If you manage a WordPress website, few problems are as frustrating as a login redirect loop. One particularly persistent issue many WordPress users have encountered is the mysterious “Sky Login Redirect” loop. This bug can lock you out of your WordPress admin dashboard, severely limiting your ability to manage and access your website. It’s more than a minor glitch—it could point to deeper conflicts within your site’s structure or plugins.
TL;DR
The “Sky Login Redirect” loop in WordPress often results from plugin conflicts, corrupted cookies, or misconfigured redirect URLs. You can fix the loop by disabling problematic plugins, clearing your cache and cookies, or editing your WordPress configuration files. Be sure to back up your site before making changes, and consider using recovery mode if you’re completely locked out. This guide provides multiple proven methods to resolve the issue permanently.
What Is the “Sky Login Redirect” Issue?
The “Sky Login Redirect” refers to a login loop that occurs when trying to access the WordPress dashboard. Instead of entering the backend, the browser continuously redirects you back to the login page. The term likely originated from a specific plugin or unauthorized script, although the problem can also be due to generalized WordPress misconfigurations.
It’s important to understand that this issue is not exclusive to one plugin or theme. Instead, it may stem from:
- Plugin conflicts, especially security plugins or login customizers
- Incorrect site URLs set in WordPress settings
- Corrupted browser cookies
- Faulty .htaccess file or caching rules
- Malicious redirects or unauthorized scripts
Potential Causes and Immediate Checks
Before diving into deep troubleshooting, verify these quick steps:
- Clear your browser cookies and cache: These can store outdated redirect rules and create authentication errors.
- Try a different browser or incognito mode: This removes the effect of any plugin extensions or preexisting cookies.
- Disable browser extensions: Especially ad blockers or script blockers that can interfere with login processes.
Step-By-Step Fixes for the Sky Login Redirect Loop
1. Clear and Reset Login Session
Start with the simplest solution: clearing cache and cookies. This may resolve the problem if the loop is due to session mismanagement.
- Log out of any existing sessions.
- Clear cookies related to your domain.
- Access
yourdomain.com/wp-login.php?action=logoutto force a session reset. - Attempt to log in again.
2. Disable All Plugins Manually
If the issue persists, there’s a high probability that a plugin is causing the conflict—especially caching or security plugins.
- Use FTP or your hosting file manager to access your WordPress installation.
- Navigate to
wp-content/directory and rename thepluginsfolder to something likeplugins-old. - Check if you can now log in. If yes, a plugin is the culprit.
- Rename the folder back to
pluginsand reactivate plugins one by one to find the cause.
3. Check Site URL Settings in the Database
Incorrect WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) can also cause your login to loop. You can rectify this via phpMyAdmin.
- Log in to your hosting control panel (cPanel, Plesk, etc.).
- Open phpMyAdmin and find your database.
- Locate the
wp_optionstable and search forsiteurlandhome. - Ensure both values match your site’s actual URL (with or without ‘www’, depending on your setup).
You can also define these in wp-config.php:
define('WP_HOME','https://yourdomain.com');
define('WP_SITEURL','https://yourdomain.com');
4. Adjust or Delete Your .htaccess File
The .htaccess file controls redirects and rewrite rules. A corrupted or misconfigured file can create loops.
- Access your WordPress root directory using FTP.
- Locate the
.htaccessfile and download a backup. - Temporarily delete or rename the .htaccess file.
- Try logging into your site again.
- If it works, regenerate the file by going to Settings > Permalinks and clicking “Save Changes.”
5. Enter Recovery Mode (If Applicable)
If WordPress detects a critical error, it sends an email with a special recovery mode link. Using this link, you can log in with problematic plugins disabled.
If you’re locked out completely and did not receive an email, skip this step and move to FTP-based recovery methods.
6. Check for Unauthorized Scripts
If the term “Sky Login Redirect” appears nowhere in your actual plugin list or configuration but still causes redirection, your site might be infected or contain unauthorized redirect scripts.
- Scan your site with a malware detection plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri.
- Check page source code and JavaScript for unexpected redirect URLs.
- Manually inspect your theme’s
functions.phpfile and footer sections where such scripts often hide.
Preventing Future Redirect Issues
After resolving the redirect loop, you should take precautionary measures to prevent similar issues in the future.
1. Choose Trusted Plugins
Only install plugins from trusted sources with regular updates and good reviews. Always test new plugins on a staging site when possible.
2. Configure Security Plugins Cautiously
Many security suites include login protection features. While useful, conflicts can arise if these overlap with caching or redirect plugins.
3. Regular Backups
Always keep at least one recent and complete backup of your site. Tools like UpdraftPlus or BlogVault automate scheduled backups.
4. Enable Debugging Logs
You can track down redirect causes faster by enabling debugging via wp-config.php:
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);
This logs errors to a debug.log file in your wp-content directory.
When All Else Fails: Reinstall WordPress
If none of the above methods resolve the issue, a clean reinstall of core WordPress files can serve as a last resort—without affecting your themes or plugins:
- Download a fresh copy of WordPress from wordpress.org.
- Extract and upload all files except the
wp-contentfolder via FTP, overwriting existing files. - Do not overwrite your
wp-config.phpfile unless you have a backup. - Try logging in again.
Final Thoughts
The “Sky Login Redirect” is more than an inconvenience—it could signal plugin conflicts, URL mismatches, or even security breaches. Thankfully, with a methodical approach involving plugin isolation, database checks, and redirect analysis, you can solve the issue effectively and safeguard your site from future incidents.
Always keep plugins, themes, and the WordPress core updated. Treat any strange redirect behavior seriously and investigate immediately. A healthy WordPress environment is not just about uptime—it’s about secure, seamless access to your admin tools.