How to Fix the Error: “The Link You Followed Has Expired” in WordPress

If you are seeing the error, “the link you have followed has expired” when installing a new theme, plugin, or document on WordPress, you may be wondering what is actually wrong. Or what you may be doing wrong to receive this response.

The fact is that the error is quite common on the CMS system and usually signifies that you may have reached the upload limit for the specific file. And WordPress issues this warning to ensure your site performance remains optimal.

Error Message

However, there are ways to resolve the issue without impacting the speed of your site or security. How? Let's find out!

In this article, we will cover:

  • The possible reasons for receiving the error
  • Different ways to increase the default upload limit

So, without further ado, let's dive in!

What Causes The 'Link You Followed Has Expired' Error?

The error usually occurs on the WordPress dashboard when you are trying to upload a new theme or a plugin.

This is because WordPress hosting companies have a configuration that controls the size of the files you can transfer from inside the WordPress admin dashboard. The preset sizes differ according to the hosting service provider you choose.

You can see the maximum upload file size for your specific hosting plan by logging in to your admin dashboard > Media > Add New.

Other reasons to see this error on WordPress are that you have scripts running too long, or you may have exceeded the maximum execution time on the site.

How to Fix the Error?

Here are some simple solutions that will help you fix the error: ‘Link you followed has expired.' But before you start, make sure to backup the database of your complete website to ensure you don't lose any critical data.

Method 1: Increase the file size limit of your functions.php file

This is one of the easiest methods to increase the WordPress size limit. However, the downside is that your site will return back to its original state each time you upload a new theme. In fact, if you change your theme frequently, we recommend that you forego this solution and follow the other two described in this tutorial.

For this method, simply go to:

  • root directory > wp_content > themes
  • Open functions.php file of your present theme
  • Add the following code:
The code to enter in functions.php file

You can modify the values in upload_max_size and post_max_size according to the selected theme. You will also need to modify the max_execution_time to a predicted time (in seconds) – the time you think it would take for the file to upload.

However, don't set the values too high, or you will make your website vulnerable to hackers or bugs that will compromise its performance and security.

Save the changes once you have modified the code and try installing the desired theme again.

Method 2: Increase the upload limit in the .htacess file

You can edit the code in the .htaccess file if you don't want to modify the WordPress theme files. The .htaccess is a core file used by WordPress, and to access it, you will need to login through the server using cPanel or an FTP client app such as FileZilla.

To edit details using the cPanel:

  • Type in yourwebsite.com/cpanel
  • Enter the username and password provided by your web hosting provider to login into your account
  • Click on File Manager

Here, you will find the public.html folder. Click on it to find the .htaccess file. Right-click on it and press on Edit. Go to the bottom of your .htaccess file and copy/paste the following code.

Just like method one, you can edit the values as per the requirement.

Once you are done, click on Save and try uploading the file again.

Method 3: Create a php.ini file

If the above method didn't work for you, try creating and uploading a php.ini file to resolve the error.

If you are using dedicated hosting, your service provider has likely created a php.ini file by default in the public_html folder.

However, if you are using a shared hosting service, you may need to create one locally on your computer and upload it manually to the server.

To do this, open a new page on a text editor like Notepad and copy/paste the following code:

Add the code to Notepad text editor

Save the Note file as php.ini and select “All Files.”

File name to save in Notepad

Next, upload the file by:

  • Going into the public_html folder
  • And uploading the php.ini file you just created.

This will fix the error you are facing and increase the upload size limit to 64MB.

Method 4: Contact hosting service provider

In most cases, the error is resolved by following the solutions described above. But if you are still unable to upload the required theme or plugin, contact your hosting provider to increase the upload limit for you.

Specifically, if you are using a shared hosting account, your provider may have set the limit too low. Once they increase the maximum upload size limit, you can easily use heavier themes and plugins on your WordPress site without glitches.

Wrapping it up

We hope this guide helped you fix the WordPress error “the link you followed has expired” successfully. 

Generally, WordPress is one of the best website builders with a user-friendly interface, allowing users to quickly resolve most issues without a lot of technical knowledge. But if the problem persists, get in touch by leaving a comment below or contacting us on Facebook. 

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Farhad

Thanks for the in-depth explanation. Appreciate your efforts.

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