Different websites and applications may require different PHP versions. Plesk lets you switch the PHP version for each domain individually, so you can run a modern site on PHP 8.3 while keeping an older application on PHP 7.4 on the same server. This guide covers changing the PHP version and handler type for a single domain.
Step 1: change the PHP version
- Log in to your Plesk control panel.
- Go to Websites & Domains.
- Find the domain you want to configure, then click the PHP link (on the domain card, next to the current PHP version number).
- Make sure PHP support is enabled (checkbox should be ticked).
- Select the desired PHP version from the dropdown menu (e.g., 8.1, 8.2, 8.3).
- Select the handler type — we recommend FPM application served by nginx for best performance.
- Click OK.
Step 2: verify the change
- Go back to Websites & Domains.
- Check the domain card — the PHP version number should now show the new version next to the PHP icon.
- Visit your website to make sure it loads correctly.
For a more detailed check, click the PHP link again and then click View the phpinfo() page at the bottom. This shows all PHP configuration details for the domain.
Understanding PHP handler types
The handler type controls how PHP processes requests. Here is a quick comparison:
- FPM application served by nginx — best performance, lowest memory use, recommended for most sites
- FPM application served by Apache — good performance, uses Apache to serve PHP
- FastCGI application — good balance of performance and compatibility
- Apache module — highest memory use, simplest setup, not recommended for shared hosting
Important notes
- PHP version changes take effect almost immediately. If your site shows errors, switch back to the previous version right away.
- The available PHP versions depend on what your hosting provider has installed on the server. If a version you need is missing, contact support.
- PHP 7.x has reached end of life and no longer receives security updates. Upgrade to PHP 8.x if your application supports it.
- WordPress currently requires at least PHP 7.4, but PHP 8.2 or higher is recommended for best performance and security.
- Each domain and subdomain can use a different PHP version. Subdomains inherit settings from their parent domain unless you change them separately.
Troubleshooting
- Website shows a 500 error after changing PHP version? Switch back to the previous version immediately. Your application or plugins may not be compatible with the new version.
- White screen of death? Same as above — revert the PHP version and check your application compatibility requirements.
- Desired PHP version not in the dropdown? Your hosting provider has not installed that version. Open a support ticket to request it.
- Cannot find the PHP link on the domain card? You may be in Service Provider view. Switch to Power User view, or go to Websites & Domains > the domain > Hosting & DNS > PHP Settings.
- Changes not taking effect? Clear your website cache (if using a caching plugin or CDN) and try again. PHP handler changes may take a minute to propagate.
