How to Fix WordPress Login Redirect Loop

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A WordPress login redirect loop is a frustrating issue that locks you out of your admin panel, endlessly redirecting you to the login page. Whether it’s caused by a plugin, cache, or server misconfiguration, this step-by-step guide will help you fix the WordPress login redirect loop, even if you’re a beginner. With clear instructions, code snippets, and expert tips, you’ll regain access to your site in no time. Let’s get started!

What Causes a WordPress Login Redirect Loop?

A login redirect loop occurs when WordPress fails to authenticate your login, sending you back to the login page. Common causes include:

  • Corrupted Cookies or Cache: Browser or server cache interferes with authentication.
  • Incorrect Site URLs: Mismatched URLs in WordPress settings (e.g., after migration).
  • Plugin Conflicts: Security or redirect plugins rewrite login URLs.
  • .htaccess Issues: Faulty rewrite rules block admin access.
  • Server Configuration: SSL, PHP, or hosting issues disrupt login.
  • Theme Conflicts: Rarely, themes interfere with login processes.

This tutorial will walk you through fixing these issues, ensuring you can log in smoothly.

Prerequisites

  • Access to your WordPress admin panel (if possible) and site files (via FTP or hosting file manager).
  • Basic WordPress knowledge (I’ll keep it simple!).
  • A backup of your site (use UpdraftPlus for free, reliable backups).

Note: Reliable hosting prevents login issues. I recommend SiteGround for their secure servers and fast support.

Step 1: Clear Browser Cookies and Cache

Corrupted cookies or browser cache often cause login redirect loops.

  1. Clear Browser Cache:
    • In Chrome: Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data > Select “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files” > Clear data.
    • In Firefox: Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data.
  2. Try Incognito Mode:
    • Open an incognito/private browsing window.
    • Visit yoursite.com/wp-admin and attempt to log in.
  3. Test Your Site:
    • If login works, the issue was browser-related.

Why It Works: Clearing cookies removes corrupted session data, allowing WordPress to authenticate properly.

Step 2: Check and Fix Site URLs

Incorrect WordPress or site URLs (e.g., after a migration) can trigger redirect loops.

  1. Check URLs in Admin (if accessible):
    • Log in to yoursite.com/wp-admin.
    • Go to Settings > General.
    • Ensure WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) match (e.g., https://yoursite.com).
    • Save changes.
  2. Update via wp-config.php (if admin is inaccessible):
    • Access your site’s files via FTP (e.g., FileZilla) or hosting file manager (e.g., SiteGround’s cPanel).
    • Open wp-config.php in the root folder.
    • Add these lines before /* That's all, stop editing! */:
define('WP_HOME', 'https://yoursite.com');
define('WP_SITEURL', 'https://yoursite.com');
Code language: JavaScript (javascript)
  • Replace yoursite.com with your actual domain.
  • Save and upload.
  1. Test Your Site:
    • Visit yoursite.com/wp-admin. If login works, URLs were the issue.

Pro Tip: Use Yoast SEO to manage URL redirects and boost site performance.

Step 3: Clear Server and Plugin Cache

Server or plugin cache can serve outdated login pages, causing redirect loops.

  1. Clear Plugin Cache (Self-Hosted):
    • Go to your caching plugin (e.g., WP Rocket, W3 Total Cache).
    • Clear all cache (e.g., WP Rocket’s “Clear Cache” button).
    • WordPress.com: Clear Jetpack’s site accelerator cache (Personal plan, $4/month).
  2. Clear CDN Cache:
    • If using Cloudflare, log in and purge cache (Dashboard > Caching > Purge Everything).
    • SiteGround users: Clear SuperCacher via the hosting dashboard.
  3. Test Your Site:
    • Attempt to log in. If successful, cache was the culprit.

Why It Works: Clearing cache ensures the latest login page is served, fixing redirect issues.

Step 4: Disable Plugins

Plugins, especially security or redirect plugins, can cause login redirect loops.

  1. Disable All Plugins:
    • Self-Hosted: Via FTP, go to wp-content/plugins/ and rename plugins to plugins-disabled.
    • WordPress.com: Deactivate plugins one by one via Plugins (if admin is accessible).
    • Test login at yoursite.com/wp-admin.
  2. Identify the Culprit:
    • Restore the plugins folder.
    • Move one plugin to a temporary folder (e.g., plugins-temp) and test login.
    • Repeat until the redirect loop returns, indicating the faulty plugin.
    • Common culprits: iThemes Security, Redirection.
  3. Fix or Replace:
    • Update the plugin via Plugins > Installed Plugins.
    • Check its WordPress.org support forum for fixes or replace with an alternative (e.g., Wordfence).

Pro Tip: Use Query Monitor (self-hosted) to debug plugin-related login issues.

Step 5: Check and Fix .htaccess

A corrupted .htaccess file can rewrite login URLs incorrectly, causing loops.

  1. Access .htaccess:
    • Via FTP or file manager, go to the root folder (e.g., public_html).
    • Download .htaccess as a backup.
  2. Replace with Default:
    • Rename .htaccess to .htaccess-backup.
    • Create a new .htaccess with:
# BEGIN WordPress
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^index\.php$ - [L]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]
</IfModule>
# END WordPress
Code language: HTML, XML (xml)
  • Save and upload.
  1. Test Your Site:
    • Try logging in. If it works, .htaccess was the issue.

Alternative: Go to Settings > Permalinks and click Save Changes to regenerate .htaccess (if admin is accessible).

Affiliate Link: SiteGround simplifies .htaccess management via their file manager.

Step 6: Test Your Theme

Rarely, a theme’s custom code can interfere with login processes.

  1. Switch to Default Theme:
    • Self-Hosted: Via FTP, rename your theme folder (e.g., astra to astra-disabled) in wp-content/themes/.
    • WordPress.com: Activate Twenty Twenty-Four via Appearance > Themes.
  2. Test Login:
    • Visit yoursite.com/wp-admin. If login works, the theme is the issue.
  3. Fix or Replace:
    • Update the theme via Appearance > Themes.
    • Switch to a lightweight theme like Astra if issues persist.

Why It Works: Default themes eliminate theme-related conflicts.

Step 7: Contact Hosting Support

If the above steps fail, server issues (e.g., SSL, PHP, or misconfigurations) may be causing the loop.

  1. Check Server Settings:
    • Log in to your hosting dashboard (e.g., SiteGround, Bluehost).
    • Confirm PHP 7.4+ and SSL certificate are active.
  2. Submit a Support Ticket:
    • Share wp-content/debug.log (if available) and steps tried.
    • Mention the redirect loop and affected URL (wp-admin).
  3. Upgrade Hosting:
    • Shared hosting can cause login issues. SiteGround offers secure, high-performance plans.

Why It Works: Hosting support can fix server-side issues like SSL misconfigurations or resource limits.

Preventing Login Redirect Loops in the Future

  • Clear Cache Regularly: Use WP Rocket or SiteGround’s SuperCacher.
  • Limit Plugins: Avoid multiple security/redirect plugins (e.g., use only iThemes Security).
  • Verify URLs: Check Settings > General after migrations.
  • Keep Software Updated: Update WordPress, plugins, and themes.
  • Use Reliable Hosting: SiteGround ensures secure, stable servers.
  • Backup Often: Automate with UpdraftPlus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does my login redirect loop happen only on wp-admin?
A: Admin-specific plugins (e.g., security) or .htaccess rules often affect wp-admin redirects.

Q: Can a free hosting plan cause login issues?
A: Yes, free plans often lack SSL or resources, triggering loops. Upgrade to SiteGround.

Q: How do I prevent redirect loops after migration?
A: Verify WP_HOME and WP_SITEURL in wp-config.php match your domain.

Wrapping Up

Fixing the WordPress maintenance mode stuck issue is straightforward with this 2025 guide. By deleting .maintenance, resolving updates, and using reliable hosting like SiteGround, you’ll keep your site accessible. Want more fixes? Download my Free WordPress Troubleshooting Checklist or explore my guides:

Share your maintenance mode fixes on X or ask below! Visit my Resources page for top tools.

Download the Free WordPress Troubleshooting Checklist

If this guide helped, share it with a friend or follow TechBit for more WordPress troubleshooting tips!

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