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How to change your PHP version (MultiPHP Manager)

Maxim Tsitsejev
Updated

Applies to: All plans (Self-Managed and Managed).

Before you start: You need access to your cPanel for the hosting account, reached by single sign-on from your client area (open the service, then Log in to cPanel). Know which domain you want to change — you can set a different PHP version for each domain on your account.

You set the PHP version per domain in cPanel using MultiPHP Manager. This lets one site run, say, PHP 8.2 while another stays on an older release. Changes apply almost instantly, so always test your site straight afterwards.

Why your PHP version matters

PHP is the language most websites (including WordPress) run on. A modern PHP — anything in the 8.x series — is usually noticeably faster than older versions and receives security fixes, so your site is quicker and safer to run. Older PHP releases eventually stop getting updates, and some plugins or themes will only work on a recent version. Picking the right one is covered in more detail in How to choose the right PHP version for performance.

Change your PHP version

  1. Log in to cPanel from your client area.
  2. Open cPanel -> Software -> MultiPHP Manager.
  3. In the list of domains, tick the box next to the domain (or domains) you want to change.
  4. From the PHP Version drop-down (top right of the table), choose the version you want — for most sites a current 8.x release is the best choice.
  5. Select Apply.

Result: The chosen domain now shows the new PHP version in the list. Visit your site and click through a few pages to confirm everything still works.

Set defaults and per-folder rules

  • The default PHP version (inherit) setting at the top of MultiPHP Manager controls the system default that new domains follow. Setting a version on a specific domain overrides that default for that domain only.
  • To change PHP settings (such as memory_limit or upload_max_filesize) rather than the version itself, use cPanel -> Software -> MultiPHP INI Editor. These values still sit within your plan's CloudLinux resource limits — they are not unlimited.

Troubleshooting this task

  • My site broke after switching (white screen or errors). A plugin, theme or piece of code may not support the new version. Switch the domain back to the previous PHP version in MultiPHP Manager, then update the offending plugin/theme before trying again.
  • A PHP extension I need is missing. Extensions are enabled separately. See How to enable or disable PHP extensions.
  • The domain I want isn't listed. Make sure it has finished being added to the account (an addon domain or subdomain must exist first), then reload MultiPHP Manager.
  • I'm not sure which version to pick. When in doubt, choose the most recent 8.x version offered, test your site, and step back one minor version only if something fails.

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