How to Change PHP Version in cPanel

Beta Host cPanel hosting allows you to change the PHP version used by your website. This can be useful when installing a new application, meeting the requirements of WordPress, updating a website, or resolving compatibility issues with themes, plugins and PHP scripts.

This guide explains how to check and change your website's PHP version from cPanel.

Before Changing Your PHP Version

Different websites and applications have different PHP requirements. Before changing PHP versions, check that your website, WordPress themes, plugins and other applications support the version you want to use.

If you're changing the PHP version of an existing production website, we recommend creating a backup first.

After changing PHP, test your website carefully to make sure everything continues to work correctly.

How to Change PHP Version in cPanel

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

Log in to your Beta Host cPanel account.

You can access cPanel from your Beta Host client area or through the cPanel login details provided for your hosting account.

Step 2: Find the PHP Management Tool

After logging in to cPanel, scroll to the Software section.

Depending on the configuration of your hosting account, look for an option such as:

Select PHP Version

or

MultiPHP Manager

Open the available PHP management tool.

Step 3: Select Your Domain

If your hosting account contains more than one domain, select the domain or website whose PHP version you want to change.

Make sure you select the correct domain before making any changes.

Step 4: Choose a PHP Version

Select the PHP version that meets the requirements of your website or application.

The PHP versions available in cPanel may vary depending on the server and hosting environment.

For security and compatibility, we recommend using a currently supported PHP version whenever your website software supports it.

Avoid using an outdated PHP version unless it's temporarily required by an older application that you're actively working to update.

Step 5: Apply the Change

After selecting your preferred PHP version, click the available Apply, Set as Current, or similar confirmation button.

The selected PHP version should then become active for that domain.

How to Check Your Current PHP Version

You can usually see the active PHP version directly inside Select PHP Version or MultiPHP Manager in cPanel.

If you're using WordPress, you can also check your server information from:

WordPress Dashboard → Tools → Site Health → Info → Server

Look for the PHP version shown in the server information.

Changing PHP Extensions

Some websites require additional PHP extensions to function correctly.

If Select PHP Version is available on your hosting account, you may also see options for enabling or disabling supported PHP extensions.

Only enable extensions required by your website or application.

Changing PHP extensions without understanding their purpose can cause compatibility problems.

What Should You Do After Changing PHP?

Visit your website immediately after making the change.

Check important areas such as:

• Homepage

• WordPress administrator dashboard

• Contact forms

• Login pages

• Plugins and themes

• Shopping cart and checkout

• Payment gateways

• Customer account areas

If the website displays an error after changing PHP, switch back to the previous working PHP version and investigate the application's PHP requirements before trying again.

Why Should You Use a Supported PHP Version?

Modern PHP versions generally provide better security, performance and compatibility with actively maintained web applications.

Older PHP versions eventually stop receiving security updates from the PHP project. Website owners should therefore keep their applications, themes and plugins updated so they can run on supported PHP versions.

Don't upgrade PHP blindly, however. Always confirm application compatibility before making changes to an important production website.

WordPress and PHP Versions

If you use WordPress, make sure your WordPress installation, active theme and plugins are compatible with the PHP version you intend to use.

Update WordPress and its components before moving to a newer PHP version where appropriate, and maintain a backup that can be restored if compatibility problems occur.

PHP Version Changed but Website Is Not Working?

If your website stops working after changing PHP, common causes include:

• An outdated WordPress plugin or theme

• An application that doesn't support the selected PHP version

• Missing PHP extensions

• Deprecated PHP functions in older scripts

• Custom code written for an older PHP environment

• Incorrect PHP configuration

Return to the previous working PHP version if necessary and troubleshoot the application before upgrading again.

Need Help?

If you're a Beta Host customer and you're unsure which PHP version is available or appropriate for your hosting account, contact our technical support team through the Beta Host client area.

Our support team can help you identify the PHP options available on your hosting server and troubleshoot server-side PHP configuration issues.

For reliable cPanel hosting, WordPress hosting and other website hosting solutions, visit Beta Host Limited.