Imagine this: You have decided that it’s time to update your WordPress site and maybe add a new theme or perhaps an especially important plugin.
So you eagerly upload and are then met with the unwelcome error message that reads: “The link you followed has expired.” Not only is it frustrating, but it’s also a block on your way. You are then left wondering: what’s gone wrong?
This is a more common error than you think, and usually, it hits you when you are trying to upload files, either themes, plugins, or even media that are over the upload limits on your server. Relax!
This is solvable, and no, you don’t have to be a technical wizard. In this guide, I’m going to walk through four effective ways in which you can effortlessly resolve the “The Link You Followed Has Expired” error in WordPress.
When overseeing a WordPress site, running into errors can hinder your progress and impact your website’s performance.
One prevalent issue is the “The Link You Followed Has Expired” error, often arising during attempts to upload themes or plugins.
Let’s now look into solving this problem to maintain seamless operations on your site.
What are the Reasons for the “The Link You Followed Has Expired” Error to Occur?
The “The link you followed has expired” error typically occurs in WordPress when there is a timeout or limit reached during the file upload process for themes or plugins. This can appear due to multiple reasons, such as:
- Server configuration settings
- File size limits
- Execution time limits
These limits are implemented to enhance web security and efficiency but may inadvertently disrupt user activities.
A. Steps to Fix “The Link You Followed Has Expired” Error
Several approaches can resolve this error by adjusting server settings to accommodate larger uploads or longer processes.
There are a few solutions that you can implement, which are as follows:
Method 1: Through the functions.php file
To fix the error “The link you followed has expired” error, you can increase the upload limits directly in the functions.php file of your WordPress theme. Here’s how to do it:
- Access your WordPress site files using an FTP client or file manager offered by your hosting provider.
- Head to the directory containing your WordPress theme files. Typically, this is located in wp-content/themes/your-theme-name/.
- Locate the functions.php file within your theme directory.
- Open the functions.php file using a text editor.
- Add the following short code snippet at the end of the file:
@ini_set(‘upload_max_size’, ’64M’);
@ini_set(‘post_max_size’, ’64M’);
@ini_set(‘max_execution_time’, ‘300’);
Replace the values’ 64M’ and ‘300’ with the desired upload size limit in megabytes and maximum execution time in seconds, respectively. These values can be adjusted according to your specific requirements.
- Save the changes and close the functions.php file.
- Refresh your WordPress site and try uploading the theme or plugin again to see if the error persists.
Keep in mind that directly editing the functions.php file can be risky if not done correctly. Make sure to create a backup of the file before making any modifications, and double-check for any syntax errors that may occur.
Additionally, it’s essential to note that this method may not work if your hosting provider has restricted access to modify PHP settings via ini_set(). In such cases, you may need to contact your hosting provider for assistance or explore alternative methods to increase the upload limits.
Method 2: With a Plugin
Here’s how to fix the issue of The Link You Followed Has Expired error using the WPCode plugin:
- Install and activate the WPCode plugin from the WordPress dashboard.
- Go to the Code Snippets > + Add Snippet section on your WordPress admin sidebar.
- Hover over the “Add Your Custom Code (New Snippet)” box and click “Use Snippet.”
- Provide a name for your snippet and select “PHP Snippet” from the Code Type drop-down menu.
- Copy and paste the below-mentioned code into the Code Preview field:
@ini_set(‘upload_max_size’, ’64M’);
@ini_set(‘post_max_size’, ’64M’);
@ini_set(‘max_execution_time’, ‘300’);
These lines instruct the server to increase the maximum file upload size to 64MB, the maximum size of POST data that PHP will accept to 64MB, and the maximum execution time of PHP scripts to 300 seconds. Adjust these values as necessary.
- Click “Save Snippet” and toggle the “Inactive” switch to activate the snippet.
This code adjustment expands the upload limits and execution time, potentially resolving the error. This method is advantageous because it doesn’t demand extensive server knowledge or direct access to server files, making it suitable for users of all skill levels.
Moreover, using WPCode for fixing ‘The Link You Followed Has Expired’ error ensures that your modifications remain intact even when you update or switch your theme.
Method 3: Seek Assistance from Your Hosting Provider
Before delving into technical solutions, consider reaching out to your hosting provider for assistance. This can save you effort, particularly if you’re uncomfortable making technical adjustments yourself. Hosting providers are equipped to handle issues related to server settings and can often resolve them quickly and efficiently.
Prepare details about the error, including screenshots of the error message and descriptions of your actions when the error occurred. Clearly describe the issue and provide all gathered information to help the support team understand the context and specifics of the problem.
Explain the problem and ask for an increase in PHP limits, especially for upload_max_filesize, post_max_size, and max_execution_time. Usually, the support team can change these settings to your preference.
This would be a good option if you are uncomfortable with playing around in code or if you just don’t want to work around server configurations.
While this is the easiest method, it depends on the response time of the support team. If you prefer not to wait and want to resolve the issue yourself, try the methods suggested below.
Method 4: Check for Plugin Conflict
To identify and resolve plugin conflicts, follow these steps:
- Go to the Plugins section in your WordPress dashboard.
- Select all plugins, choose “Deactivate” from the Bulk Actions dropdown menu, and apply the action. This temporarily disables all plugins without removing them or their settings, providing a clean testing environment.
- Attempt the action that triggered the error, such as uploading a file or installing a theme. If the error disappears, one or more plugins are likely causing the issue.
- Begin reactivating each plugin one at a time. After activating a plugin, test the same functionality that previously caused the error. Repeat this process until the error reappears. The last plugin activated before the error returns is likely the culprit.
B. Summarizing Way to Fix The Link You Followed has Expired.
Dealing with the “The Link You Followed Has Expired” error does not have to hurt. No matter if you are editing PHP files yourself or have to get help from your hosting provider, one of these four methods will cure the problem.
Remember that the errors derive from PHP’s upload limits and execution timeouts, so just change the settings in order to find a solution. Always remember to take a backup of your WordPress site before you make any changes. It is that small step that will save you from many headaches, in case something goes wrong.
And in case server-side issues still confuse you, you can shift over to managed WordPress hosting service that will take care of all such technicalities for you to ensure smooth uploads and faster site performance.
By methodically implementing the strategies detailed above, you can pinpoint the most suitable solution for your hosting setup and effectively resolve the issue, thereby restoring functionality to your WordPress site.
C. Common FAQs on the way to Fix The Link You Followed Have Expired.
Will updating my PHP version fix the error?
Updating your PHP version to a newer, more compatible version with WordPress may help resolve the error, as newer versions often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can address such issues.
Is there a risk of data loss when troubleshooting this error?
Deactivating plugins or making changes to server settings can sometimes result in temporary loss of functionality, but data loss is unlikely if proper precautions are taken, such as backing up your site before making any modifications.
How should I prevent this error from appearing in the future?
You can minimize the probability of encountering this error in the future by regularly updating WordPress core, themes, and plugins, optimizing your server settings, and monitoring for any issues that may arise.
