How to Fix WordPress Login Redirect Loop in 7 Easy Ways

Are you trying to log into your WordPress site but keep ending up back at the login page? This can feel like being stuck in a loop that won’t let you in. This issue is known as a WordPress login redirect loop.

This common WordPress login issue can make you feel locked out of your site. But thankfully, there are ways to fix it.

So, what is a WordPress login redirect loop?

When you put in your username and password, you expect to see your dashboard. Instead, you find yourself back on the login page. This happens because the site keeps redirecting you; you can’t break free from the loop.

There are many reasons this problem can occur. In this article, we will look at these reasons and show you how to fix the issue. Let’s get started and get you back to managing your site smoothly.

TL;DR: A WordPress login redirect loop repeatedly sends you back to the login page, stopping you from accessing your site. This can be caused by malware, cache problems, or conflicting themes or plugins. Before trying to fix this issue, make sure to back up your site. This way, you have a safety net in case something goes wrong.

1. Scan your site

Sometimes, malware on your site can stop you from logging in. It can cause repeated redirects that make it tough to reach your dashboard. Malware can also harm your site’s performance and security. Using a security plugin to scan and remove any malware is a great first step to sorting out this problem.

But how can you scan your site if you can’t access wp-admin? This is where MalCare can assist.

MalCare provides an external dashboard, allowing you to scan your site even if you can’t log in. This makes it easy to detect and remove malware without needing to enter the WordPress admin area.

MalCare offers more benefits as well. It has a smart firewall that blocks various WordPress attacks. Its vulnerability scanner detects threats early and protects against them. Plus, it scans your site without slowing it down.

2. Clear caches and cookies

Old cache files and corrupt cookies can lead to login redirect loops on your WordPress site. Clearing them can often resolve the issue. Begin by clearing all caches, including those from your browser and any caching plugins you use. If you use a Content Delivery Network (CDN), you might need to clear its cache too.

Once you’ve cleared the cache, clear your browser cookies as well. This allows fresh cookies to be set, which might fix the redirect loop. If you manage a site, you can ask your users to do the same.

As an extra step, you can add the following code to the functions.php file of your site’s current theme. It resets cookies every time someone visits your site:

setcookie(wordpress_logged_in, null, strtotime('-1 day'));

Note that this means users will need to log in every time, and the Remember Me option won’t work. Remove the code once the login redirect loop is resolved. Otherwise, you might see users complaining that WordPress keeps logging them out repeatedly.

3. Revert to a default WordPress theme

At times, a new or updated theme can cause login redirect loops. Themes may have conflicts that interfere with the login process. To check if this is the issue, switch to a default WordPress theme.

Default themes like Twenty Twenty-One are well-tested and usually don’t cause such problems. If the redirect loop stops, it likely means your old theme is the cause. You can choose to keep the default theme or try to resolve the issues with your original one.

4. Disable conflicting plugins, if any

Plugin conflicts can also lead to login redirect loops. If you recently installed or updated a plugin, it might be conflicting with others on your site. Try disabling the new or updated plugin to see if that helps.

If that doesn’t solve the problem, deactivate all your plugins. Then, activate them one by one, checking each time if the issue is resolved. This method helps identify which plugin is causing the trouble. Once you find the problematic plugin, you can either look for a replacement or adjust its settings to prevent conflicts.

5. Check site URL settings

Sometimes, the URL set in your WordPress site might differ from the one registered with your hosting provider. This mismatch can cause login problems. It’s important to ensure that both URLs are the same.

To fix this, check the WordPress Address and Site Address in your wp-admin dashboard. You can find this option under Settings > General. Make sure these match the URL with your hosting provider.

Also, it’s wise to check your site’s wp-config.php file to confirm that the URLs are correct there as well.

Additionally, make sure all your site URLs use the same protocol. For example, if you’re using https, all your URLs should reflect that to avoid conflicts. Keeping your URLs consistent can help prevent login redirect loop issues.

6. Get a dedicated site IP address

Hosting providers often use the same IP address for many client websites. This shared IP can sometimes confuse browsers. When a browser gets mixed up about which site to load, it might trigger a login redirect loop.

To avoid this, ask your hosting provider for a dedicated IP address. With a dedicated IP, your site gets a unique address, reducing the chance of confusion. Keep in mind that obtaining a dedicated IP usually involves an extra cost. But, this investment can help your site run more smoothly and avoid problems.

7. Restore the .htaccess file

Incorrect changes to your .htaccess file can lead to WordPress login redirect loops. This might occur if you or a plugin modifies the file by mistake, which could prevent site access.

To fix this, try removing any recently added custom code. If a plugin made the changes, uninstall it. Or, restore a backup of your .htaccess file from before the modifications. This might help return your site to normal.

If these steps don’t work, replace your current .htaccess file with the default code. Remember, this will erase any custom settings you or your plugins have made. Be sure to keep a record of any important settings before making this change.

How to prevent the WordPress login redirect loop issue?

Avoiding a WordPress login redirect loop is simpler than fixing one. By following some easy steps, you can keep your site safe from these issues. Here are a few strategies to help prevent them:

Use a security plugin

A good security plugin protects your site from threats that can cause login issues. MalCare is a solid option for WordPress security. It detects and removes malware before it can create problems. It also secures your site against vulnerabilities and bots, reducing other security risks.

Take regular backups

Regular backups ensure you have a copy of your site to revert to if something goes wrong. Use a reliable service like BlogVault, which integrates smoothly with WordPress. Its automatic backups allow you to restore your site quickly to a working version when needed.

Test software on staging

When adding new plugins, themes, or updates, test them on a staging site first. You can use it to find problems before they affect your main site. This shields your live site from unexpected issues, like redirect loops. BlogVault users can create staging sites to safely try out changes.

Regularly perform security audits

Regular security audits help catch potential issues early. During an audit, check for suspicious users and vulnerabilities. Also, make sure your plugins and themes are up-to-date. Identifying security gaps in advance can greatly reduce the risk of login problems and keep your site running smoothly.

Regularly check for other redirect loops

Frequently check your site for redirect loops beyond login issues. Use tools like SerpWorx or browser plugins such as Redirect Path to diagnose redirect problems. Catching these early can prevent them from growing into bigger issues. This keeps your site’s performance stable for visitors.

Final thoughts

Dealing with a WordPress login redirect loop can be frustrating. But you can fix it with a few straightforward steps.

Begin by backing up your site with a tool like BlogVault. This provides a safety net in case something goes wrong. BlogVault automatically backs up your site and stores the backups on off-site servers. This ensures your site remains fast and smooth.

Next, address potential causes by clearing the cache or disabling any conflicting plugins. Changing your theme or reviewing your .htaccess file might also be helpful. Taking these actions can help you regain access to your site and keep it functioning properly.

FAQs

What is the WordPress login redirect loop error?

The WordPress login redirect loop occurs when you attempt to log in, but instead of landing on the dashboard, you’re sent back to the login page. This can happen due to incorrect URL settings, issues with themes or plugins, corrupt cookies, or problems with the .htaccess file. Malware or cache issues might also trigger this loop. It prevents you from accessing your site and doing any work until you resolve the issue.

How to fix a WordPress login redirect loop error?

To solve a WordPress login redirect loop, follow these steps:

1. Clear your browser cache and cookies.
2. Clear the caches of any caching plugins and your CDN.
3. Deactivate all plugins, then reactivate them individually.
4. Switch to a default theme such as Twenty Twenty-One.
5. Ensure that site URLs in WordPress settings match those registered with your host.
6. Restore your .htaccess file from a backup or use the default code.
7. Think about getting a dedicated IP address from your hosting provider.

Can plugins cause a WordPress login redirect loop error?

Yes, plugins can lead to WordPress login redirect loop issues. Occasionally, a new plugin or an update to an existing one may clash with other plugins or your theme. This conflict can create a loop that keeps returning you to the login page. To resolve this, try deactivating your plugins and then reactivating them one at a time to identify the troublesome one. Once you’ve found the problematic plugin, you can seek a solution or consider using a different plugin.