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How to change max_input_vars in cPanel is a common question for website owners and developers running CMS platforms like WordPress, Joomla, Magento, or custom PHP applications. The max_input_vars directive in PHP controls the maximum number of input variables (like GET, POST, or COOKIE variables) your server can handle in a single request.

If you’re facing issues like menus not saving, forms not submitting fully, or configuration data being truncated, increasing the max_input_vars limit can resolve these problems. This is particularly common with large WordPress menus, complex forms, WooCommerce stores, and extensive plugin settings.

Thankfully, if your hosting account includes cPanel (like Hostrago’s hosting plans), adjusting this limit is quick and simple. In this comprehensive tutorial, we’ll walk you through how to change max_input_vars in cPanel step-by-step — no developer skills required.

👉 Let’s dive in.

What is max_input_vars?

  • Default PHP value: 1000
  • Controls how many input fields PHP can process at once.
  • If exceeded, PHP may ignore extra inputs, causing incomplete data processing.

Common errors caused by low max_input_vars:

  • Menu items not saving in WordPress.
  • Incomplete form submissions.
  • Lost data during settings save.
  • WooCommerce options not updating.

How to Change max_input_vars in cPanel — Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Log in to Your cPanel Account

  • Go to your cPanel login URL, usually: https://yourdomain.com:2083
  • Enter your username and password.
  • Click Log In.

Step 2: Locate “Select PHP Version” or “MultiPHP INI Editor”

Screenshot of Software section with MultiPHP INI Editor or Select PHP Version
  • Scroll to the Software section.
  • Click on Select PHP Version (or) MultiPHP INI Editor, depending on your server configuration.

Step 3: Select Your Domain

Screenshot of domain selection dropdown
  • If you have multiple domains, select the one you want to modify.

Step 4: Locate max_input_vars

Screenshot of MultiPHP INI Editor with max_input_vars field
  • Scroll down to find the max_input_vars setting.
  • You may see the default value: 1000.

Step 5: Increase max_input_vars Value

  • Enter your desired value. Common values are:
    • 2000
    • 3000
    • 5000 (for very large sites)
  • Click Apply or Save.

Step 6: Verify the New Setting

  • Use a PHP info file or plugins like WordPress PHP Info to verify the updated value.
  • Confirm your issues are resolved.

Alternative Method (for some cPanel servers)

If your host doesn’t offer MultiPHP INI Editor:

1️⃣ Use .user.ini or php.ini files.
2️⃣ Add this line:

max_input_vars = 3000

Hostrago Pro Tip:

If you’re unsure about the correct limit, start with 3000. Increasing too much may cause unnecessary memory usage, so monitor performance after making changes.

For fully managed hosting and PHP optimization support, visit:
👉 Hostrago Hosting Plans

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1️⃣ What is max_input_vars in cPanel?

max_input_vars is a PHP configuration directive that limits the maximum number of input variables (such as POST, GET, or COOKIE variables) that PHP can handle in a single request. If this limit is too low, some forms, menus, or settings may fail to save correctly.

2️⃣ Why do I need to increase max_input_vars?

You may need to increase max_input_vars if you’re facing:

  • WordPress menus not saving.
  • WooCommerce settings not updating.
  • Complex forms failing to submit fully.
  • Data truncation errors in applications.

3️⃣ How do I change max_input_vars in cPanel?

To change max_input_vars in cPanel:

  1. Log into cPanel.
  2. Go to Select PHP Version or MultiPHP INI Editor.
  3. Select your domain.
  4. Locate max_input_vars.
  5. Enter a higher value (e.g., 3000).
  6. Save the changes.

4️⃣ What is the recommended max_input_vars value?

The recommended value depends on your application:

  • Default: 1000
  • Moderate websites: 2000-3000
  • Large WooCommerce or complex sites: 4000-5000

Always increase cautiously to avoid unnecessary resource usage.

5️⃣ Can I change max_input_vars without cPanel?

Yes. If your host allows, you can modify php.ini, .user.ini, or .htaccess files manually by adding:

max_input_vars = 3000

However, cPanel provides a safer and easier way through its interface.

6️⃣ Does increasing max_input_vars affect website performance?

In most cases, increasing max_input_vars has a minimal impact on performance. However, setting it too high without necessity can slightly increase memory usage. Always test your site after changes.

Conclusion

Knowing how to change max_input_vars in cPanel is essential for running complex web applications, especially on content-heavy websites like WordPress and WooCommerce. By increasing this value, you prevent menu truncation, form submission errors, and save frustrations caused by server-side limitations.

For more expert hosting tutorials, visit our detailed Hostrago Knowledge Base.

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