How to Change Your PHP Version in cPanel Print

Your website runs on PHP, and each app needs a PHP version it supports. You might need to change it when installing a new app, after an app update asks for a newer PHP, or to move an old site onto a version that still receives security fixes. Our servers run CloudLinux, so you change the version with the PHP Selector in cPanel.

Change your PHP version

1. Log in to cPanel and go to Software › Select PHP Version.
2. Next to Current PHP version, open the drop-down and choose the version you want.
3. Click Set as current. The change applies within a few seconds.
4. Load your website and check it works, including logging in to its admin area.

Each PHP version has its own extensions and settings, so after switching, check the Extensions and Options tabs. See enable or disable PHP extensions and change PHP limits.

Different versions for different domains

Select PHP Version sets the version for your account. If your cPanel also shows Software › MultiPHP Manager, you can use it to set a version for each domain: tick the domain, pick a version from the PHP Version drop-down and click Apply. Use whichever tool your cPanel shows. If you need different versions for different domains or folders and neither tool does what you need, contact support and we'll advise.

Choosing a version

• Use the newest version your app supports. Current WordPress runs on modern PHP; check your theme and plugins are up to date before switching.
• Avoid PHP versions that no longer receive security updates. Older versions are only there for compatibility while you update an old site.
• The native option is the server's built-in PHP. You can't change extensions or options while it's selected, so pick a numbered version instead.

Troubleshooting

• Site shows errors or a blank page after switching: switch back to the previous version, then update the app, theme or plugins before trying again. For WordPress, see why a site breaks after an update.
• "Missing extension" errors: the new version may not have the same extensions ticked. Enable them on the Extensions tab.