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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 and Reseller Hosting plans (control panel DirectAdmin). Using WordPress Hosting (Plesk)? Get in touch — we'll gladly change the PHP version for you.

When should you change the PHP version?
Changing the PHP version
After changing the version
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 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.

Changing the PHP version

Log in to DirectAdmin — via Single Sign-On or directly at https://yourdomain.com:2222.
Under Extra Features, click Select PHP Version.
Under Current PHP version, choose the desired version.
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:

Can't figure it out? Feel free to get in touch — we're happy to help.

Updated on: 19/04/2026

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