Fix WordPress ‘The Link You Followed Has Expired’ Error (2025 Guide)

If you’ve ever tried uploading a large theme or plugin file in WordPress and encountered the frustrating message — “The link you followed has expired” — don’t worry. This is one of the most common errors, and thankfully, it’s easy to fix.

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In this guide by Thememin (https://thememin.com), we’ll explain what causes this error, and show you 4 simple methods to fix it — even if you’re a beginner.

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✅ What Causes “The Link You Followed Has Expired” Error?

This error usually appears when you try to upload a file that exceeds your site’s configured upload limits. WordPress hosts typically set default values for:

• upload_max_filesize
• post_max_size
• max_execution_time

If any of these are too low, the server cancels the upload — causing the error.

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🔧 Method 1: Edit .htaccess File (Recommended for Apache Servers)

1. Connect to your site via FTP or use cPanel File Manager.
2. Find and edit the .htaccess file in your site’s root directory.
3. Add the following lines at the bottom:

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

4. Save and re-upload the file. Try uploading your theme or plugin again.

⚠️ Backup your .htaccess file before editing.

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🔧 Method 2: Edit php.ini (If You Have Server Access)

1. Locate or create a php.ini file in your root directory.
2. Add or edit these lines:

upload_max_filesize = 64M
post_max_size = 64M
max_execution_time = 300

3. Save and reload your site.

Not all shared hosting providers allow direct php.ini edits.

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🔧 Method 3: Add Code to functions.php

If you don’t have access to .htaccess or php.ini, try this:

1. Go to Appearance > Theme File Editor in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Find and open functions.php of your active theme.
3. Add this snippet:

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

4. Save changes and retry your upload.

⚠️ Only use this method if you’re comfortable editing theme files.

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🔧 Method 4: Contact Your Hosting Provider

If none of the above methods work, or you don’t feel comfortable editing files, simply contact your hosting support team. Ask them to:

• Increase upload_max_filesize to at least 64MB
• Increase post_max_size and max_execution_time

Most providers will adjust these settings quickly.

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🧪 How to Check Your Current Limits

Use a plugin like WP Server Info or PHP Info to view your current configuration. Alternatively, ask your host for a full server environment breakdown.

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🏁 Final Thoughts

At Thememin, we often see users run into this issue when uploading premium themes or plugins. It’s a simple server setting that can be fixed in minutes.

If you regularly upload large files, consider raising these limits permanently. And for best performance, always host your site on a reliable and WordPress-optimized provider.