The Link You Followed Has Expired

How To Fix “The Link You Followed Has Expired” Error in WordPress

This error usually occurs when you are trying to upload a WordPress theme or a plugin to your website from the WordPress admin area.

You can see the file size upload limit by visiting Media » Add New page.

Fixing ‘The Link You Have Followed Has Expired’ Error

Method 1. 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');

Method 2. Fix by increasing limits in .htaccess file

For this method, you will need to edit the .htaccess file by using an FTP client or the File Manager app in cPanel.

Simply connect to your website using FTP and edit the .htaccess file.

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

Don’t forget to save your changes and upload the file back to your website.

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

Don’t forget to save your changes and upload the file back to your website.

You can now visit your website and try to upload the theme or plugin file. The error would disappear, and you should be able to upload the file.

If it doesn’t, then try to increase file limits to match the file size you are trying to upload.