10 solutions to “The Link You Followed Has Expired.” in WordPress

How to fix it

You’ve got several options, depending on your comfort level and hosting setup. Let’s start with server-side fixes and work our way toward safer, plugin-based or manual alternatives.

1. Increase the maximum upload size in your server settings

To increase your file size limits, edit your php.ini file (if you have access). Look for or add these lines:

upload_max_filesize = 64M
post_max_size = 64M

You may also want to raise memory_limit to 128M or more. Restart your server (or ask your host) for changes to take effect.

2. Allow more time for uploads to finish

Slow uploads or large files might exceed the server’s execution time. In php.ini, increase the timeout:

max_execution_time = 300
max_input_time = 300

This gives WordPress more time to process your uploads before cutting them off.

3. Change your .htaccess file to allow larger files

Add the following to the bottom of your .htaccess file in your site’s root directory:

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

This tweak works if your server runs Apache and allows .htaccess overrides.

4. Edit your wp-config.php file to raise limits

Open wp-config.php and add these lines just above the line that says “That’s all, stop editing!”:

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

It’s a quick way to boost limits without editing server-level files directly.

5. Use a plugin to change file size and timeout limits

If you’d rather skip the code, install a plugin likeWP Code (formerly Insert Headers and Footers). This lets you add custom PHP code snippets, safely, from the WordPress dashboard. While it’s not specifically built for upload limits, you can paste in the same PHP ini_set() lines you’d normally add to wp-config.php, like this:

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

You don’t need to touch your site files or install multiple niche plugins—just create a new PHP snippet, save it, and the limits are raised.

6. Switch to a default WordPress theme for testing

Sometimes a theme can interfere with the upload process. Switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four from Appearance > Themes, then try uploading again.

If it works, your active theme might be the problem—and you’ll want to contact the theme developer or find an alternative.

7. Turn off all plugins to check for conflicts

Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins and deactivate them all at once. Try uploading your theme or plugin again.

If the error disappears, reactivate your plugins one by one until you find the culprit.

8. Upload the file manually using FTP or your host’s File Manager

Use an FTP client like FileZilla or your hosting control panel’s File Manager to upload files directly. For themes:

• Upload the theme folder to /wp-content/themes/
• Go to Appearance > Themes in your dashboard to activate it

For plugins, upload to /wp-content/plugins/, then activate from the Plugins menu.

9. Ask your hosting provider to raise the limits for you

If you’re on shared hosting or can’t edit server files, reach out to your host. Ask them to increase:

• upload_max_filesize
• post_max_size
• max_execution_time

A good support team can usually handle this in minutes.

10. Use WP-CLI (command line) to install the file

If you have SSH access, WP-CLI is a powerful way to install themes or plugins:

wp theme install /path/to/theme.zip –activate
wp plugin install /path/to/plugin.zip –activate

It bypasses the upload limits entirely and works fast, even on slower connections.