PHP extensions add features your app may need, such as image handling or support for encoded scripts. If an app's installer says an extension is missing, you can usually turn it on yourself with the PHP Selector in cPanel.
Enable or disable an extension
- Log in to cPanel and go to Software › Select PHP Version.
- Check the Current PHP version. Extensions are set per PHP version, and they can't be changed while native is selected. If it says native, choose a numbered version and click Set as current first (see change your PHP version).
- Open the Extensions tab.
- Tick an extension to enable it, or untick it to disable it. The change is saved automatically and a confirmation message appears.
- Reload your app to check the extension is now detected.
Commonly needed extensions
| Extension | What it's for |
|---|---|
ioncube_loader | Runs PHP files encoded with ionCube, used by some commercial scripts and licensed plugins. |
gd | Creates and resizes images, for example thumbnails and captchas. |
imagick | Advanced image processing; WordPress uses it when available. |
mailparse | Reads and processes email messages in scripts such as helpdesk or billing software. |
intl, zip | Language and number formatting, and handling zip files; both are often required by modern apps. |
The exact list depends on the PHP version. If an extension you need isn't listed, open a support ticket.
Go back to the defaults
If you've changed several extensions and something stopped working, click Reset to default on the Extensions tab to restore the standard set for that PHP version, then re-enable only the ones your app needs.
Good to know
- When you switch PHP version, check the Extensions tab again; your ticks don't carry over to a different version.
- Only enable what you need. Each extension uses a little memory on every page load.
