Switch a website to a newer or older PHP version in a few seconds.
Each domain in your account can run its own PHP version. Newer versions are faster and more secure, so use the newest version your website supports.
Changing the version
The quickest way:
- Sign in to HostPanel and go to Domains → Domain List.
- Choose a version from the dropdown in the PHP column of your domain.
Or open the domain, go to its PHP tab and choose from the PHP Version dropdown. The newest versions are marked Latest.
The change takes effect immediately. PHP restarts for that website, so visitors may see a short pause. On a busy site, choose a quiet time.
Before you upgrade
- Update your website software, plugins and themes first. Old plugins are the most common reason a site breaks after a PHP upgrade.
- For WordPress, check Tools → Site Health in your WordPress dashboard, which warns about plugins that are not compatible.
- Take a backup, or test on a staging site.
Something broke?
Switch back to the previous version in the same dropdown. Your site is restored straight away. Then update the plugin or code that caused the problem before trying again.
Checking which version is running
Click the ⓘ next to the PHP version, or the phpinfo button on the PHP tab, to see the full details of the PHP setup for that website.