How to Change PHP max_input_vars Using CloudLinux PHP Selector

Overview

The max_input_vars setting in PHP controls the maximum number of input variables your server can process in a single request. This guide explains how to safely modify this setting using CloudLinux PHP Selector when working with complex forms or large amounts of data in WordPress.

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Prerequisites

• Active WPCloud hosting account
• cPanel access credentials
• Your hosting plan includes CloudLinux PHP Selector (included with all WPCloud plans)

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Common Scenarios for Increasing max_input_vars

• Working with page builders like Elementor or WPBakery
• Managing large WooCommerce product catalogues
• Using complex form builders
• Handling large menus in WordPress

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Important Notes

• ✅ This change is completely safe
• ✅ No backup required
• ✅ No file modifications needed
• ✅ No database changes made
• ✅ Changes take effect immediately

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1) Access PHP Selector

1. Log in to your cPanel account.
2. Scroll to the SOFTWARE section.
3. Click Select PHP Version.

2) Modify max_input_vars

1. Click the Options tab at the top of the page.
2. Locate max_input_vars in the settings list.
3. Check the box next to max_input_vars to enable modification (if required).
4. Enter your desired value in the field.

Recommended values

Scenario	Recommended Value
Default	1000
Page Builders	3000
Complex Forms	5000
Large Menus	3000
WooCommerce	5000

3) Save Changes

1. Click Apply at the bottom of the page.
2. Wait for the confirmation message.
3. Your changes are now active.

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Verification (Optional)

To verify your changes, you can create a temporary check file:

<?php
// Create a file named check.php with this content
echo "Current max_input_vars value: " . ini_get('max_input_vars');

Open https://yourdomain.com/check.php in your browser to see the current value.

Important: Delete check.php after you finish verifying.

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Troubleshooting

Common Issues

1. Setting Not Visible
   • Solution: Contact WPCloud Support via the ticket system.
2. Changes Not Taking Effect
   • Clear browser cache.
   • Wait 5 minutes and try again.
   • Check PHP version compatibility (ensure you edited the active version’s Options).
3. Still Experiencing Issues
   Related settings you might need to adjust:
   • max_execution_time
   • memory_limit
   • post_max_size

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Related Settings

Setting	Purpose	Default
max_execution_time	Script timeout	30 seconds
memory_limit	PHP memory usage	256M
post_max_size	POST data size	64M

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Support

Need assistance? We’re here to help.

• Submit a support ticket: support.wpcloud.ca
• Email: support@wpcloud.ca
• Typical first response: ~15 minutes