How to set the max_input_vars directive in an .htaccess file

This article describes how to change the maximum number of input variables allowed for PHP scripts by using the max_input_vars directive in an .htaccess file.

The information in this article only applies to certain types of hosting accounts. To determine whether or not the information below applies to your account, please see this article.

This article assumes that you have already set up a custom .htaccess file. If you have not already set up a custom .htaccess file, please read this article first.

Using the max_input_vars directive

PHP obtains input variables from HTML forms (through GET and POST requests), as well as from any cookies enabled on a page. By default, the maximum number of input variables allowed for PHP scripts is set to 1000. You can change this amount by setting the max_input_vars directive in an .htaccess file.

To change the maximum number of input variables allowed for PHP scripts, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your account using SSH.
  2. Use a text editor to add the following line to the .htaccess file. Replace 1000 with the maximum number of input variables that you want to allow:
    php_value max_input_vars 1000
  3. Save the changes to the .htaccess file and exit the text editor.
  4. To verify that the new setting is active, create a PHP test file that contains the following code in the same directory where the .htaccess file is located:
    <?php phpinfo(); ?>
  5. Load the test file in your web browser, and then search for the name of the directive. The Local Value column should display the new setting that you specified in the .htaccess file.

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