How To Fix "The Link You Followed Has Expired" in WordPress

The error "The Link You Followed Has Expired" is a common issue that WordPress users encounter, especially when performing tasks such as uploading themes, plugins, or importing files. This error can be frustrating, but understanding its causes can help in effectively troubleshooting and resolving it. In this article you’ll learn the exact reasons, as well as how to fix it.

Here are three primary reasons why error “The Link You Followed Has Expired” in WordPress occurs:

• Session Timeout Issues
• Maximum Execution Time Exceeded
• Upload File Size Limitations

Upload File Size Limitations

One of the most frequent causes of the "The Link You Followed Has Expired" error is the server’s default settings that limit the maximum upload file size. When users try to upload a file, theme, or plugin that exceeds this limit, the process fails, leading to this error message. WordPress relies on PHP settings to handle file uploads, and if these settings are not adequately configured, larger files cannot be processed.

The relevant PHP directives include upload_max_filesize and post_max_size. If these values are set too low, any attempt to upload a larger file will result in the error. Increasing these limits in the php.ini file or through the hosting control panel can resolve this issue.

Maximum Execution Time Exceeded

Another common reason for this error is the maximum execution time limit set by the server. This limit defines the maximum time a PHP script is allowed to run before it is terminated by the server. If the upload process takes longer than the allowed execution time, the process will be interrupted, leading to the "The Link You Followed Has Expired" error. The PHP directive max_execution_time controls this limit. If set too low, longer processes, such as uploading large themes or plugins, cannot complete in the given time frame. Increasing the max_execution_time value can help prevent this error by allowing scripts more time to finish execution.

Session Timeout Issues

Session timeout issues can also cause this error. When a user is logged into the WordPress dashboard, their session is maintained for a specified period. If the session expires while performing an action, such as uploading a file, the process is interrupted, resulting in the error message. This can happen due to inactivity or server settings that define a short session duration. Ensuring that sessions are properly managed and setting appropriate timeout values can mitigate this issue.

Adjustments to the server’s session.gc_maxlifetime and session.cookie_lifetime settings can extend the session duration, allowing users more time to complete their actions without encountering this error.

The error "The Link You Followed Has Expired" in WordPress can be frustrating, but there are several effective methods to resolve it. Here are six detailed methods to fix this issue:

1. Increase File Upload Size Limit via .htaccess
2. Modify php.ini File
3. Increase Limits via wp-config.php
4. Adjusting WordPress Theme Functions File
5. Update Server Configuration in cPanel
6. Contact Hosting Provider

Increase File Upload Size Limit via .htaccess

Here are the steps to increase file upload size limit with the .htaccess file:

1. Access .htaccess File
2. Edit .htaccess File
3. Save and Upload
4. Test the Changes

Access .htaccess File

Connect to your website using an FTP client, like Filezilla or access your hosting control panel's File Manager.Locate the .htaccess file in the root directory of your WordPress installation. Before proceeding to the next step, make a copy of the .htaccess file and rename it as a backup in case things go wrong.

Edit .htaccess File

Download a backup of the .htaccess file before making any changes. Open the file in a text editor and add the following lines at the end:

php_value upload_max_filesize 64M php_value post_max_size 64M php_value max_execution_time 300 php_value max_input_time 300

Save and Upload

Save the changes and upload the updated .htaccess file back to the server.

Test the Changes

Try uploading the file, theme, or plugin again to see if the issue is resolved.

Modify php.ini File

Here are the steps to modify the php.ini file:

1. Access php.ini File
2. Edit php.ini File
3. Save and Upload
4. Restart Server
5. Test the Changes

Access php.ini File

Use an FTP client or your hosting control panel to locate the php.ini file. It may be in the root directory or in a subdirectory like public_html. Make sure to create a backup copy of your php.ini in case you run into any errors.

Edit php.ini File

If the file doesn’t exist, create a new file named php.ini. Open the file in a text editor and add the following lines:

upload_max_filesize = 64M post_max_size = 64M max_execution_time = 300

Save and Upload

Save the changes and upload the file back to the server.

Restart Server

Some servers may require a restart for the changes to take effect. Check with your hosting provider if unsure.

Test the Changes

Attempt the upload process again to verify the fix.

Increase Limits via wp-config.php

Here are the steps to increase PHP limits using the wp-config.php file:

1. Access wp-config.php File
2. Edit wp-config.php File
3. Save and Upload
4. Test the Changes

Access wp-config.php File

Connect to your website via FTP or through the File Manager in your hosting control panel. Locate the wp-config.php file in the root directory of your WordPress installation. As a note, it’s important before starting this step, to create a backup copy of the wp-config.php as a fallback in case things go sideways.

Edit wp-config.php File

Open the file in a text editor and add the following lines before the line that says / That's all, stop editing! Happy blogging. /

@ini_set('upload_max_size' , '64M' ); @ini_set('post_max_size','64M'); @ini_set('max_execution_time','300');

Save and Upload

Save the changes and upload the updated wp-config.php file back to the server.

Test the Changes

Try uploading the file again to see if the issue is resolved.

Adjusting WordPress Theme Functions File

Here’s the steps on how to adjust the PHP limits using the functions.php of your WordPress theme:

1. Access Theme Functions File
2. Edit functions.php File
3. Save and Upload
4. Test the Changes

Access Theme Functions File

Use an FTP client or the File Manager in your hosting control panel. Navigate to wp-content/themes/your-theme and locate the functions.php file. Make sure to create a backup copy of your functions.php file in case your changes create any errors.

Edit functions.php File

Open the file in a text editor and add the following lines of code:

@ini_set('upload_max_size' , '64M' ); @ini_set('post_max_size','64M'); @ini_set('max_execution_time','300');

Save and Upload

Save the changes and upload the updated functions.php file back to the server.

Test the Changes

Attempt the upload process again to verify the fix.

Update Server Configuration in cPanel

In the case you’re having issues updating some of the WordPress files, you can try updating the server configuration if your web hosting uses cPanel. Here are the steps:

1. Access cPanel
2. Select MultiPHP INI Editor
3. Configure PHP Settings
4. Save Changes
5. Test the Changes

Access cPanel

Log in to your hosting account and navigate to the cPanel dashboard.

Select MultiPHP INI Editor

In the Software section, click on "MultiPHP INI Editor." In the case your version of cPanel doesn’t have this, then you may need to contact your web hosting provider,

Configure PHP Settings

Select your domain from the dropdown menu. Update the following settings:

upload_max_filesize to 64M post_max_size to 64M max_execution_time to 300

Save Changes

Save the changes and exit the MultiPHP INI Editor.

Test the Changes

Try uploading the file, theme, or plugin again to see if the issue is resolved.

Contact Hosting Provider

If you’re unable to make any changes in order to fix this, especially with editing any PHP settings, you might need to contact your hosting provider. Here are a few steps to when contacting them:

1. Gather Information - Note down the error message and the actions that led to it.
2. Contact Support - Reach out to your hosting provider’s support team via chat, email, or phone.
3. Explain the Issue - Provide details of the error and request assistance in increasing the upload size limits and execution time.
4. Follow Provider’s Instructions - Follow the guidance and instructions provided by the hosting support team.
5. Test the Changes - After the hosting provider has made the necessary adjustments, attempt the upload process again to ensure the issue is resolved.

Understanding the underlying causes of the "The Link You Followed Has Expired" error in WordPress is crucial for effective troubleshooting. By addressing upload file size limitations, maximum execution time settings, and session timeout issues, users can prevent this error from occurring and ensure a smoother experience while managing their WordPress sites. Adjusting relevant PHP settings and server configurations accordingly can resolve these common issues and enhance overall site functionality. Hopefully this guide has helped resolve your issue.