# How to change the PHP version in cPanel

> Switch PHP versions in cPanel with Select PHP Version or MultiPHP Manager, turn on the extensions your site needs, and check nothing broke. Includes WordPress.

Source: https://www.fasterhost.in/kb/change-php-version-in-cpanel.php · cPanel · 4 min read · updated 24 September 2026

Newer PHP versions are faster and still get security fixes; older ones do not. Most sites can move up in a minute. The one trap is that cPanel can have two PHP controls, and changing the wrong one does nothing.

## Steps

### 1. Check what the site supports

Before switching, check which PHP versions your theme, plugins or framework support. On WordPress, **Tools → Site Health** warns when the site runs an outdated PHP version. Update plugins and the theme first; old plugins are the usual reason a newer PHP version breaks a site.

### 2. Open Select PHP Version

In cPanel, go to **Software → Select PHP Version**. Our servers run CloudLinux, so this is where the account's PHP version is set. Choose the version from the list next to **Current PHP version** and apply it.

### 3. Turn on the extensions you need

On the same screen, the **Extensions** tab lists modules such as `intl`, `imagick`, `zip` and `opcache`. Tick the ones your application asks for. The **Options** tab sets limits like `memory_limit`, `upload_max_filesize` and `max_execution_time`.

### 4. Make sure MultiPHP Manager is not overriding it

Open **Software → MultiPHP Manager**. If it assigns a specific PHP version to a domain, that domain ignores Select PHP Version. Set the domain back to the system default (shown as **inherit**) and the version you chose in the previous step applies.

### 5. Test the site

Load a few pages, log in to the admin area and submit a form. If anything fails, read the `error_log` file in the site's folder or open **Metrics → Errors**. Switching back takes effect on the next page load, so trying a newer version is low-risk.

## Which PHP version to choose

Pick the newest version your code supports. PHP 7.4 and 8.0 no longer receive security fixes, and support for 8.1 ended at the end of 2025. Anything from 8.2 upwards is still maintained.

Each 8.x release has also been faster than the last, and on LiteSpeed with OPcache the difference shows directly in time to first byte.

## If the site breaks after switching

- **White screen or a 500 error:** a plugin or theme calls a function the new version removed. The `error_log` names the file. Update or replace it, or switch back.
- **"Missing extension" message:** tick that extension in Select PHP Version.
- **Nothing changed:** MultiPHP Manager is overriding the domain. See step 4.

## Common questions

**Does changing the PHP version cause downtime?**

No. The change applies from the next request, and switching back is just as quick.

**Can each domain use a different PHP version?**

Yes. MultiPHP Manager can pin a version per domain. Select PHP Version sets the account default that every other domain inherits.

**Which PHP version should WordPress use?**

The newest one your plugins and theme support. Site Health in the WordPress dashboard warns when the current version is out of date.

**Will a newer PHP version make my site faster?**

Usually, yes. Each PHP 8 release has improved performance, and the gain adds to LiteSpeed caching rather than replacing it.

## Related

- [How to install WordPress](https://www.fasterhost.in/kb/install-wordpress.php)
- [What is cPanel?](https://www.fasterhost.in/kb/what-is-cpanel.php)
- [cPanel Hosting](https://www.fasterhost.in/cpanel-hosting.php): cPanel on LiteSpeed and NVMe, served from India
- [Shared Hosting](https://www.fasterhost.in/shared-hosting.php): Fast, affordable hosting for your first site
- [WordPress Hosting](https://www.fasterhost.in/wordpress-hosting.php): Managed WordPress that flies