cPanel

How to Set PHP Versions for Specific Folders in cPanel

Pamir Editor
Pamir Editor
November 23, 2024

Setting Different PHP Versions for Specific Folders in cPanel

Introduction
As a website owner or developer, you may need to use different PHP versions for specific folders or directories within your domain. This flexibility is essential when working with legacy code, testing new features, or addressing varying requirements across your website’s components.

Fortunately, cPanel, a leading web hosting control panel, allows you to configure PHP versions on a per-folder basis. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of customizing PHP configurations for individual folders using cPanel’s MultiPHP Manager or PHP Selector.

Step-by-Step Guide to Configure PHP Versions for Folders in cPanel

1. Accessing the MultiPHP Manager or PHP Selector

  • Log in to your cPanel account.
  • Navigate to the “Software” section.
  • Select “MultiPHP Manager” or “PHP Selector”, depending on the version of cPanel.

2. Selecting the Folder and PHP Version

  • Choose the domain associated with the folder you want to configure.
  • Locate the specific folder and click the dropdown menu next to it.
  • Select the PHP version that meets the folder’s requirements.
  • Click “Apply” to save changes.

3. Editing the .htaccess File

  • Open the File Manager in cPanel.
  • Navigate to the folder where the PHP version needs to be changed.
  • If a .htaccess file exists, right-click and choose “Edit”; otherwise, create a new file named .htaccess.
  • Paste the code snippet generated by cPanel into the file.
  • Save your changes.

4. Verifying the Configuration

  • Ensure the .htaccess file contains the correct PHP configuration code.
  • Test the PHP version in that folder using a PHP script (e.g., phpinfo() function).

Troubleshooting Tips

1. Resolve Caching Issues

Clear browser or server caches to apply changes instantly. If you use a Content Delivery Network (CDN), clear its cache as well.

2. Check .htaccess Syntax

Ensure the pasted code is accurate. Even a small syntax error can prevent the configuration from working.

3. Recheck in MultiPHP Manager

Verify that the correct PHP version is still assigned to the folder in cPanel.

4. Test in Another Environment

If the issue persists, test the folder configuration on a staging server or local setup to identify hosting-related problems.

Conclusion

Setting different PHP versions for specific folders enhances your website’s flexibility, performance, and compatibility. With cPanel’s MultiPHP Manager or PHP Selector, this process is straightforward and effective. By following the steps above, you can optimize your website for various needs without affecting other components.

If you encounter issues, consult your hosting provider or refer to cPanel’s documentation for assistance.

Key Takeaways

  • Use cPanel’s MultiPHP Manager or PHP Selector to configure PHP versions on a per-folder basis.
  • Apply changes in 4 easy steps:
    1. Select the domain and folder.
    2. Choose the desired PHP version.
    3. Paste the generated code into .htaccess.
    4. Verify the changes.
  • Troubleshoot by clearing caches, ensuring correct .htaccess syntax, and testing in other environments.