Every website on a shared hosting account runs on a specific version of PHP, and each domain or subdomain can have its own version set independently. If your site shows a compatibility warning, a plugin refuses to activate, or you're moving an older site onto a new host, changing the PHP version is usually the fix.
Why the PHP Version Matters
- Compatibility: WordPress themes, plugins, and custom code are often built against a specific PHP version range. Running the wrong version can cause fatal errors or blank pages.
- Security: Older PHP versions stop receiving security patches once they reach end of life, so using an actively supported version keeps your site safer.
- Performance: Newer PHP versions are generally faster, so upgrading can noticeably speed up page loads.
How to Change Your PHP Version
In cPanel
- Log in to cPanel.
- Under the Software section, click MultiPHP Manager.
- You'll see a list of every domain and subdomain on the account, each with its current PHP version.
- Tick the checkbox next to the domain or subdomain you want to change (you can select several at once if they should all use the same version).
- Choose the new version from the PHP Version dropdown on the right.
- Click Apply.
In DirectAdmin
- Log in to DirectAdmin.
- Go to Extra Features and click Select PHP Version.
- If your account has more than one domain, use the domain selector to pick the one you want to change; subdomains are usually listed alongside their parent domain.
- Choose the version you need from the list of available PHP versions.
- Click Save to apply the change.
Always test your site immediately after switching versions. Load the homepage and a few key pages, and check the WordPress admin area if you use it, since a mismatched version can break plugins or themes without warning.
Choosing the Right Version
If you're not sure which version to pick, check the requirements listed by your CMS, theme, or plugin developer. For most modern WordPress sites, the latest PHP version supported by your theme and plugins is the safest choice. If your site was built some years ago with older code, you may need to keep it on an earlier version until the code is updated.
If Your Site Breaks After Switching
You can switch back to the previous version the same way at any time. If the issue continues, or you're not sure which version your site needs, contact ZIPROF support and we'll help you find the right one.