Dealing with “The Link You Followed Has Expired” Error in WordPress

What is the “The link you followed has expired” error in WordPress?

This error commonly occurs in WordPress when you’re trying to upload a theme or plugin. The message indicates that the process did not complete within the expected time frame, and therefore, the link used for the action has expired.

Why does this error happen?

The error usually happens due to server settings that limit the maximum time or size for uploading files through your WordPress site. These settings are controlled by PHP directives on your server.

How can I fix this error?

1. Increase PHP Limits: You can try increasing the PHP limits of your website. You’ll need to modify the following PHP directives in your php.ini, .htaccess, or wp-config.php file:

   upload_max_filesize = 128M
   post_max_size = 128M
   max_execution_time = 300
   max_input_time = 300
   

   Adjust these values based on your needs and server capabilities.

2. Edit .htaccess File: If you cannot access your php.ini file, you might be able to make these changes in your .htaccess file located in your root director

   php_value upload_max_filesize 128M
   php_value post_max_size 128M
   php_value max_execution_time 300
   php_value max_input_time 300
   

3. Edit wp-config.php File: Alternatively, you can insert the following line of code in your wp-config.php

   @ini_set('upload_max_size' , '128M');
   @ini_set('post_max_size', '128M');
   @ini_set('max_execution_time', '300');
   

4. Contact Your Hosting Provider: If you do not feel comfortable making these changes yourself, or if your hosting setup restricts these changes, contact your hosting provider. They can often make these adjustments for you.

What should I do if the problem persists?

If increasing the PHP limits does not resolve the issue, it might be a good idea to:

• Check if the issue is specific to a particular theme or plugin. Try uploading a smaller file to see if the problem is size-related.
• Review error logs in your hosting account to identify any underlying issues.
• Consult with WordPress community forums or seek professional help if needed.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “The link you followed has expired” error and continue with your website updates. If you’re frequently encountering this issue, consider upgrading your hosting plan or moving to a host that offers higher resource limits suitable for your website’s needs.