The “link you followed has expired” is a common error that occurs when trying to upload themes and plugins via the WordPress dashboard.
In this article, we will show you how to easily fix ‘the link you have followed has expired’ error in WordPress.The best way to fix the issue is to increase the default upload limits.
The error usually happens when the file you’re trying to upload is larger than the default upload and execution limits set by WordPress.
What Causes ‘The Link You Followed Has Expired’ Error?
This error usually occurs when you are trying to upload a WordPress theme or a plugin to your website from the WordPress admin area.
However, if you are trying to upload a WordPress theme or plugin, then you would see ‘The link you followed has expired’ error.
That being said, let’s take a look at how to easily fix this problem.
Fixing ‘The Link You Have Followed Has Expired’ Error
The quickest way to fix ‘The link you followed has expired’ error is by increasing the file upload size, PHP memory, and execution time limits for your website.
This requires editing a core WordPress file and copying a few lines of code. It can be done in several different ways. We’ll walk you through the process. Remember not to follow all these methods. If one method didn’t work, reverse the changes you’ve made and try the next method. Not all at once!
Method 1: Edit .htaccess File
The .htaccess file is a core file used by WordPress. We can edit this file and copy our code to change the default upload limits set by WordPress.
We’ll show you how to access the server using the CPanel. But, you can also use an FTP client app as well.
Now, you need to add the following code at the bottom of your .htaccess file.
php_value upload_max_filesize 128M php_value post_max_size 128M php_value max_execution_time 300 php_value max_input_time 300
Method 2. Increasing limits in functions.php file
This method is easier, but it has a downside. Your site will return back to the old limits if you change WordPress theme. If you are planning on changing your theme, then try one of the other two methods described below.
Simply add the following code to your WordPress theme’s functions.php file.
@ini_set( 'upload_max_size' , '120M' ); @ini_set( 'post_max_size', '120M'); @ini_set( 'max_execution_time', '300' );
You can increase the values in upload_max_size and post_max_size to be more than the file you are trying to upload.
Method 3. Fix by increasing limits in php.ini file
The php.ini file is a configuration file used by PHP and WordPress. You’ need to connect to your WordPress site using an FTP client and look for php.ini file in your site’s root folder.
Most users are on a shared hosting account, so they may not find it in their site’s root folder. In that case, you need to create a blank php.ini file using a plain text editor like Notepad and upload it to your website.
Now edit the php.ini file and add the following code inside it.
upload_max_filesize = 128M post_max_size = 128M max_execution_time = 300
Navigate back to your server and go to the public.html folder. Then upload the PHP.ini file that you’ve just created on your computer.
This will fix the error and increase the upload size limits to 64MB.
In Conclusion
These methods should help fix the issue and allow you to upload themes and plugins with larger sizes through the WordPress dashboard.
We hope this article helped you easily fix ‘The link you followed has expired’ error in WordPress. You may also want to bookmark our guide on how to fix the most common WordPress errors. It will help you save a lot of time by quickly finding a fix for WordPress issues.