists.

Cloudflare-Specific Redirect Loop Solutions

Cause

Redirect loops often occur when Flexible SSL is enabled in Cloudflare and your origin web server redirects HTTP to HTTPS. This creates a loop because Cloudflare sends requests to your server over HTTP, which then redirects back to HTTPS.

Resolution

• Remove HTTP to HTTPS redirects from your origin web server configuration (Apache RewriteRules, nginx directives).
• Set Cloudflare SSL/TLS mode to Full if you have an SSL certificate at your origin.
• Avoid using Flexible SSL unless absolutely necessary.
• If using HSTS, ensure SSL/TLS mode is not set to Off.

Hosting & Registrar Redirect Loop Solutions

Cause

Redirect loops can also occur due to:

• Conflicting redirects in hosting control panels (cPanel, Plesk)
• Registrar-level forwarding settings (e.g., GoDaddy, Network Solutions, Bluehost)
• Multiple redirects set up in both hosting and registrar dashboards

Resolution

• Review and remove duplicate or conflicting redirects in hosting and registrar settings.
• Ensure only one redirect path is configured for each domain or subdomain.
• Check DNS records for CNAME or ALIAS loops.

WordPress and Plugin-Related Redirect Loops

• Install the Cloudflare WordPress plugin and enable Automatic HTTPS rewrites.
• Alternatively, use the SSL Insecure Content Fixer or Really Simple SSL plugin.
• Disable other redirect or SSL plugins to test for conflicts.

Need More Help?

If you still see redirect loop errors, contact your hosting provider, registrar, or site administrator for advanced troubleshooting.