uBlock Origin Causing 'ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS'? Here's What I Think

I recently stumbled upon a discussion about a frustrating issue: the dreaded ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error in Chrome, seemingly triggered by uBlock Origin. This got me thinking about the complexities of ad blocking and how even well-intentioned tools can sometimes lead to unexpected problems.

Let's delve into why this might be happening and explore potential solutions.

Understanding the 'ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS' Error

This error, as the name suggests, occurs when a browser gets stuck in an infinite loop of redirects. Website A tells the browser to go to Website B, Website B tells it to go back to Website A, and so on. Eventually, the browser gives up and displays the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error.

There are several reasons why this might happen, but the core issue is a misconfiguration somewhere along the line. It could be a problem on the website's server, a cookie issue, or, as in this case, an overzealous ad blocker.

Why uBlock Origin Might Cause Redirect Loops

While uBlock Origin is generally a reliable and efficient ad blocker, it's not immune to causing issues. Here's why it might trigger a redirect loop:

1. Overly Aggressive Blocking

uBlock Origin works by using filter lists – sets of rules that tell it which elements to block. Sometimes, these filter lists can be too aggressive and block legitimate resources that are necessary for a website to function correctly. If a website relies on a specific script or resource to handle redirects, blocking it could lead to a loop.

2. Conflicts with Other Extensions

It's possible that uBlock Origin is conflicting with another browser extension. Some extensions might modify website behavior in ways that interfere with uBlock Origin's blocking rules, leading to unexpected redirects.

3. Corrupted Filter Lists or Settings

Occasionally, filter lists can become corrupted or outdated. This can cause uBlock Origin to misinterpret website code and block the wrong elements. Similarly, a corrupted setting within uBlock Origin itself could lead to erratic behavior.

4. Specific Website Implementations

Some websites use complex redirect schemes to track users or deliver personalized content. These schemes can be particularly vulnerable to interference from ad blockers, especially if they rely on JavaScript or other dynamic elements.

Troubleshooting the Issue

If you're experiencing the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error and suspect uBlock Origin is the culprit, here's a step-by-step approach to troubleshooting:

1. Disable uBlock Origin Temporarily

The first step is to simply disable uBlock Origin and see if the problem goes away. If the error disappears, you've confirmed that uBlock Origin is indeed the cause. You can then re-enable it and proceed to more specific troubleshooting steps.

2. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Sometimes, cached data or cookies can interfere with website functionality. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, especially for the website that's causing the error. This will force the browser to reload the website from scratch.

3. Update uBlock Origin and Filter Lists

Make sure you're using the latest version of uBlock Origin. Outdated versions may contain bugs or have outdated filter lists. Also, update your filter lists to ensure you're using the most current rules.

To update uBlock Origin:

• In Chrome, go to chrome://extensions/.
• Enable "Developer mode" in the top right corner.
• Click "Update" to update all extensions.

To update filter lists:

• Open uBlock Origin's settings.
• Go to the "Filter lists" tab.
• Click "Purge all caches" and then "Update now."

4. Disable Other Extensions

As mentioned earlier, conflicts with other extensions can cause problems. Try disabling all other extensions except uBlock Origin and see if the error persists. If not, re-enable the extensions one by one to identify the culprit.

5. Whitelist the Website

If you're only experiencing the error on a specific website, you can try whitelisting it in uBlock Origin. This will disable ad blocking on that website, allowing it to function normally.

To whitelist a website:

• Click the uBlock Origin icon in your browser toolbar.
• Click the large power button to disable blocking for the current website. The button will turn gray.

6. Examine uBlock Origin's Logs

uBlock Origin provides detailed logs of its blocking activity. These logs can help you identify which elements are being blocked and whether any of them are related to the redirect loop.

To access the logs:

• Open uBlock Origin's settings.
• Go to the "My filters" tab.
• Look for entries related to the website causing the error.

7. Custom Filters (Advanced)

If you're comfortable with more advanced techniques, you can create custom filters to selectively disable blocking for specific elements on the website. This requires some knowledge of CSS selectors and website code.

8. Reset uBlock Origin to Default Settings

If all else fails, you can try resetting uBlock Origin to its default settings. This will remove any custom settings or filter lists you've added and restore the extension to its original state.

To reset uBlock Origin:

• Open uBlock Origin's settings.
• Go to the "Settings" tab.
• Click "Reset to default settings."

Alternatives to uBlock Origin

If you're consistently experiencing problems with uBlock Origin, you might consider trying a different ad blocker. Here are a few popular alternatives:

AdGuard

AdGuard is a comprehensive ad blocker that offers both browser extensions and standalone apps. It's known for its ease of use and comprehensive blocking capabilities.

Brave Browser

Brave Browser has built-in ad blocking and privacy features. It's a good option if you want a browser that prioritizes privacy and security out of the box.

NextDNS (DNS-Based)

As we often recommend, NextDNS provides system-wide ad blocking through DNS configuration. This approach blocks ads at the network level, before they even reach your browser. It's a great option for blocking ads across all devices on your network.

The Importance of Responsible Ad Blocking

This whole situation highlights the importance of responsible ad blocking. While it's tempting to block everything in sight, overly aggressive blocking can break websites and disrupt the user experience. It's important to find a balance between blocking intrusive ads and allowing websites to function correctly.

One approach is to use a more nuanced ad blocker like NextDNS, which allows for granular control over what's blocked. You can customize filter lists, whitelist specific websites, and even block specific types of ads.

Another approach is to support websites you enjoy by disabling ad blocking on those sites or by subscribing to a premium version. This helps ensure that these websites can continue to provide valuable content.

My Thoughts on the 'ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS' Issue

After reading about this issue, I'm reminded of the constant cat-and-mouse game between ad blockers and websites. Websites are always finding new ways to deliver ads, and ad blockers are always trying to block them. This can lead to unintended consequences, such as the ERR_TOO_MANY_REDIRECTS error.

I believe that the best approach is to use a combination of ad blocking techniques and responsible browsing habits. Use a reliable ad blocker like uBlock Origin or AdGuard, but also be willing to whitelist websites you support. And always be mindful of the impact your ad blocking choices have on the websites you visit.

For mobile users, a DNS-based solution like AdBlock for Mobile offers a great balance between effective ad blocking and minimal impact on website functionality. By blocking ads at the DNS level, we can prevent them from even reaching the browser, reducing the risk of redirect loops and other issues.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a better browsing experience for everyone. By working together, we can reduce the number of intrusive ads and support the websites we love.