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# Change PHP Version

**The PHP version of your hosting plan determines which version of PHP your website runs on. Below you'll find how to change it yourself through DirectAdmin.**

|| This article applies to our [Web Hosting](https://www.xynta.com/en/webhosting) and [Reseller Hosting](https://www.xynta.com/en/reseller-hosting) plans (control panel DirectAdmin). Using [WordPress Hosting](https://www.xynta.com/en/wordpress-hosting) (Plesk)? [Get in touch](https://www.xynta.com/en/support/contact) — we'll gladly change the PHP version for you.

* [When should you change the PHP version?](#3-when-should-you-change-the-php-version)
* [Changing the PHP version](#3-changing-the-php-version)
* [After changing the version](#3-after-changing-the-version)
* [Instructional video](#3-instructional-video)

### When should you change the PHP version?

You usually want to adjust your PHP version in one of these situations:

* **Your CMS or plugin requires a newer version** — for example WordPress, Joomla or a plugin that requires PHP 8 or higher.
* **You want to benefit from better performance and security** — newer PHP versions are generally faster and more secure.
* **You're receiving errors on your website** — sometimes caused by incompatibility with the current PHP version.

| You can quickly look up your current PHP version through the [website check](https://www.xynta.com/en/support/website-check) under the **Security** or **Speed** section.

||| Before changing the PHP version, create a backup of your website first — an incompatible version can temporarily cause issues. See the article [Creating your own backup](https://help.xynta.com/en/article/creating-your-own-backup-isxw3h/).

### Changing the PHP version

1. Log in to DirectAdmin — via [Single Sign-On](https://help.xynta.com/en/article/logging-in-to-hosting-package-via-single-sign-on-sso-1biycbb/) or directly at `https://yourdomain.com:2222`.
2. Under **Extra Features**, click **Select PHP Version**.
3. Under **Current PHP version**, choose the desired version.
4. Click **Apply**.

The new PHP version will be active within a few minutes — in most cases within 5 minutes.

| Preferably choose the **latest stable PHP version** your website supports. Older PHP versions no longer receive security updates and are therefore vulnerable.

### After changing the version

After changing the version, check that everything is working as expected:

* **Test your website thoroughly** — navigate through different pages, test forms and any functionality such as logging in or ordering.
* **Check that the PHP extensions `opcache` and `redis` are enabled** — these improve the caching of your website and reduce the load on your hosting plan. You'll find them in the same screen under the **Extensions** tab.
* **Website not working correctly?** — follow the steps above again and revert the PHP version. Then contact your CMS or plugin provider about the required PHP version.

||| **Never** use an end-of-life PHP version (such as PHP 5.6 or 7.x) for a production website — these no longer receive security updates and pose a risk to your website and visitors. Does your website only work on an old version? Have it updated as soon as possible.

### Instructional video

Prefer to see how it works? Watch our short instructional video on changing the PHP version:

${youtube}[Changing the PHP version](7kcdjvo18ds)

Can't figure it out? [Feel free to get in touch](https://www.xynta.com/en/support/contact) — we're happy to help.