How to change PHP version in cPanel

Your website or application may require a specific PHP version to function correctly. Outdated PHP versions can cause compatibility issues, while newer versions improve performance and security.

You will use cPanel’s MultiPHP Manager to change the PHP version for one or more domains. This allows you to test updates on development sites before applying them to your live environment.

Before you begin

We recommend creating a backup before changing PHP versions.
Check your application’s documentation for PHP version requirements.

Change PHP version using MultiPHP Manager

MultiPHP Manager lets you set different PHP versions for each domain in your cPanel account. This prevents changes to one site affecting others.

Log in to cPanel.
Access your cPanel account using the credentials provided in your welcome email.

cPanel Jupiter dashboard showing the main interface with various management tools and sections — The cPanel dashboard.

Open MultiPHP Manager.
Locate the Software section and click the MultiPHP Manager icon.

cPanel Software section displaying the MultiPHP Manager icon among other software management tools — The Software section in cPanel.

MultiPHP Manager interface showing domain list and PHP version selection options — The MultiPHP Manager interface.

Select your domain.
Tick the checkbox next to each domain you want to update. You can select multiple domains to change them all at once.

MultiPHP Manager showing a selected domain with checkbox ticked in the domain list — Selecting a domain in MultiPHP Manager.

Choose a PHP version.
Click the PHP Version dropdown menu and select your required version. Newer versions provide better performance and security.

PHP version dropdown menu in MultiPHP Manager displaying available PHP versions — The PHP version selector.

Apply the changes.
Click Apply to update the PHP version. The change takes effect immediately.

Your domain now runs on the selected PHP version. You can verify this by creating a phpinfo file to check your current PHP configuration.

Wrapping up

You have changed the PHP version for your domain using cPanel’s MultiPHP Manager. Your site now runs on the version you selected, which improves compatibility with your application’s requirements.

Different applications need different PHP versions. WordPress typically runs best on PHP 8.1 or newer. If you run into memory errors after changing versions, you may need to increase your WordPress memory limit. For WHMCS users experiencing caching problems, resolve OPcache issues which can be PHP version-specific. Our web hosting plans include cPanel access with MultiPHP Manager on all accounts.

If you run into any trouble, get in touch and our team will be happy to help.