Change your PHP version and extensions
On our cPanel servers you can choose which PHP version your account uses, turn PHP extensions on or off, and change common PHP settings, with CloudLinux's Select PHP Version tool.
We recommend using the newest PHP version your website software supports. Newer versions are faster and receive security updates. Check your software's requirements first; for WordPress, also check that your theme and plugins support the version.
Change your PHP version
1. Log in to cPanel. See Log in to cPanel and WHM from the Client Area.
2. In the Software section, click Select PHP Version.
3. Choose the PHP version you want from the list and apply it.
4. Check that your website works. If something breaks, switch back to the previous version and check your software's requirements.
The version native means the server's default PHP version.
Turn extensions on or off
On the same page, open the list of extensions. Tick an extension to turn it on, or untick it to turn it off. Your website software's documentation lists the extensions it needs; for example, many applications need intl, zip and imagick.
Extensions are saved separately for each PHP version, so if you change the version, check the extensions again.
Change PHP settings
Open the options on the same page to change common settings, for example:
- memory_limit: the maximum memory a single PHP script can use.
- upload_max_filesize and post_max_size: the largest file you can upload through your website.
- max_execution_time: how long a script can run before it's stopped.
If your change doesn't take effect
cPanel also has a MultiPHP Manager. If your domain is set to a specific PHP version there, that setting takes priority. In MultiPHP Manager, set the domain to inherit the default, and then choose the version in Select PHP Version. If you're not sure, please open a support ticket.