“The link you followed has expired” is a common error that occurs when trying to upload themes and plugins via the WordPress dashboard.
The error usually occurs when the file you are trying to upload is greater than the default upload and execution limits set by WordPress. The best way to fix the problem is to increase the default upload limits.
In this guide, we will show you how to fix “The Link You Followed Has Expired” on your own in a few easy steps.
What are the causes of the “The link you followed has expired” error?
If you were to open the WordPress Dashboard and go to Media >> Add New Page , you will notice that by default WordPress has a fixed upload size limit that prevents you from uploading files of larger sizes.
These lead sizes vary based on the type of web hosting plan you’re using. While WordPress hosting providers set a maximum upload size of over 100MB, smaller shared hosting plans may limit the size to 25MB. This limit is usually what prevents you from loading heavy themes and plugins.
Even if your website has a larger upload size limit, if your website’s maximum execution time is limited, then WordPress will often fail to upload larger files. This happens when you encounter critical errors and other specific issues like the “The link you followed has expired” error.
How to fix the error
To fix the “The link you followed has expired” error, all you have to do is increase the maximum upload size and execution times for your website.
This requires editing a basic WordPress file and copying a few lines of code. This can be done in several different ways. We’ll guide you through this process. Remember not to follow all of these methods. If one method doesn’t work, reverse the changes you made and try the next method. Not all at once!
Note: Back up your website and make copies of the files before making any changes to the core WordPress files. Follow this guide to learn how to set up WordPress backups . If you don’t know what you’re doing, seek help from an expert.
Method 1: Editing the .htaccess file
The .htaccess file is the core file used by WordPress. We can edit this file and copy our code to change the default upload limits set by WordPress.
To edit the file, you need to access the WordPress files in your server. We will show you how to access the server using CPanel. But, you can also use an FTP client application.
Step 1: Log in to CPanel
If you can’t find CPanel via your hosting account, just type “ cpanel ” at the end of your website’s domain name (example: yourwebsite.com/cpanel).
Then enter your CPanel username and password. These details are usually provided to you in the welcome email your hosting provider sends you.
Step 2: Find and open the file manager
In the CPanel, search for and open the File Manager app . It will then prompt you where you want to go. Choose to open the public.html folder .
Step 3: Copy the code
In the public.html folder, you will see the .htaccess file . Right-click on this file and choose Edit .
Then copy and paste the following lines of code at the end of the .htaccess file
php_value upload_max_filesize 64M php_value post_max_size 64M php_value max_execution_time 300 php_value max_input_time 300
Once done, click Save .
Method 2: Create a PHP.ini file
If editing the .htaccess file doesn’t work, you can create a PHP.ini file and upload it to your server to fix the problem.
Some hosting servers automatically create a PHP.ini file in your server. Follow the steps detailed in the previous method to navigate to the public.html folder on your server and see if there is already a PHP.ini file on your server.
If not, let’s create one.
Step 1: Create a PHP.ini file
The PHP.ini file must be created locally on your computer and then you can upload it to your server.
First, open a blank notepad and copy and paste the following lines of code into it.
upload_max_filesize = 64M post_max_size = 64M max_execution_time = 300
Then save the notes file as php.ini and choose the file type as “All Files”
Second Step: Download the file
Go back to your server and go to the public.html folder . Then download the PHP.ini file you just created to your computer.
This will fix the error and increase the upload size limits to 64MB.
Finally
These methods should help fix the problem and allow you to download themes and plugins with larger sizes through the WordPress dashboard.
However, some shared hosting providers may have restrictions that prevent you from uploading large files. If the problem persists, contact your web hosting provider and ask for their assistance.
In the future, use an FTP client application such as Filezilla to directly access your server and upload themes and plugins using an FTP client to easily upload large files.