The native DirectAdmin PHP selector chooses among PHP versions installed by the administrator. It is distinct from the optional CloudLinux PHP Selector. Confirm which selector controls the domain before changing a value, especially on a server where both interfaces exist.
IN THIS ARTICLE
What you need before you begin
Check the application supported PHP releases and required extensions. Take a recoverable application backup and record the existing runtime. Use a staging copy for a major version change when the website processes important customer activity.
01 Select the PHP version for a DirectAdmin domain
- At user level, open Domain Setup and select the exact domain. Locate its PHP version selection.
- Choose a supported installed release accepted by the application and save. Do not assume the highest visible number is compatible with every plugin or custom script.
- For a subdomain with an independent setting, review its Document Root Override and PHP Version Selector controls where available. Confirm whether it inherits or overrides the parent choice.
- Test the website in the actual request environment. Review application errors and required extension availability.
- Inspect scheduled PHP commands or deployment tools separately. A web-domain selector may not change the PHP executable used by a cron command or shell session.
How do I verify the domain PHP runtime?
Confirm login, forms, uploads and database-backed pages work with the selected version. Use a protected diagnostic or application status page to check the runtime, and remove temporary public diagnostics after testing.
Troubleshoot unexpected results
If the site fails, restore the previously working selection while correcting incompatible code. If the expected version is not offered, ask the administrator about a supported installation rather than editing server PHP files. On CloudLinux, the optional selector can depend on the domain native PHP slot and handler, so investigate that relationship before assuming a saved selection took effect.