How to Change PHP Version in cPanel and Hostinger hPanel (Without Breaking Your Site)

Updated 24 October 2026.

After the PHP2Shell fixes on 21 October 2026, many site owners discovered their website was still on PHP 7.4, 8.0 or 8.1, versions the PHP project no longer supports. Even if your host applied an emergency patch to those builds, the long-term fix is to move to a supported version: PHP 8.3 or 8.4 for most sites today.

Here's how to do it on the most common hosting panels in India, safely.

Before you change anything

1. Take a full backup (files and database). Most panels have a backup tool; also keep a copy off the server.
2. Note your current PHP version so you can switch back. See how to check your PHP version.
3. Update WordPress, plugins and themes first. Newer versions are more likely to support newer PHP.
4. Use staging if you can. Many hosts offer one-click staging. Test there first.
5. Pick a quiet time (early morning or late night) for the live switch.

cPanel: MultiPHP Manager

1. Log in to cPanel
2. Open MultiPHP Manager (under Software)
3. Tick the domain you want to change
4. Choose the new version (for example ea-php83) from the dropdown
5. Click Apply

The change usually takes effect within seconds. Each domain can have its own version.

Also check MultiPHP INI Editor afterwards: settings like memory_limit, upload_max_filesize and max_execution_time may reset to defaults on the new version.

cPanel on CloudLinux: Select PHP Version

Many shared hosts in India use CloudLinux. You'll see Select PHP Version instead of, or alongside, MultiPHP Manager:

1. Open Select PHP Version
2. Choose the new version from the dropdown and click Set as current
3. Open the Extensions tab and make sure needed extensions are ticked (common ones for WordPress: mysqli, curl, gd or imagick, mbstring, xml, zip, intl, opcache)
4. Check the Options tab for memory and upload limits

Hostinger hPanel

1. Log in to hPanel and open Websites → Manage for your site
2. Go to Advanced → PHP Configuration
3. Under PHP version, select the new version
4. Click Update
5. Check the PHP extensions and PHP options tabs

Hostinger has said its managed hosting has the PHP2Shell fix, and recommends PHP 8.3 or newer after checking theme and plugin compatibility.

Other hosts

• GoDaddy cPanel hosting: cPanel → MultiPHP Manager or Select PHP Version
• SiteGround: Site Tools → Devs → PHP Manager
• Bluehost: Websites → Settings → PHP version (or cPanel MultiPHP Manager on older accounts)
• Plesk: Websites & Domains → PHP → PHP version

Labels change often; search your host's help centre for "change PHP version" if you can't find it.

After switching: test these pages

• Homepage and main service pages
• Contact and lead forms (submit a test enquiry)
• Checkout and payment, if you sell online
• WordPress admin: Dashboard, Posts, Plugins, Settings
• Any page builder (Elementor, Divi, WPBakery): open one page in the editor
• Site Health (Tools → Site Health) for new warnings

If something breaks

White screen, "critical error" or 500 error:

1. Switch back to the previous PHP version in the same panel. The site should return within a minute.
2. Check the error log (cPanel → Errors, or error_log files in your site folders) for the plugin or theme named in the error.
3. Update or replace that plugin or theme, then try the upgrade again.

WordPress may also email the site admin with a recovery mode link that lets you log in and disable the faulty plugin.

Common culprits: abandoned plugins not updated in years, nulled (pirated) themes, old page builders, and custom code written for PHP 5 or 7.

Which version should you choose?

Version	Supported until	Recommendation
PHP 8.2	31 Dec 2026	Avoid for new upgrades; only weeks of support left
PHP 8.3	31 Dec 2027	Safe choice for most WordPress sites
PHP 8.4	31 Dec 2028	Great if your plugins support it
PHP 8.5	31 Dec 2029	Newest; check plugin compatibility first

Details: PHP supported versions and end-of-life dates. For a fuller WordPress process, see upgrade WordPress to PHP 8.3 safely.

Where we fit

We upgrade PHP for business websites in Bangalore and Shivamogga with backups, staging tests and fixes for any plugin or theme issues, so your site never goes down during the switch. See website development.

Stuck on an old PHP version? Get in touch for a free check.

Sources

• Hostinger: Protections against php2shell
• Terris: How to change PHP version in cPanel and other hosts (Oct 2026)