PHP runs applications such as WordPress. A PHP version change can affect plugins, themes, and custom code, so take a file-and-database backup and test a staging copy before changing a production site.
Select an available version #
- Check the application's supported PHP versions, including its plugins and custom code. Choose a version that remains supported and that your host offers. Consult the PHP support schedule rather than relying on an old version recommendation.
- Open My Account → Hosting services → Manage website for the domain, then select PHP.
- Record Current version. Choose the intended Installed version from those offered for this website's existing PHP execution mode.
- Read and check the backup and compatibility confirmation, then choose Change PHP version. Dashboard backups are not configured; arrange and verify your backup separately before confirming.
- Read the result and test the site. This changes the selected website's version, not its resource allowance or other websites. If compatibility fails, return to the recorded version after the one-minute change limit. If the result is uncertain, refresh and check the current version before retrying.
Virtualmin's Web Configuration → PHP Options remains available where your permissions allow it. Older versions can organize this menu differently. Virtualmin PHP version selection
Adjust limits when permitted #
The Control Center changes PHP versions. For memory, upload, execution, or other PHP settings, open the domain's PHP configuration page in Virtualmin or ask support. Its name can refer to the PHP version or PHP-FPM. Record original values and change only what the application requires. Virtualmin per-site PHP configuration
For browser uploads, upload_max_filesize limits an individual file, while post_max_size limits the complete request and must allow additional form data. Application and web-server limits may also apply. Increasing these values does not increase your hosting storage allocation. PHP configuration reference
Verify the change #
Use the application's authenticated health or system information screen to confirm the PHP version and effective limits. Test login, forms, uploads, and scheduled tasks. Command-line jobs can use a different PHP version from the website.
Troubleshooting and extension requests #
If no compatible versions appear, refresh or ask support to review availability and permissions. For a missing extension such as intl, provide the domain, PHP version, extension, and application error. Extensions require host-side availability. Do not run package-install commands from general server tutorials on a shared account.
Avoid leaving a public PHP-information page online: it can disclose configuration details. For failures, collect the relevant error log and restore your previous working settings.
Leave a Reply