Protected Routes Redirecting Unauthenticated Users Incorrectly
Your protected routes are either accessible without authentication or they continuously redirect authenticated users to login. Protected pages don't check auth status before rendering.
Users see blank pages, infinite redirect loops, or pages load with unauthenticated state briefly before hiding content.
Error Messages You Might See
Common Causes
- Route guard/middleware checks user state before it's loaded from session
- Protected component renders before auth context is initialized
- Missing dependency in useEffect that checks authentication
- Router.push() called during render instead of in useEffect
- Authentication check uses wrong variable or localStorage key
How to Fix It
Create a ProtectedRoute wrapper component that checks auth status and displays loading state: if(!isLoaded) return
Use Next.js middleware.ts for route-level protection before components render
Ensure auth context is loaded before any route checks: const { user, isLoading } = useAuth(); if(isLoading) return null;
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Get HelpFrequently Asked Questions
Where should I check authentication - component or middleware?
Use Next.js middleware.ts for route-level protection, then useAuth hook in components for UI updates
How do I show a loading state during auth check?
Track isLoading in your auth context and return a spinner component while checking session validity
Can I protect API routes?
Yes, validate session token in API route handlers and return 401 if unauthorized