Increase PHP Max Input Vars

The PHP Max Input Vars setting defines the maximum number of variables your server can use for a single function. For modern WordPress themes this value should be set to at least 3000. Lower values can cause lost data in Theme Options, disappearing widgets, and menu items not saving.

Method 1: Edit php.ini

Note: Many shared hosts prohibit direct access to php.ini. Only use this method if you have direct access, or are on a local server.

1. Locate your php.ini file. If you can't find it, create one in the root folder of your WordPress installation.
2. Find or add the following line and set it to 3000:

max_input_vars = 3000

3. Save the file and restart your server.

Method 2: Edit .htaccess

Note: Back up your .htaccess file before editing.

1. Locate your .htaccess file in the root of your WordPress installation (it may be hidden — enable hidden files in your file manager or FTP client).
2. Add the following line:

php_value max_input_vars 3000

If your server has the Suhosin security patch, use these instead:

php_value suhosin.request.max_vars 3000
php_value suhosin.post.max_vars 3000

3. Save the file and refresh your website.

Contact Your Host

If neither method works, contact your host and ask them to increase max_input_vars to 3000. Most shared hosts can do this on request.