How to Fix ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS (Google Chrome)
Quick Answer
The ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error indicates that a website is caught in an infinite redirection loop, preventing it from loading. The fastest fix is often to clear your browser's cookies and site data for the problematic website, as outdated or corrupted data frequently causes this issue.
What Causes This Error
- Corrupted or outdated browser cookies and cache for the specific website.
- Incorrect server configuration, such as a misconfigured .htaccess file on Apache servers or web server redirect rules.
- Issues with Content Delivery Network (CDN) settings or caching.
- Plugin conflicts or misconfigurations on the website's server (e.g., WordPress plugins).
- Incorrect URL settings in the website's content management system (CMS).
- Outdated or conflicting browser extensions.
Step-by-Step Fixes
1Clear Browser Cookies and Site Data for the Specific Website
- Open Google Chrome and navigate to the website that is displaying the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error.
- Click the padlock icon (or 'Not Secure' text) in the left corner of the address bar.
- Select 'Site settings' from the dropdown menu.
- On the Site settings page, locate and click the 'Clear data' button next to 'Usage' or 'Storage'. Confirm the action when prompted.
- Close the Site settings tab and attempt to reload the problematic website.
2Clear All Browser Cache and Cookies
- Open Google Chrome, click the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner, hover over 'More tools', and then select 'Clear browsing data'.
- In the 'Clear browsing data' window, set the 'Time range' to 'All time'.
- Ensure that 'Cookies and other site data' and 'Cached images and files' are checked.
- Click the 'Clear data' button.
- Close and reopen Chrome, then attempt to access the website again.
3Disable Browser Extensions
- Open Google Chrome, click the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner, hover over 'More tools', and then select 'Extensions'.
- Toggle off each extension one by one by clicking the blue switch next to its name.
- After disabling an extension, attempt to reload the website to check if the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error is resolved.
- If the error disappears, re-enable extensions one by one until the problematic extension is identified. Keep that extension disabled or remove it.
- If the error persists after disabling all extensions, re-enable them and proceed to the next troubleshooting step.
4Check Your Device's Date and Time Settings
- For Windows: Right-click the clock in the taskbar, select 'Adjust date/time', and ensure 'Set time automatically' and 'Set time zone automatically' are enabled. Sync your clock if necessary.
- For macOS: Go to 'System Settings' (or 'System Preferences'), click 'General' (or 'Date & Time'), and ensure 'Set date and time automatically' is checked.
- For Linux: Open 'Settings', navigate to 'Date & Time', and ensure 'Automatic Date & Time' and 'Automatic Time Zone' are enabled.
- After verifying or correcting the date and time, close Chrome and reopen it, then try accessing the website.
Advanced Fixes
Flush DNS Cache
- For Windows: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Type 'ipconfig /flushdns' and press Enter. A confirmation message will appear.
- For macOS: Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities. Type 'sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder' and press Enter. You may be prompted for your administrator password.
- For Linux: The command varies by distribution. Common commands include 'sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches' or 'sudo /etc/init.d/nscd restart'. Consult your distribution's documentation.
- After flushing the DNS cache, restart your web browser and attempt to visit the website.
Reset Chrome Settings to Default
- Open Google Chrome, click the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner, and select 'Settings'.
- Scroll down and click 'Reset settings' in the left-hand menu, or type 'reset' into the search bar.
- Click 'Restore settings to their original defaults'.
- Confirm the action by clicking 'Reset settings' in the pop-up window. This will disable extensions, clear temporary data, and reset themes, but bookmarks, history, and saved passwords will not be cleared.
- After the reset, close and reopen Chrome, then try accessing the website again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS mean?
The ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error indicates that your browser has detected an infinite loop of redirections when trying to access a website. The website is configured to redirect to another page, which then redirects back to the original page, or to another page that eventually leads back to the start, creating a loop that the browser cannot resolve.
Can a VPN cause ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS?
While less common, a VPN could potentially contribute to this error if its connection or server configuration interferes with the website's redirect logic, especially if the website uses location-based redirects. Temporarily disabling your VPN and attempting to access the site can help determine if it's a contributing factor.
Is ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS a client-side or server-side issue?
The ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error can originate from both client-side and server-side issues. Client-side causes include outdated browser cache/cookies or conflicting extensions. Server-side causes include incorrect website configurations (e.g., .htaccess files, CMS settings, CDN issues) that create the redirect loop.
How do I prevent this error from happening again?
Regularly clearing your browser's cache and cookies, keeping your browser and extensions updated, and ensuring your device's date and time are accurate can help prevent client-side occurrences. If you are a website owner, regularly checking your server's redirect rules, CMS URL settings, and plugin configurations is crucial.
Does incognito mode help with ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS?
Yes, opening the website in an incognito or private browsing window can help diagnose the issue. Incognito mode typically starts with a clean slate, without loading existing cookies, cache, or most extensions. If the website loads correctly in incognito mode, it strongly suggests the problem is related to your browser's stored data or extensions.