Fix the loop first by clearing site cookies, then check whether Chrome and Firefox disagree. If one browser opens the page and the other shows ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS, the problem is usually local: cookies, cached redirects, extensions, or browser privacy settings. If both fail, the site likely has a server, SSL, CDN, or login redirect problem.

What ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS Really Means

ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS means the browser was sent from one URL to another too many times. It gave up. The page might bounce from http to https, then back to http. Or it may jump between www and non www versions. Login pages can also create loops when a session cookie is broken.

Firefox usually calls it something like “The page isn’t redirecting properly.” Chrome uses ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS. Different wording, same headache.

The browser is not always the villain. It is often just the messenger. Still, Chrome and Firefox store site data differently, treat privacy rules differently, and show the error in different ways. That makes each browser useful for testing.

Chrome vs Firefox: Which One Helps More?

Chrome is a strong first stop if you suspect cached data. It keeps a lot of site state, including cookies, cached redirects, HSTS settings, permissions, and login data. That can make it fast. It can also make it stubborn. Honestly, it feels like Chrome sometimes remembers a bad redirect longer than the website owner does.

Firefox is great for comparison testing. Its Enhanced Tracking Protection, container tabs, and cleaner site data controls can expose cookie or tracking conflicts. If Firefox works while Chrome fails, that is a useful clue. If Chrome works while Firefox fails, privacy blocking or strict cookie rules may be part of the story.

• Chrome is better for: clearing stubborn cookies, checking cached redirects, testing extensions, and using DevTools.
• Firefox is better for: private testing, tracking protection checks, cookie isolation clues, and quick clean-room comparison.
• Both are useful for: confirming whether the issue is browser-side or server-side.

Fast Fixes to Try First

Start with the simple fixes. They solve more cases than people expect.

1. Open the site in a private window. Use Chrome Incognito or Firefox Private Browsing. If it works there, cookies or extensions are likely involved.
2. Clear cookies for the specific site. Do not wipe everything unless you must. Target the problem domain first.
3. Disable extensions. Ad blockers, security tools, VPN extensions, and cookie managers can all break login redirects.
4. Try the opposite browser. If Chrome fails, test Firefox. If Firefox fails, test Chrome.
5. Check the exact URL. Try https://example.com, https://www.example.com, and the login page directly.

Expect to waste time on extensions if you have many installed. One bad redirect rule in a privacy add-on can add 20 minutes of pointless clicking.

How to Fix It in Chrome

Chrome users should begin with site data. This is the most common browser-side fix.

1. Open Chrome settings.
2. Go to Privacy and security.
3. Open Third-party cookies or Site settings.
4. Find View permissions and data stored across sites.
5. Search for the domain.
6. Delete its cookies and stored data.

Then reload the page. If the error disappears, a stale cookie caused the loop.

For harder cases, clear cached redirects. Open DevTools with Ctrl + Shift + I on Windows or Cmd + Option + I on Mac. Right-click the reload button and choose Empty Cache and Hard Reload. This only appears while DevTools is open. Mildly annoying, yes.

You can also test with all extensions disabled. Type chrome://extensions in the address bar, turn extensions off, then retry the site. If the page loads, turn extensions back on one at a time.

How to Fix It in Firefox

Firefox gives you clean ways to test site data and privacy behavior. Start by removing cookies for the domain.

1. Open Firefox settings.
2. Select Privacy & Security.
3. Find Cookies and Site Data.
4. Click Manage Data.
5. Search for the site.
6. Remove the selected data.

Now reload the page. If the loop remains, test with Enhanced Tracking Protection turned off for that site. Click the shield icon near the address bar, then switch protection off for the current page. Do this only for sites you trust.

Firefox also has Troubleshoot Mode. It disables extensions, themes, and some custom settings. Open the menu, select Help, then choose Troubleshoot Mode. If the page works there, an add-on or custom setting is probably the cause.

When Both Browsers Fail

If Chrome and Firefox both show a redirect error, stop blaming the browser. The server is probably sending bad instructions.

Common causes include:

• HTTP to HTTPS loops: The site forces HTTPS, while another rule sends traffic back to HTTP.
• www conflicts: One rule sends visitors to www, while another removes it.
• Bad SSL settings: This is common when a CDN uses “Flexible SSL” while the origin server also forces HTTPS.
• WordPress URL mismatch: The WordPress Address and Site Address fields do not match the real domain setup.
• Plugin conflicts: Security, cache, redirect, and membership plugins may fight each other.
• Login session failure: The site sends users to login, then back to the same blocked page, forever.

Website owners should check server redirect rules, CDN settings, SSL mode, and application settings. On WordPress, check Settings > General, the .htaccess file, SSL plugins, and redirect plugins. If a CDN is active, compare its HTTPS settings with the hosting server.

Which Browser Should You Use for Diagnosis?

Use both, but in a smart order.

• Step 1: Test the page in Chrome normal mode.
• Step 2: Test it in Chrome Incognito.
• Step 3: Test it in Firefox Private Browsing.
• Step 4: Clear site cookies in the browser that fails.
• Step 5: If both fail, inspect server redirects.

This pattern gives quick answers. If private mode fixes it, local data is the issue. If Firefox works but Chrome fails, Chrome’s cache, cookies, or extensions are suspect. If Chrome works but Firefox fails, check Firefox privacy settings and add-ons. If neither browser works, the website is misconfigured.

Best Practical Rule

Chrome is the better cleanup target. Firefox is the better comparison tool. Chrome often exposes stubborn stored data problems. Firefox often confirms whether the issue is broader than one browser. Together, they turn a vague redirect loop into a smaller, testable problem.

When ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS appears, do not start by changing random settings. Test private mode. Clear site cookies. Compare Chrome and Firefox. Then check server redirects only if both browsers fail. That order saves time and avoids making the mess worse.