Chrome redirects happen when a website sends you somewhere else without asking

A redirect is when a website automatically sends you to a different URL without your click. Chrome follows these redirects by default, which is usually harmless — a company moves its website and the old address points to the new one. But redirects can also be used to send you to ads, fake login pages, or sites that look legitimate but aren't.

You cannot disable all redirects in Chrome's settings because the browser treats them as normal web behavior. Instead, you control redirects through extensions, site-by-site permissions, or by recognizing when a redirect is happening and stopping it manually. The method you choose depends on whether you want to block redirects everywhere, on specific sites, or just understand when they're occurring.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome has no built-in setting to block all redirects, but extensions like uBlock Origin and Redirect Guard can stop them automatically.
  • You can block redirects on individual websites by changing Chrome's permissions for that site in Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings.
  • Some redirects are legitimate — a site moving to a new address — while others are designed to trick you or show you ads you didn't ask for.
  • If a website keeps redirecting you, clearing your browser cache and cookies for that site often stops the loop.

Using an extension to block redirects across all websites

uBlock Origin is a free extension that blocks ads, trackers, and redirects. It works on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Install it from the Chrome Web Store, then click the uBlock icon in your toolbar and select the power button to turn it on for the current site. The extension blocks many redirects automatically, though some sophisticated ones may still get through.

Redirect Guard is a simpler, redirect-specific extension. It shows you when a redirect is about to happen and lets you choose whether to follow it or stay on the current page. Install it from the Chrome Web Store, then click the extension icon whenever you see a redirect notification. This gives you control over each redirect rather than blocking them all blindly.

Both extensions are free and do not require you to create an account. They run in the background and do not slow Chrome noticeably. If you install multiple redirect-blocking extensions, they may conflict with each other, so start with one and add another only if the first does not solve your problem.

Blocking redirects on a specific website

If one particular website keeps redirecting you, you can change Chrome's permissions for that site. Open Chrome, go to the website, click the lock icon or info icon in the address bar, then select "Site Settings." Look for "Redirects" or "Pop-ups and redirects" and change it to "Block."

This method works best when you know exactly which site is causing the problem. It does not affect other websites and does not require an extension. However, blocking redirects on a legitimate site may break its functionality — for example, if the site uses redirects to log you in or move you between pages. If blocking redirects breaks the site, go back to Site Settings and change the permission to "Allow."

Clearing cache and cookies to stop redirect loops

Sometimes a website gets stuck in a redirect loop — it keeps sending you back and forth between two pages, or redirects you to itself repeatedly. This usually happens because Chrome has stored old information about the site in its cache or cookies. Clearing that data often stops the loop.

Open Chrome and press Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Command+Shift+Delete (Mac). Select "All time" from the time range dropdown. Check the boxes for "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files," then click "Clear data." This removes stored information for all websites. If you want to clear data for only one site, go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Cookies and site data, find the site in the list, and click the trash icon next to it.

After clearing cache and cookies, reload the website. If the redirect loop stops, the problem was old stored data. If it continues, the redirect is coming from the website's server, not your browser, and you may need to contact the website's support or use one of the extension methods above.

Understanding when redirects are legitimate

Not all redirects are malicious. A company that moves its website to a new domain uses a redirect so old links still work. A shortened URL service like bit.ly redirects to the full address. A find login page redirects you to the site after you enter your password. These redirects are normal and usually safe.

Redirects become a problem when they send you to ad networks, fake versions of websites, or pages that try to install software on your computer. If you notice a redirect happening, look at the address bar before and after — if you went from a site you trust to an unfamiliar domain, that is a sign the redirect may not be legitimate. Blocking that redirect with an extension or site permission is the right move.

What to do if a redirect seems suspicious

If a website redirects you somewhere and you are not sure why, do not click anything on the new page. Look at the URL in the address bar — does it match what you expected? Is it a domain you recognize? If the new site looks like a login page for your bank or email, but the URL is slightly different, do not enter your password. This is a common phishing tactic.

Close the page and go directly to the legitimate site by typing the address into the address bar yourself. If you think the redirect was an attempt to steal your information, report it to the original website's support team. Most legitimate companies want to know if their site is being used to redirect people to phishing pages.

Using Chrome's developer tools to see where redirects go

If you want to understand exactly where a redirect is sending you before it happens, Chrome's developer tools can show you. Press F12 (Windows) or Command+Option+I (Mac) to open the developer tools, then click the "Network" tab. Reload the page and look at the list of requests. You will see each redirect as a separate line, with the original URL and the destination URL listed side by side.

This method is more technical and not necessary for most people, but it is useful if you are trying to troubleshoot a specific redirect or report a malicious one to a website owner. The Network tab shows you the exact chain of redirects, which can help you understand whether the redirect is coming from the site you visited or from an ad network or tracker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I block redirects without installing an extension?

Chrome does not have a built-in setting to block all redirects. You can block redirects on individual websites through Site Settings, or you can clear your cache and cookies to stop redirect loops. For broader protection, an extension is the most reliable option.

Will blocking redirects break websites I use regularly?

It depends on the website. Some sites use redirects for normal functions like login or page navigation. If a site stops working after you block redirects, go back to Site Settings and change the permission to "Allow" for that specific site. You can block redirects on suspicious sites while allowing them on sites you trust.

What is the difference between a redirect and a pop-up?

A redirect automatically changes the page you are viewing without your action. A pop-up is a new window or tab that opens on top of the page you are on. Chrome blocks most pop-ups by default, but redirects are treated as normal navigation. Extensions can block both.

If I block redirects, will I still be able to use shortened URLs?

Most redirect-blocking extensions allow you to see where a shortened URL goes before following it, rather than blocking it completely. You can then choose whether to click through. This gives you control without breaking legitimate shortened links.

Why does Chrome allow redirects if they can be dangerous?

Redirects are a fundamental part of how the web works — websites move, URLs change, and login systems rely on redirects. Chrome cannot block all redirects without breaking legitimate websites. Instead, the responsibility falls on you to recognize suspicious redirects and use extensions or site permissions to control them.