How to Change Your PHP Version in Your Apex Managed Panel

PHP is the programming language that powers WordPress. Occasionally you may need to switch your site’s PHP version — for example, to meet a plugin’s requirements or take advantage of performance improvements in newer versions.

Why PHP Version Matters #

Different PHP versions offer different performance characteristics and compatibility with plugins and themes. Running outdated PHP can slow your site and create security risks, while too new a version can cause compatibility issues with older plugins.

Step-by-Step: Changing Your PHP Version #

1. Log in to my.apexmanagedhosting.com and open Your Apex Managed Panel.
2. Select the instance whose PHP version you want to change.
3. Click on Advanced Settings.
4. Look for the PHP Version selector — it will show your current version along with a dropdown of available alternatives.
5. Choose the version you’d like to switch to.
6. Click Save to apply the change.

The switch typically takes effect within a minute or two, with no downtime.

Testing After the Switch #

1. Visit your website right after to confirm it still loads correctly.
2. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard and check it loads without errors.
3. Test key functionality — contact forms, WooCommerce checkout if applicable, and any custom features.
4. Check for any visible PHP errors on the front end or in the admin dashboard.

If Something Breaks After Changing PHP Versions #

1. Return to Advanced Settings in Your Apex Managed Panel.
2. Switch the PHP version back to what it was before.
3. Save the change and confirm your site returns to normal.
4. Check with the developer of any plugin or theme that caused issues to see which PHP versions they support.

A Few Tips #

• If unsure which version to choose, our recommended default is generally safe for most WordPress sites.
• Test PHP version changes on a cloned or staging instance first if your site is business-critical.
• Keep your plugins and themes updated, as outdated ones are the most common source of PHP compatibility issues.

Need Help? #

If you need further assistance, contact our support team at [email protected] or start a live chat from any page on apexmanagedhosting.com.