How to Set the Default PHP Version

The PHP version controls which language features and security fixes are available to your sites. Setting the right default keeps applications compatible and secure. cPanel manages this through MultiPHP Manager.

Setting the Default Version

1. In cPanel, open MultiPHP Manager under the Software section.
2. At the top, find the System PHP Version, which is the account-wide default.
3. To change a specific site, tick its domain in the list below.
4. Pick a release from the PHP Version dropdown and click Apply.

Setting a domain to "inherit" makes it follow the system default, so changing the default later updates it automatically.

Choosing the Right Version

• Use a currently supported release for security updates.
• Avoid end-of-life versions, which no longer receive fixes.
• Match the minimum version your application requires; check its documentation.

| Site type | Suggested approach | |----------------------|------------------------------------------| | Modern WordPress | A current supported PHP release | | Older custom code | Test on new versions before switching | | Multiple apps | Set per-domain versions as each needs |

After Changing the Version

1. Visit each site and click through key pages.
2. Watch for blank screens or errors, which signal incompatible code.
3. If a site breaks, switch that domain back one version and update its software.

Verifying the Active Version

Create a file named phpinfo.php in public_html containing:

<?php phpinfo();

Visit yourdomain.com/phpinfo.php to confirm the version, then delete the file afterward, as it exposes server details.