2 min read
max_input_vars is a PHP setting that limits how many input variables a single request can carry. When a page exceeds the limit, PHP silently drops the excess variables: no error, just missing data after you click Save. Elementor Pro and JetEngine need 3000+ to work reliably.
MAX_INPUT_VARS (warning): max_input_vars is below 3000. Low values cause silent menu or form data truncation.
| Symptom | What’s happening |
|---|---|
| Menu items disappear after save | Large menus are many variables each; the excess gets truncated |
| Widget settings don’t persist | Elementor saves dozens of fields per widget |
| Form fields missing after submit | Multi-field forms exceed the limit mid-way |
| “Settings not saving” in builders | JetEngine meta boxes carry hundreds of variables |
The fix is raising max_input_vars at the PHP configuration level. Where you set it depends on your host: if you’re on Xponent managed hosting, we handle this for you (see below).
Add to .htaccess in the web root (only works when PHP runs as an Apache module):
php_value max_input_vars 5000
Edit php.ini or create a .user.ini in your web root:
max_input_vars = 5000
max_input_vars.max_input_vars.Check the current value in WordPress admin → Tools → Site Health, or create a phpinfo() page. The running value must show in the server output, not just the file (PHP-FPM needs a reload after ini changes).
All Xponent-managed sites are pre-configured with max_input_vars = 5000 via the GridPane control panel: above the 3000 threshold with headroom for heavy builds. Configuration is server-level, so it can’t drift or break from site edits.
If a specific application needs even more (massive multivariate forms, huge product catalogs), request a change through The Xponent Stack and we’ll raise it deliberately.
