How To Change Your PHP Version - PHP Config Guide
If you are using assistive technology and are unable to read any part of the HostMonster website, or otherwise have difficulties using the HostMonster website, please call 866-573-HOST and our customer service team will assist you.
Skip to main content
Search

HostMonster Web Hosting Help

How To Change Your PHP Version - PHP Config Guide

Overview

Please note: We will be updating to PHP version 8.0 in batches beginning in 2022. Keep an eye out for communications on when your account will be updated and what changes, if any, you will need to make. For more information on updating content for PHP compatibility, read our guide on What to do if your Site Does not Work with Newer Versions of PHP. To learn more about what is changing with PHP 8.0, please see PHP.net's release notes.

Our servers support PHP 7.3 and higher. PHP versions 7.3 and higher offer a significant improvement to speed and memory usage over past PHP versions. It also comes with better error handling and many bug fixes.

Before making the switch, you need to be aware of backward compatibility issues with scripts: Older PHP coding may not be compatible with newer PHP versions. Therefore, ensure to "Avoid skipping versions," and instead, "make updates incrementally."

It is important to check first the "Compatibility" of your site against new versions of PHP before upgrading. Sites built with WordPress can use the PHP Compatibility Checker plugin. You can also check PHP Manual for reviewing the new and deprecated features of PHP.

The process for updating your PHP version will depend on what type of account you have set up. Older accounts use the Legacy interface, while updated accounts will use the Rock interface.

Most customers should use Rock instructions.

How to Change Versions Using PHP Config (Legacy)

You can change your PHP version in Legacy accounts by following these steps:

  1. Log in to your hostmonster control panel.
  2. Under the Hosting tab, click cPanel in the submenu.
  3. Scroll down and look for the programming section, then click the PHP Config. 
  4. Select the version of PHP you're interested in using.
  5. Click Save Change.

Note: This option only works with Legacy Account. Please see below for Rock Instructions.

How to Change Versions Using MultiPHP Manager (Rock)

You can change your PHP version in Rock accounts by following these steps.

  1. Log in to your hostmonster control panel.
  2. Click on the Advanced tab from the side navigation menu to the left.
  3. In the SOFTWARE section, click MultiPHP Manager.
  4. Check the box next to the website(s) this PHP version will apply to.
  5. Choose the PHP Version, then click Apply.

Please note: If a domain is set to Inherit, it will automatically take on whatever PHP setting is assigned to the main domain.

Generate php.ini

To generate a new php.ini file:

  1. Log in to your hostmonster control panel.
  2. Click on the Advanced tab from the side navigation menu to the left.
  3. Under the Software section, select the MultiPHP INI Editor.
  4. Select the path by clicking on the drop-down menu under Basic Mode Selecting a location.
  5. Choose the domain name.
  6. Once you're done, scroll down and click Apply.

Note: If you have any further questions about configuring the php.ini file, there are extensive descriptions within the file itself. You may also check this article MultiPHP INI Editor and find more help at http://www.php.net/docs.php.

What is php.ini?

The php.ini file is the default configuration file for running applications that require PHP. It is used to declare settings and control variables such as upload sizes, file time-outs, resource limits, etc. 
Your server is already configured with standard settings for PHP, which your site will use by default. Unless you need to change one or more settings, there is no need to create or modify a php.ini file.

Note: If you would like to make any changes to these settings, please do so through the MultiPHP INI Editor. To know more about the process, please see: How To Configure The PHP Environment With PHP ini.

Things to Keep in Mind

If you are using a custom php.ini file that references PHP modules that are not available in your selected version, your site may not work. Either remove the custom php.ini file (which will cause the server to use the default php.ini file) or create a php.ini file compatible with your selected version.

Knowledgebase Article 901,447 views bookmark
share
Share or save this via:
tags: config php selection version


Was this resource helpful?
Helpful Unhelpful


Did this resolve your issue?
Solved Unsolved


Please add any other comments or suggestions about this content:





Recommended Help Content

How To Add Handlers To Change PHP Version - PHP Version Setup
This article will explain how to add a PHP handler to your .htaccess files. This is useful if you want to customize the version of PHP that runs your PHP files.
Knowledgebase Article 405,280 views tags: htaccess php

Change Your PHP Version - Dedicated and VPS Hosting
Changing PHP versions, load custom Apache mods, and other Apache/PHP customizations
Knowledgebase Article 152,863 views tags: easyapache php vps whm

Easy Apache
This article will explain how to use Easy Apache to recompile Apache. This is useful if you want to change the version of PHP or change other PHP and Apache settings.
Knowledgebase Article 134,565 views tags: apache build compile dedi dedicated easy modules version vps

Related Help Content

Change Length of Hosting Plan
How do I change my contract length?
Knowledgebase Article 313,387 views tags: change contract hosting length package payment

How To Change Your Primary Domain
How can I change the primary domain name on my account?
Knowledgebase Article 1,412,537 views tags: account change domain primary rename

What to do if your Site Does Not Work with Newer Versions of PHP
Many popular website platforms use PHP for rendering their content. It’s common for these sites to have automatic update tools to ensure that they work with the latest version of PHP, however sometimes a theme or plugin for these services may prevent them from updating or may not work with a newer
Knowledgebase Article 157,827 views tags: deprecation discontinue end php upgrade

Email Accounts - Change the Mailbox Size Quota
Where do I Change my Mailbox (Size) Quota? How do I Increase or Decrease Mailbox (Storage) Quota?
Knowledgebase Article 428,388 views tags: account change decrease email increase mailbox quota size

How To Configure The PHP Environment With PHP ini
How do I change the PHP environment for my site with php.ini?
Knowledgebase Article 808,161 views tags: configuration ini php server

Renew Hosting
A step-by-step guide to renewing your hosting account.
Knowledgebase Article 376,489 views tags: downgrade hosting renew upgrade

How To Change Upload File Size Limit In PHP - Increase Upload Limits
How do I increase my file size limit in my PHP application?
Knowledgebase Article 635,095 views tags: optimize php upload uploads

PHP Configuration for Addon Domain
How can I adjust the php settings specifically for an Addon Domain?
Knowledgebase Article 331,115 views tags: domain php

This site utilizes JavaScript to function correctly. Looks like it's disabled on your browser. Please enable it for your best experience.

For instructions on enabling JavaScript, click here