Settings that will not save.
WHAT IT USUALLY IS
max_input_vars being exceeded.
WHAT THAT DOES
Truncates a large form submission silently.
Settings appear to save and revert.
WHERE IT HAPPENS
Page builders Large menus Theme option panels Complex forms
HOW TO FIX IT
Raise max_input_vars in the PHP settings in cPanel.
WHY IT IS CONFUSING
No error appears. Everything looks normal.
OTHER CAUSES OF SETTINGS NOT SAVING
Permissions preventing writes A caching plugin serving old content A plugin conflict Execution time exceeded on a large save
FOR EXECUTION TIME
Raise max_execution_time for large operations.
FOR PERMISSIONS
Check that the relevant directories are writable.
HOW TO CONFIRM THE CAUSE
Save a small change. If that works and a large one does not, it is max_input_vars.
WHAT TO CHECK AFTERWARDS
That the setting persisted after clearing cache.
