The error titled "link you followed has expired" is a common error that occurs when trying to upload themes and plugins through the WordPress dashboard.

The error usually occurs when the file you are trying to upload exceeds the upload and run limits set by WordPress. The best way to fix the problem is to increase the default download limits.

In this tutorial, we'll show you how to fix the "link you've followed has expired," in a few simple steps.

What causes the "The link you followed has expired" error?

If you open the WordPress dashboard and go to Media >> Add new page, you will notice that, by default, WordPress has a fixed download size limit that prevents you from downloading files of larger sizes.

These prefixed sizes differ depending on the plan type.Web hosting that you use. While suppliers ofaccommodation Managed WordPress set a maximum upload size limit of more than 100MB, smaller plansaccommodation shared files can limit the size to 25 MB. This limit is usually what prevents you from downloading heavy themes and plugins.

Even if your website's upload size limit is higher, if your website's maximum runtime is limited, WordPress will not be able to upload larger files. This is when you encounter fatal errors and other specific issues, such as the "link you followed has expired" error.

How to fix the error

To fix the "The link you followed has expired" error, simply increase the maximum download size and run times for your website.

This requires editing a main WordPress file and copying a few lines of code. This can be done in several different ways. We'll walk you through the process. You don't have to follow all of these methods. If any method doesn't work, roll back the changes you made and try the next method. Not all at once!

Note: back up your website and make copies of files before making any changes to the main WordPress files.

1 Method: Edit the .htaccess File

The file .htaccess is a core file used by WordPress. We can edit this file and copy our code to change the default upload limits set by WordPress.

To edit the file, you need to access the WordPress files on your server. We will show you how to access the server using CPanel. But, you can also use an FTP client application.

Step 1: Log in to CPanel

If you can't find the CPanel through your accountaccommodation, simply type “ cpanel " at the end of domain of your website (for example: your website/cpanel).

Then enter the CPanel username and password. This information is usually provided to you in the welcome email sent by your hosting provider.

Step 2: Find and Open the File Manager

In the CPanel, find and open the application of the file manager . Then it will ask you where you want to navigate. Choose to open the folder public.html .

Step 3: Copy the code

In the public.html folder, you will see the file .htaccess . Click with le right button on this file and choose Edit .

Then copy and paste the following lines of code at the end of the .htaccess file

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

Once you're done, click Save .

This method usually corrects the error. If that doesn't work, try the next method.

2 method: create a PHP.ini file

If modifying the .htaccess file didn't work, you can create and upload a file PHP.ini on your server to solve the problem.

Some hosting servers will automatically create a PHP.ini file on your server. Follow the steps described in the previous method to access the public folder.html from your server and see if there is already a PHP.ini file on your server.

If not, let's create one.

Step 1: Create a PHP.ini file

The PHP.ini file must be created locally on your computer before it can be downloaded to your server.

First, open a pad - blank notes et copy it the following lines of code.

upload_max_filesize = 64M post_max_size = 64M max_execution_time = 300

Then save the note file as php.ini and choose the file type "All files".

Step 2: download file

Return to your server and go to dossier public.html . Then, download the PHP.ini file you just created on your computer.

This will fix the error and increase the download size limits to 64MB.

To finish

These methods should help you resolve the issue and allow you to upload larger size themes and plugins through the WordPress dashboard.

However, some shared hosting providers may have restrictions that will prevent you from uploading large files. If the problem persists, contact your supplier.Web hosting and ask for their help.

In the future, use an FTP client application such as Filezilla to directly access your server and download themes and plugins using the FTP client to easily download larger files.