Please note: This article explains how to manage PHP on our Web Hosting servers. If you're running a VPS or Cloud Dedicated, these setting will not be relevant unless you've specifically ordered a CloudLinux license from our team and had them install it.

All Web Hosting accounts at Webfoundr have the ability to fully customize PHP to meet specific requirements for each cPanel account.

By default all servers on our high-speed cloud use the latest stable version of PHP but you may need to make changes based on the applications/software you use for your website. For optimal performance and security we always recommend using the latest version of PHP.

To configure PHP for your website, go to cPanel -> Select PHP Version:

This dashboard allows full control over PHP version, PHP extensions, and modification of PHP limits:

Select PHP Version

The active version of PHP is shown here noted by (current). You may click the drop down to select a different version.

Once selected, you'll then need to click Set as current to deploy the change:

Once confirmed, your website will be running the version selected.

Please note: if you've added custom extensions/limits you will also need to update those.

Some applications, including WordPress plugins/themes may require the use of specific PHP extensions.

By default, we enable most common ones, however you can easily make changes by clicking the checkbox beside the required extension:

You should only enable a PHP extension if you specifically know you need it and should also check that your website still loads after doing so.

You'll also notice the Reset to default button in the top right, which can be used to revert back to our default set if needed (i.e. your website breaks).

If you do not see a required PHP extension, it's important to note the version of PHP as some are deprecated/removed as PHP is updated. Additionally, if there is an extension we do not have enabled on the server, and you're certain it's compatible with a specific version of PHP, feel free to each out to our team so they can evaluate/add it.

How To Modify/Increase PHP Limits

A lot of custom WordPress themes/plugins require specific PHP memory and upload limits.

You can easily customize these based on your needs by clicking the Options tab at the top of the PHP Selector:

This brings up a dashboard where you can define these, per specific PHP version: 

As you'll notice at the top, the Current PHP Version shows you specifically what version of PHP you're modifying. You'll want to make sure it says (Current) if you're making changed to your live website.

For most users, you'll want to leave all of these default except for _memory_limit_, _post_max_size_, and _upload_max_filesize_.

These limits can be increased by clicking the dropdown menu and selecting the new value:

It's important to not set these too high as you could overload your hosting package, especially if you have a script/WordPress plugin that contains a memory leak. As a general rule of thumb, no individual WordPress installation should need a memory limit above 128MB. If you do, it's probably a good idea to check with your plugin/theme vendor to see if they have any issues with their code (it happens more than you think).

Both post_max_size and upload_max_size control the size of an image you can upload through your web browser to your WordPress website. If you need to upload large images, you can increase these values here:

Once you select a value, it's automatically applied, there is no need to save.

As with the memory_limit, the general rule of thumb is to not increase your upload/post limit higher than 64MB. If you have images/files larger than this, it is best to upload via sFTP to prevent a potential website crash.