Laravel Redirect Back with() Message
Stefan Izdrail
Founder & Senior Architect · 2026-06-29
Title: Efficiently Redirect Back with Message Using Laravel's Exception Handling
Introduction
One of the common practices in web application development is to redirect users back to where they came from after a fatal error occurs. This ensures that users are guided through the app without any hassle, and any potential data loss or security concerns are mitigated. Laravel provides several tools for handling exceptions, including exception handlers, middleware, and custom handling methods, allowing developers to maintain and enhance their web applications in a structured manner. In this blog post, we'll delve into the process of redirecting back with a specific message when a fatal error occurs using Laravel's built-in exception handler.
The Code Snippet Explained
App::fatal(function($exception)
{
return Redirect::back()->with('msg', 'The Message');
}
In this code snippet, we register the given function with Laravel's App class using the `App::fatal` method. The function takes one parameter, $exception, which is an instance of a Throwable exception. Within the function, we return a response generated by calling the `Redirect::back()` method, which redirects to the previous page automatically.
The second `with` method allows us to add custom data to the session when the redirect occurs. This method takes two parameters: the first is the key to be used in accessing the data later, and the second is the actual data value. In this case, we are setting a message with the key 'msg' and a value of 'The Message'.
Rendering the Message from Session
Sessions::get('msg')
To access the session data for displaying the message, we used the `Session` facade provided by Laravel. The `Sessions::get` method takes a single parameter: the key of our session data ('msg' in this case). This will return the value associated with that key. In this scenario, the returned value is 'The Message'.
Issues and Solutions
If you are experiencing problems rendering the message in your view, there could be several reasons. Here are some potential issues along with their solutions:
1. The session containing the data has not been started or restarted when accessing the view. To ensure this, add `session_start();` at the top of your controller or view as appropriate.
2. The method used to get the session is incorrect. As mentioned earlier, you should use Laravel's `Session::get` method in your code: `Sessions::get('msg')`.
3. The key used to access the session data might be incorrect. Double-check that the key passed to `with` matches what you're using in your view. For example, if your code specifies 'title', use 'title' in your view as well: `{{ Session::get('title') }}`.
4. The session data could have been overwritten by subsequent requests or redirects before the view is rendered. Laravel provides a mechanism to preserve the previously set data even when an exception occurs. You can achieve this by wrapping your code snippet within an `app()->preserving()` block:
App::fatal(function($exception)
{
app()->preserving(function()
{
return Redirect::back()->with('msg', 'The Message');
});
}
Conclusion
Redirecting back to the previous page with a message after encountering a fatal error is an essential feature in web applications. By following the steps outlined above and troubleshooting any potential issues, you can ensure that your users experience smooth navigation through your Laravel application, regardless of unexpected errors or exceptional circumstances. For more information on handling exceptions and other crucial aspects of Laravel's exception handling system, visit https://laravelcompany.com/blog and explore our comprehensive blog posts on the topic.