Fix "Redirect Loop" Error

Understanding Redirect Loops

Browser gets stuck in endless redirects (HTTP 301/302 circles).

Common Causes

• HTTPS redirect misconfiguration
• WordPress URL settings mismatch
• Load balancer/proxy header issues
• Cookie/authentication redirect conflicts

Fix 1: Check HTTPS Configuration

Ensure you're not redirecting HTTP→HTTPS with HTTPS also redirecting:

# In Nginx - incorrect:
server {
    listen 80;
    return 301 https://$host$request_uri;
}
server {
    listen 443 ssl;
    return 301 http://$host$request_uri;  # Causes loop!
}

Remove the second redirect.

Fix 2: WordPress URL Settings

Check wp-admin → Settings → General:

• WordPress Address (URL)
• Site Address (URL)

Both must match (both http:// or both https://).

If locked out, edit wp-config.php:

define('WP_HOME', 'https://yourdomain.com');
define('WP_SITEURL', 'https://yourdomain.com');

Fix 3: Check .htaccess for Conflicts

Temporarily rename:

mv .htaccess .htaccess.bak

If loop stops, regenerate permalinks.

Fix 4: Check Proxy/Load Balancer Headers

For Nginx behind proxy:

proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-Proto $scheme;
proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-For $proxy_add_x_forwarded_for;

For applications reading X-Forwarded-Proto to detect HTTPS.

Fix 5: Check Cookies

Clear browser cookies. Sometimes corrupted cookies cause redirect loops.

Debug Redirects

# Check with curl
curl -I http://yourdomain.com
curl -L http://yourdomain.com  # Follow redirects

# View all redirect steps
curl -L --trace-ascii - http://yourdomain.com