We’ve all been there: you’re downloading a large file with Internet Download Manager (IDM), and just as it’s about to finish, you see a frustrating error: “The download link has expired.” This often happens with files from servers that use temporary or time-sensitive links, which are typically valid for only a few hours.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to start the entire download from scratch! With a simple trick, you can resume an expired IDM download right from where it stopped, saving you precious time and internet data. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step.
Why Do IDM Download Links Expire?
Before we jump into the solution, it helps to understand the problem. Many file-hosting websites generate dynamic download links for security and server management. These aren’t permanent links; they often contain a temporary token that expires after a set period (like 12 or 24 hours) or a certain number of uses.
When the token expires mid-download, IDM can no longer connect to the server to get the rest of the file, resulting in an error. To fix this, you simply need to provide IDM with a new, valid link to the same file.
How to Resume an Expired Download in IDM (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to refresh the download link and continue your file transfer without losing progress.
A Quick Prerequisite Check
First, make sure the download is resumable. In the IDM main window, select the file and check the “Resume capability” status in the details pane. If it says “Yes”, you’re good to go. If it says “No,” unfortunately, the server doesn’t support resuming, and you’ll have to start over.
The Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Get a Fresh Download Link
Go back to the original webpage where you first started the download. Click the download button again to generate a new, active download link. - Step 2: Copy the New Link
When the IDM “Download File Info” window pops up for the new download, do not click “Start Download.” Instead, simply copy the new URL from the “URL” field. You can then close this new download pop-up window. - Step 3: Open Properties of the Failed Download
In your main IDM downloads list, find the original, incomplete file that showed the error. Right-click on it and select “Properties” from the context menu. - Step 4: Update the Address
In the “File Properties” window, you’ll see an “Address” field containing the old, expired link. Delete that old link and paste the new one you copied in Step 2. - Step 5: Confirm and Resume
Click “OK” to save the changes. Now, select the download in your IDM list and click the “Resume” button on the toolbar.
That’s it! IDM will now use the new link to pick up the download exactly where it left off.
Pro Tip:
To avoid this issue on very large files, try to keep the original download page open in a browser tab. If the download fails, you won’t have to hunt for the page again. Simply refreshing the page is often enough to generate a new link.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
Will this method work for every website?
This method works for the vast majority of websites that use temporary download links. However, some highly secure sites might use one-time-only links that cannot be refreshed. But for most cloud storage and file-hosting services, this technique works perfectly.
-
Will I lose the progress I already made on the download?
No, you will not lose any progress. The purpose of this method is to update the link so IDM can resume the download from the exact point it was interrupted. Your partially downloaded file remains safe.
-
What should I do if the “Resume capability” says “No”?
If the “Resume capability” is “No,” it means the file’s server does not support partial downloads. In this case, if the download fails for any reason (including an expired link), you have no choice but to start the download again from 0%.
-
My browser downloads the file instead of IDM showing the pop-up. How do I get the new link?
This happens if the IDM browser integration isn’t capturing the click. Instead of left-clicking the download button, right-click it and select “Copy link address” (or similar wording depending on your browser). This copies the fresh URL directly to your clipboard, and you can proceed to Step 3.
Conclusion
Dealing with an expired download link in IDM doesn’t have to be a major headache. By simply refreshing the link in the download’s properties, you can easily resume your transfer and get your files without starting over. This small trick is a lifesaver for anyone who frequently downloads large files.