How to change the PHP version and extensions on my cPanel hosting?

Choose a PHP version compatible with your website and enable only the required extensions. The available manager depends on your hosting configuration.

Prepare the change

Back up files and the database, note the current version and check your CMS and plugin requirements. Test on a copy of the website if possible.

With MultiPHP Manager

In cPanel, open MultiPHP Manager.
Select the relevant domains.
Choose a version offered by your hosting provider and apply the change.
Check the version used by the website and test its features.

The provider may manage extensions for these versions on the server; not every option can be changed by the user.

With CloudLinux PHP Selector

When enabled and associated with your domain, open Select PHP Version, choose the version and adjust the available extensions. Do not disable modules required by the application. Check the native version's role and active configuration before changing values.

Distinguish the version from PHP-FPM

PHP-FPM is an execution method, not a PHP version. Terminal PHP can also differ from the website's PHP. If an option is missing or versions are inconsistent, ask support to check the domain configuration.

Check and roll back

Test administration, forms and scheduled tasks. If an incompatibility appears, return to the available previous version and review logs before trying again.

Interface illustrations

These screenshots show the versions used when the original article was written. Labels may differ in your current version; follow the written procedure and your account settings.