Introduction
The PHP Selector (often listed as Select PHP Version) in cPanel allows you to choose which version of PHP your website uses. This is especially useful if your site requires a specific PHP version for compatibility with scripts, frameworks, or CMSs like WordPress, Laravel, or Joomla.
This article explains how to access, change, and configure PHP settings using the PHP Selector in cPanel.
Why You Might Change Your PHP Version
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Your application requires a newer or older PHP version
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To improve performance or security
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To troubleshoot compatibility issues with themes or plugins
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To access specific PHP extensions
How to Access the PHP Selector in cPanel
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Log in to your cPanel account
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Scroll to the Software section
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Click on Select PHP Version or PHP Selector (depending on your hosting provider)
Changing the PHP Version
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Once in the PHP Selector interface, you’ll see your current domain’s active PHP version
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Click the dropdown menu to view available PHP versions
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Select the desired version (e.g., 7.4, 8.0, 8.1)
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Click Set as current
Your domain will now use the selected PHP version.
Enabling/Disabling PHP Extensions
You can customize which PHP extensions are enabled for your site:
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Scroll down to the list of available extensions
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Check or uncheck boxes next to each extension (e.g.,
mbstring,mysqli,curl) -
Changes are applied automatically or after clicking Save
This is helpful when installing apps that require specific extensions.
Modifying PHP Options
Click the “Options” or “Switch to PHP Options” tab (if available) to:
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Change
memory_limit -
Modify
upload_max_filesize -
Adjust
post_max_size,max_execution_time, etc.
These settings control how PHP behaves and can impact performance or upload capabilities.
Troubleshooting Tips
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Site breaks after changing PHP version | Revert to the older version or check for extension conflicts |
| PHP options not saving | Ensure you click “Apply” or “Save” if needed |
| Missing required extension | Check the list and enable it manually |
| Changes not applying | Clear your browser cache and recheck your site |
Conclusion
The PHP Selector in cPanel gives you full control over which PHP version and extensions your website uses. Whether you’re looking to improve performance, resolve compatibility issues, or meet software requirements, this tool provides an easy and flexible way to configure your PHP end.
