How to Change the PHP Version Safely with Select PHP Version Print

Change the PHP version per domain in cPanel Select PHP Version (MultiPHP) after confirming your application supports the target release and you have a current backup.

Check application requirements

• WordPress and plugins list supported PHP versions in their documentation.
• Custom PHP apps may require specific extensions enabled on the same screen.

Back up before changing PHP

Download files and databases — cPanel backup download or WordPress backup guide.

Select PHP per domain

1. Open Select PHP Version in cPanel.
2. Choose the domain or document root.
3. Pick a supported PHP version from the list shown for your server.
4. Save changes.

Inherited vs explicit versions

Domains may inherit the server default until you choose a version explicitly. After selection, the domain uses your chosen version until changed again.

Extensions and options

1. On the same screen, enable required extensions (for example mysqli, curl, mbstring for WordPress).
2. Avoid enabling unused extensions.

Test after changing

1. Load the site homepage and admin area.
2. Check cPanel error logs if pages return 500 errors.
3. Revert to the previous PHP version if a plugin breaks — critical error troubleshooting.

Avoid end-of-life PHP

Do not run unsupported PHP versions on production. Upgrade applications that block modern PHP rather than staying on obsolete releases.

Available versions vary by server. If you need a specific extension or version for a commercial script, open a ticket with your domain and PHP version shown in Select PHP Version.