Running a current PHP version keeps your website faster and more secure, and many WordPress plugins and themes now require it. This guide shows how to change your PHP version on Instant Access Internet Services hosting with cPanel's MultiPHP Manager, how to check which version your site uses, and what to do if something breaks.
Before you change PHP versions
- Check your software supports the new version. WordPress core runs well on current PHP versions, but old plugins and themes may not. Update WordPress, plugins and themes first (see the updates guide below).
- Note your current version. Changing the version takes seconds and can be undone just as quickly, so write down what you're on before you start.
- Choose a supported version. Pick a PHP version that still gets security updates (check php.net/supported-versions.php). Old versions such as 7.4 no longer receive security fixes and should only be used as a short-term fix for old software.
How to change your PHP version in cPanel
- Log in to cPanel and go to Software > MultiPHP Manager.
- The table lists your domain and any subdomains, with the PHP version each one uses.
- Tick the checkbox next to the domain you want to change.
- Choose the new version from the PHP Version menu, for example PHP 8.3.
- Click Apply. The change takes effect straight away.
- Open your website in a private browser window and check the main pages, forms and (for shops) the checkout.
PHP versions are set per domain, so your main site and a subdomain (for example a staging site) can run different versions. That's handy for testing: change the staging copy first, check it works, then change the live site.
What does "inherit" mean?
A domain set to inherit uses the server's default PHP version, which is currently PHP 8.2. The default can change when we upgrade the server, so if your site needs a particular version, choose it explicitly rather than leaving it on inherit.
How to check which PHP version your site is using
- Software > MultiPHP Manager shows the version for each domain in the PHP Version column.
- In WordPress, go to Tools > Site Health > Info and expand Server.
- In WP Toolkit (Domains > WordPress Management), your site's card also shows the PHP version.
Troubleshooting
My site broke after changing the PHP version
Go back to MultiPHP Manager, tick the domain, choose your previous version and click Apply. Your site should work again immediately. Then check the error_log file (see the error log guide below) to find which plugin or theme is incompatible, update or replace it, and try again.
I changed the version but my site still shows the old one
Wait a minute and reload, and clear any caching plugin (for example purge all in LiteSpeed Cache). Also check you changed the right domain: a site in a subdomain has its own row. If the old version still shows, open a ticket and we'll check it for you.
A plugin says a PHP extension is missing
If a plugin reports a missing PHP extension (for example "The PHP extension intl is not installed"), open a ticket with the extension name and your PHP version and we'll look into it.
Which PHP version should I use for WordPress?
Use the newest version that all your plugins and themes support. See WordPress's requirements page for the currently recommended version.
Where do I change settings like the upload size or memory limit?
Use Software > MultiPHP INI Editor. See the PHP settings guide below. It's worth checking your settings there after you switch versions.
Do cron jobs use the new version?
Not automatically. Cron jobs run PHP 8.2 by default unless the command uses the full path to a specific version. See the cron job guide below.
Related guides
- How to Change PHP Settings (memory_limit, upload_max_filesize)
- How to Update WordPress, Plugins and Themes (and Turn On Auto-Updates)
- How to Fix the WordPress White Screen and 500 Errors
- How to Check Your Website Error Log and Recent Visitors
- How to Set Up a Cron Job in cPanel
Still stuck? Open a support ticket and the Instant Access Internet Services team will help.
