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

As a WordPress expert with over 15 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless errors, but the “The link you followed has expired” error always stands out for its cryptic nature. This error often leaves beginners perplexed, unsure of how to proceed. But fear not, dear readers, for I’m here to guide you through the process of fixing this error and regain control over your WordPress site.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll delve into the underlying causes of this error, presenting a clear and actionable roadmap for resolving it. I’ll also provide valuable tips and insights for optimizing your WordPress website for better performance, preventing future occurrences of this error, and ensuring a seamless user experience.

Understanding the “The Link You Followed Has Expired” Error

The “The link you followed has expired” error typically arises when you attempt to upload a large file, such as a WordPress theme or plugin, exceeding the file size limits set by your WordPress hosting provider. This limitation is often implemented by web hosting companies to enhance server performance and stability. Large files can strain server resources, leading to website instability or slow loading times.

The error message, however, can be misleading. It suggests that the link to the file you’re trying to upload has become invalid. However, the real issue lies with the file size exceeding the server’s upload limit. Your hosting provider sets these limits to prevent individual websites from consuming excessive server resources and impacting other users on the shared server.

It’s important to note that if your hosting provider has set very low file size limits, or if you’re attempting to upload an unusually large file, you might encounter other errors like “Memory exhausted error” or “Maximum execution time exceeded error.” These errors indicate that your website has run out of memory or exceeded the maximum time allowed for a specific operation.

Fixing the “The Link You Followed Has Expired” Error

Don’t fret! The good news is that you can easily fix this error by adjusting the file upload size, PHP memory, and execution time limits on your WordPress website. There are multiple methods to achieve this, and I’ll guide you through each one, helping you choose the approach that best suits your hosting environment and skill level.

Method 1: Increase Limits Using WPCode (Recommended)

The first and most recommended method involves using the WPCode plugin. WPCode is a powerful code manager plugin for WordPress that allows you to add code snippets to your website without directly modifying theme files like functions.php. This approach ensures that your customizations won’t be lost when you update or change your theme.

Here’s how to use WPCode to increase the limits:

Install and activate WPCode. For detailed instructions, refer to our guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.
Once WPCode is activated, go to Code Snippets » Add Snippet from your admin area and click on ‘Add Your Custom Code.’
Select ‘PHP snippet’ from the ‘Code Type’ dropdown menu and paste the following code into the ‘Code Preview’ box:

@ini_set( 'upload_max_size' , '120M' );
@ini_set( 'post_max_size', '120M');
@ini_set( 'max_execution_time', '300' );

This code snippet increases the limits to 120 megabytes for upload and post sizes and the execution time to 300 seconds. You can adjust these values to suit your specific needs, ensuring they exceed the size of the file you’re trying to upload.

Finally, toggle on the code snippet to make it active on your website.

Method 2: Increase PHP Memory Limit in wp-config.php

This method provides an alternative way to increase resource limits compared to the WPCode plugin. While WPCode offers a user-friendly interface for managing code snippets without modifying theme files, editing the wp-config.php file directly affects your WordPress core configuration.

Here’s how to increase the PHP memory limit in wp-config.php:

Use an FTP client or the File Manager app in cPanel to access your website files and locate the wp-config.php file.
For detailed instructions on finding and editing this file, check out our guide on how to find and edit the wp-config.php file.
Open the wp-config.php file for editing and paste the following line just before the line that says “That’s all, stop editing! Happy blogging.”:

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

This code tells WordPress to allocate 256MB of memory for your website. You can modify the value in the “WP_MEMORY_LIMIT” line to a higher amount if needed, but starting with 256MB is a good starting point.

Method 3: Increase Limits in the .htaccess File

Another way to increase PHP resource limits is to edit the .htaccess file, a core WordPress file that controls various website settings. This file is located in the root directory of your WordPress website.

Here’s how to increase the limits in the .htaccess file:

Connect to your website using FTP or open your File Manager app and locate the .htaccess file in the root or public_html folder.
Open the file for editing using a code editor.
Add the following lines of code at the bottom of your .htaccess file:

php_value post_max_size 128M
php_value max_execution_time 300
php_value max_input_time 300

As before, you can adjust these values to exceed the size of the file you’re trying to upload.

Save your changes and upload the modified .htaccess file back to your website.

Method 4: Increase Limits in the php.ini File

The php.ini file is a core configuration file used by PHP, the programming language that powers WordPress. You can adjust various settings in this file, including file upload limits.

Here’s how to increase the limits in the php.ini file:

Connect to your WordPress site using an FTP client and look for the php.ini file in your site’s root directory.
If you’re on a shared hosting account, you might not find the php.ini file in the root folder. In that case, create a blank php.ini file using a plain text editor like Notepad and upload it to your website.
Open the php.ini file for editing and add the following code inside it:

upload_max_filesize = 128M
post_max_size = 128M
max_execution_time = 300

Save your changes and upload the modified php.ini file back to your website.

Method 5: Update Your PHP Version

In some cases, the “The link you followed has expired” error might be caused by an outdated PHP version. Older versions of PHP may have compatibility issues with newer WordPress themes and plugins, leading to this error. Updating your PHP version can resolve such compatibility conflicts.

Here’s how to safely update your PHP version:

Check out our guide on how to update your PHP version in WordPress. This guide provides a step-by-step process for safely updating your PHP version, ensuring minimal downtime for your website.

Method 6: Check for Plugin Conflicts

While less common, plugin conflicts can also contribute to the “The link you followed has expired” error. Conflicts arise when different plugins interfere with each other, potentially causing issues with resource usage or how WordPress handles file uploads.

Here’s how to check for plugin conflicts:

Deactivate all your plugins by navigating to the Plugins section in your WordPress dashboard. Select all plugins using the checkbox at the top, choose ‘Deactivate’ from the bulk actions dropdown menu, and click ‘Apply.’
Try uploading the file again. If the error disappears, the conflict lies with the deactivated plugins. Reactivate each plugin one by one, testing the upload functionality after each activation.
Once the error reappears, you’ve identified the problematic plugin. You can then reach out to the plugin developer’s support for troubleshooting assistance.

It’s also crucial to keep your plugins updated to the latest versions. Outdated plugins can sometimes contribute to conflicts. By maintaining up-to-date plugins, you can minimize compatibility issues and ensure a smoother WordPress experience.

Method 7: Contact Your Hosting Provider

If none of the above methods resolve the error, it’s time to contact your WordPress hosting provider. The issue might be on their end, such as server-side settings that are overriding your changes or other technical problems.

When reaching out to your hosting provider, provide them with as much information as possible, including the specific error message you’re encountering, the steps you’ve already taken, and any other relevant details. Their support team will be able to diagnose the problem and provide appropriate solutions.

Learn More Ways to Troubleshoot WordPress

The “The link you followed has expired” error isn’t the only challenge you might face in the world of WordPress. Here are some other common WordPress errors and solutions to help you troubleshoot your website:

How to Fix the WordPress White Screen of Death (Step by Step)
How to Fix the 500 Internal Server Error in WordPress
How to Fix WordPress Posts Returning 404 Error (Step by Step)
How to Fix the HTTP Image Upload Error in WordPress (Easy)
How to Fix the Error Establishing a Database Connection in WordPress
How to Fix cURL Error 28: Connection Timed Out After X Milliseconds
How to Fix “PHP Missing MySQL Extension” Error in WordPress

Conclusion

The “The link you followed has expired” error in WordPress is often a result of file size limitations set by your hosting provider. By understanding the cause and following the methods outlined in this guide, you can easily resolve this error and get your website back on track. Remember, maintaining up-to-date plugins, updating your PHP version, and contacting your hosting provider when needed are essential steps in keeping your WordPress website healthy and performing at its best.

FAQs

What is the maximum file size I can upload to WordPress?

The maximum file size you can upload to WordPress depends on your hosting provider’s settings. Typically, shared hosting plans have lower upload limits compared to dedicated or VPS hosting plans. To check your current upload limit, visit the Media » Add New page from your WordPress dashboard.

Why does the “The link you followed has expired” error happen only for certain files?

The error usually occurs when trying to upload files that exceed your hosting provider’s upload limit. If you’re uploading a small file, you won’t encounter this error. However, if you’re uploading a large theme or plugin, the error is likely to appear.

Can I increase the upload limit without contacting my hosting provider?

Yes, you can often increase the upload limit yourself using the methods outlined in this article. These methods involve adjusting settings in your wp-config.php, .htaccess, or php.ini files.

Is it safe to edit the wp-config.php or .htaccess files?

While editing these files is generally safe, it’s crucial to make backups before making any changes. If you’re not comfortable editing these files, you can always reach out to your hosting provider for assistance.

How can I prevent this error from happening again?

To prevent this error, consider these steps:

Choose a hosting provider that offers generous upload limits.
Optimize your website for performance by using a caching plugin and compressing images.
Regularly check your PHP version and update it when necessary.

What if the error persists even after trying all the solutions?

If the error persists despite trying all the solutions, it’s best to contact your hosting provider. They can diagnose the issue further and provide tailored solutions.

Can this error impact my website’s SEO?

While this error itself doesn’t directly impact your website’s SEO, it can indirectly affect it if it prevents you from updating your website with new content or plugins. Keeping your website updated with fresh content and essential plugins is vital for improving your SEO.

How do I know if the error is due to plugin conflicts?

If deactivating all your plugins resolves the error, it indicates a plugin conflict. To pinpoint the conflicting plugin, reactivate them one by one, testing the upload functionality after each activation.

What if I don’t have access to the wp-config.php or .htaccess files?

If you don’t have access to these files, you can request assistance from your hosting provider. They can usually modify these settings on your behalf.

Are there any other tools or resources I can use to troubleshoot WordPress errors?

Yes, there are numerous tools and resources available to help you troubleshoot WordPress errors. You can refer to the WordPress Codex, the official documentation for WordPress, or utilize debugging plugins like Debug Bar. Additionally, the WordPress support forums are a great resource for finding solutions to common problems.

If you’re interested in learning more about tech news, feel free to visit my website: www.naveedahmed.me.

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how to fix the link you followed has expired error in wordpress