How Do I Update the PHP Version on my Site? | HostGator Support
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How Do I Update the PHP Version on my Site?

Suppose you ever encounter problems with the way your server handles PHP packages or find WordPress requesting that you upgrade your PHP version. In that case, it is helpful to know how to view and modify your server's PHP. Updating your site's PHP version is vital for the security of your website. The latest security patches will be implemented whenever a new PHP version is released. This article discusses a few options for upgrading the PHP version of your hosting account.

What You Should Know
  • Starting in June 2023, we are working on upgrading the available PHP versions on our servers to include PHP 8.2.
  • We will remove PHP 7.3 from the MultiPHP Manager options as we upgrade and improve our servers. We highly recommend upgrading all your website installations and applications to be compatible with the newest PHP version available in your account.
  • Please be aware that PHP versions older than 7.4 will no longer be supported as we work on upgrading accounts. If your website must use an older PHP version, this can be done manually. Let us know via phone or chat so we can assist you. Please remember that using an older PHP version potentially exposes your website to unpatched security vulnerabilities.

How do I upgrade my site's PHP version?

If your website needs a different PHP version, you will want to log in to your cPanel to manage the site's version.

Important Note:
For our Optimized WordPress customers, put your mind at ease! HostGator's got your back in ensuring that your account runs the latest up-to-date PHP version.
  • There is no need to downgrade PHP for a WordPress plugin or theme. Instead, it is best to upgrade your plugin or theme to work with the PHP version available in your Optimized WordPress accounts.
  • If you need to change your PHP version, our support team will handle that for you. Just reach out to us via phone or chat.

MultiPHP Manager

The video above may look slightly different than our current cPanel layout. However, the functionality described will be similar.

Here are the instructions outlined in the video above.

  1. Log in to cPanel.
  2. Select MultiPHP Manager in the Software section.

    HostGator cPanel MultiPHP Manager

  3. Select the domain you want to upgrade by checking the box on its left side.

    MultiPHP Manager Select Domain

  4. Choose 7.4 or select the newest PHP version from the dropdown, then click Apply.

    MultiPHP Manager Select PHP Version

  5. There will be a pop-up in the upper right corner notifying you that the change was successful.

    PHP Version Change Successful

If you previously used the PHP Selector to change your PHP version, there may be a handler in your .htaccess file that needs to be removed similar to this one: 

Use PHPedge as default
AddHandler application/x-httpd-php-edge .php
<IfModule mod_suphp.c>
    suPHP_ConfigPath /opt/phpedge/lib
</IfModule>

For specific instructions on fixing Missing MySQL Extension errors, please refer to our support article How to Fix Error After MultiPHP upgrade.

Need a bit more help? Contact HostGator support via phone or chat, and we will be happy to assist you!