If you use WordPress, you may see an error. This error says, “The link you followed has expired.” This can be frustrating. Don’t worry. We can fix it. This guide will show you how.

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Why Does This Error Happen?
This error happens because of two reasons. First, the file you are uploading is too big. Second, the upload time is too long. WordPress has limits. These limits can cause this error.
File Size Limit
WordPress has a file size limit. If your file is too big, you will see this error. You need to increase the file size limit.
Upload Time Limit
WordPress also has an upload time limit. If the upload takes too long, you will see this error. You need to increase the upload time limit.
How to Fix the Error
There are three main ways to fix this error. You can edit the functions.php
file. You can edit the .htaccess
file. You can also edit the php.ini
file. Let’s look at each method.
functions.php
File
The functions.php
file is part of your theme. You can add code to this file. This code will increase the file size and upload time limits.
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Go to Appearance > Theme Editor.
- Find the
functions.php
file on the right side. - Add this code at the end of the file:
@ini_set('upload_max_size', '64M');
@ini_set('post_max_size', '64M');
@ini_set('max_execution_time', '300');
- Click Update File to save your changes.
This code will increase the file size limit to 64MB. It will also increase the upload time limit to 300 seconds.
Method 2: Edit the.htaccess
File
The .htaccess
file is part of your server. You can add code to this file. This code will increase the file size and upload time limits.
- Log in to your hosting account.
- Go to the File Manager.
- Find the
.htaccess
file in your root directory. - Add this code at the end of the 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
- Save your changes.
This code will increase the file size limit to 64MB. It will also increase the upload time limit to 300 seconds.
Method 3: Edit thephp.ini
File
The php.ini
file is part of your server. You can add code to this file. This code will increase the file size and upload time limits.
- Log in to your hosting account.
- Go to the File Manager.
- Find the
php.ini
file in your root directory. - Add this code at the end of the file:
upload_max_filesize = 64M
post_max_size = 64M
max_execution_time = 300
- Save your changes.
This code will increase the file size limit to 64MB. It will also increase the upload time limit to 300 seconds.

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What If These Methods Don’t Work?
Sometimes, these methods may not work. Don’t worry. There are other options.
Contact Your Hosting Provider
Your hosting provider can help. They can increase the file size and upload time limits for you. Contact them and explain the problem. They will know what to do.
Use A Plugin
You can also use a plugin. Some plugins can increase the file size and upload time limits for you. One popular plugin is “Increase Max Upload File Size”.
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Go to Plugins > Add New.
- Search for “Increase Max Upload File Size”.
- Click Install Now and then Activate.
- Go to Settings > Increase Max Upload File Size.
- Set the file size limit to 64MB.
- Save your changes.
This plugin will increase the file size limit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes The “link You Followed Has Expired” Error?
The error is caused by file upload limits or server timeout settings.
How Can I Increase The File Upload Limit In WordPress?
Edit the php. ini file to increase the upload_max_filesize and post_max_size values.
Can I Fix The Error Via The .htaccess File?
Yes, you can modify the. htaccess file to change PHP settings.
How Do I Edit The Php.ini File In Cpanel?
Navigate to the MultiPHP INI Editor in cPanel and adjust the settings.
Conclusion
The “Link You Followed Has Expired” error is common. It happens because of file size and upload time limits. You can fix it by editing the functions.php
, .htaccess
, or php.ini
files. If these methods don’t work, contact your hosting provider or use a plugin. Now you know how to fix this error. Happy blogging!