5 Quick Fixes for ‘The Link You Followed Has Expired’ WordPress Error

You just found a cool new plugin or theme you’re eager to add to your WordPress site. Awesome, right?

But then—bam!—you’re suddenly stopped by, “The link you followed has expired” message. Super annoying, isn’t it?

This snag often happens because the file you’re trying to upload is too large for your server to handle. It’s a common problem, yet the fix is simpler than you might expect. By adjusting a few settings, you can increase your upload limits and continue with your project.

In this article, we’ll guide you through several methods to resolve this issue. Whether you’re comfortable using FTP or prefer working with cPanel, we have solutions tailored for you. So, let’s get started and solve this hiccup, so you can upload your files smoothly!

TL;DR: The ‘The link you followed has expired’ error in WordPress often appears when you try to upload a theme or plugin that’s too large. To fix this, you can try increasing your file size and time limits, updating your PHP version, or checking for any plugin conflicts. Always remember to backup your site before making changes, so you’re protected against any unexpected problems.

But first, make sure to back up your site. A backup is a lifesaver if something goes wrong. Also, do a quick page refresh—sometimes that’s all it takes to fix the issue. If refreshing helps, great! If not, keep reading for more solutions!

1. Increase limits in the wp-config.php file

Boosting the PHP memory limit can be a good first step to solve the “The link you followed has expired” error. To do this, you’ll need to edit your wp-config.php file by adding this line of code:

define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');

This change increases your PHP memory limit to 256 MB. Be sure to add it just before the line that reads “That’s all, stop editing!” Increasing this limit helps WordPress handle larger files more efficiently. You can use FTP or cPanel to make these edits.

Using FTP

1. Connect to your site using an FTP client like FileZilla.

2. Go to the root folder of your WordPress site, usually named public_html or www.

3. Find the wp-config.php file, download it, and open it with a text editor to add the code.

4. Save the file and upload it back to the server, replacing the old version when asked.

Using cPanel

cPanel is a management tool many web hosts provide. If your host uses something else, the steps should still be similar:

1. Log into your cPanel dashboard.

2. Open the File Manager.

3. Find the wp-config.php file in your root WordPress directory.

4. Right-click and select Edit.

5. Add the line of code and save your changes.

How does increasing these limits affect your site?

Bumping up limits seems straightforward since it can fix errors like “The link you followed has expired”. But, it’s important to understand the risks. It allows you to upload larger files but can also impact your site’s performance.

Default limits are set by hosts to protect your site and server. Raising these limits too high can increase memory use, possibly slowing down your site. It could also make your site more vulnerable to security threats or crashes.

Always proceed with caution and make only necessary changes to solve your issue without going overboard.

2. Increase limits in the .htaccess file

Another way to resolve the “The link you followed has expired” error is by editing your .htaccess file. This involves increasing the file upload size and execution time with this code:

php_value upload_max_filesize 64M

php_value post_max_size 64M

php_value max_execution_time 300

php_value max_input_time 300

These settings increase the maximum size for file uploads and posts to 64MB. They also set the maximum time for a PHP script to run and process input data to 300 seconds. This helps manage bigger uploads. You can use FTP or cPanel to find and modify this file.

Using FTP

1. Connect to your site with an FTP client.

2. Navigate to the root directory, usually named public_html or www.

3. Locate the .htaccess file and download it to your computer.

4. Open it in a text editor, insert the lines of code, and save your changes.

5. Upload the updated file back to the server with FTP, replacing the original .htaccess file when prompted.

Using cPanel

1. Sign in to your cPanel dashboard.

2. Go to the File Manager.

3. Find the .htaccess file in your WordPress root directory.

4. Right-click and select Edit.

5. Add the lines of code and save the file.

3. Increase limits in the php.ini file

The php.ini file is crucial for PHP, which is what WordPress runs on. It manages key settings like file upload size and execution time. Because of this, some web hosts don’t allow direct access to it. If you’re unable to access it, you might need to request assistance from your host.

If you can access php.ini, you can edit it using FTP or cPanel. You’ll need to add these lines of code:

upload_max_filesize = 64M

post_max_size = 64M

max_execution_time = 300

max_input_time = 300

These settings mirror the ones in the .htaccess file but apply at a broader, site-wide level. So if you have multiple sites on a server, these settings will cover them all.

Using FTP

1. Connect to your website using an FTP client.

2. Find the php.ini file in the directory where it’s stored.

3. Download it to your computer and open it with a text editor.

4. Add the lines of code, then save your changes.

5. Upload the edited file back to the server, replacing the original when prompted.

Using cPanel

1. Log into your cPanel dashboard.

2. Access the MultiPHP INI Editor tool.

3. Choose the site you want to edit the php.ini file for.

4. Adjust the values for upload_max_filesize, post_max_size, max_execution_time, and max_input_time. Set them to those specified in the code.

5. Click Apply to save your modifications.

4. Update your PHP version

Upgrading the PHP version of your WordPress site can boost performance and compatibility. An older PHP version might lead to issues, including the “The link you followed has expired” error. Keeping your PHP version current helps your site operate smoothly and securely.

To update PHP, you usually need access to your hosting control panel. The steps might differ based on your host, but it generally involves choosing a newer PHP version from the control panel settings.

5. Check for plugin conflicts

Plugin conflicts can sometimes block file uploads. This can trigger errors like “The link you followed has expired”. Resolving these conflicts might fix the issue.

To identify the problematic plugin, start by disabling all your plugins. You can do this by logging into the wp-admin dashboard, navigating to Plugins, and deactivating them one at a time. Or, use FTP to access your site and go to the wp-content/plugins directory. Rename it to something like plugins_temp to disable all plugins at once.

Once all plugins are deactivated, try uploading your files again to see if the issue is resolved. If it works, reactivate the plugins one by one to pinpoint the one causing the conflict. Once you find the problematic plugin, either replace it with a different one or update it. Be sure to notify the plugin developers about the issue so they can address any bugs.

If the problem persists, reach out to your web host. They often have WordPress experts who can help resolve the issue.

What causes the ‘The link you followed has expired’ issue?

The “The link you followed has expired” issue often occurs when you’re trying to upload a theme or plugin that’s too large. Most web hosts impose file size upload limits to prevent large files from slowing down your site.

Uploading large files can overburden your site’s resources, causing it to run sluggishly. That’s why these limits are in place; they help your site stay fast and responsive. But, sometimes these limits might be tighter than necessary for your needs.

To check your site’s file size upload limit, log into your wp-admin dashboard. Navigate to Media and select Add New Media File. Here, you’ll see the maximum file size you can upload. If your files are too large for this limit, you may encounter issues like the expired link error.

Final thoughts

Fixing the “The link you followed has expired” error in WordPress might seem daunting. But, with the right steps, you can have your site running smoothly in no time. The solution often involves increasing file upload and memory limits or addressing plugin conflicts. By doing this, you can not only resolve the issue but also improve your website’s overall performance. Just be sure to make changes carefully to avoid any complications.

Safeguarding your site is equally important, and backing up your site is a key step. BlogVault is an excellent choice for this task. It automatically backs up your site and stores the data securely off-site in an encrypted format. This ensures your data is safe without taxing your site’s resources. It also offers a one-click restore feature, making site recovery hassle-free. Plus, its emergency connector ensures you can recover your site even if it has crashed. These features work together to protect your site and provide you with peace of mind.

FAQs

How to solve “The link you followed has expired”?

To fix the “The link you followed has expired” error, begin by increasing your site’s upload size and memory limits. Edit the wp-config.php, .htaccess, and php.ini files to allow for larger uploads and more time to complete them. You can use FTP or the file manager in your hosting account to do this. Also, check your PHP version and update it if needed. If the problem continues, try disabling your plugins to see if one is causing a conflict. If you still can’t resolve it, contact your web host for help, as they have experts who can assist you.

What does it mean your link has expired?

The message “your link has expired” means the upload you tried was too big or didn’t complete in time. This usually happens when uploading a theme or plugin that’s larger than what your server allows. These limits help prevent big uploads from slowing down your site, though they can also get in the way of your tasks.

How do I access a link that has expired?

To access a link that has expired, you need to fix the cause. Start by increasing the upload size or time limits in files like wp-config.php, .htaccess, or php.ini. Use FTP or your hosting control panel for these changes. Ensure your PHP version is current. Check for plugin conflicts by turning off plugins one at a time. If you still can’t access the link, contact your web host for help, as they have experts to guide you.