How to Update PHP on CloudPanel? 11 Best Practices

• Why You Should Update PHP in 2025

• 7 Essential Pre-Update Preparations for PHP

• 5 Steps to Update PHP on CloudPanel in a Secure Manner

• How to Change PHP Version and Settings on CloudPanel

• 11 Best Practices for Secure PHP Updates

• 8 Troubleshooting Common PHP Update Issues

• FAQs

• Summary

Why You Should Update PHP in 2025

Updating PHP is necessary for anyone running websites or apps. The latest PHP version brings important security and speed improvements. These keep your site reliable and smooth for visitors.

1. Security Updates

• Your site could be at risk if you still use PHP 8.0 or an older version. These versions no longer get security updates. This makes it easier for hackers to find a way in.

• Updating PHP lets you get the latest fixes. This keeps your site safe and helps protect your visitors’ data.

2. Performance Improvements

• Each new PHP version speeds up your site. Switching from PHP 8.2 to 8.3 can make your site run faster.

• Faster PHP lets your site handle more visitors. This means less strain on the web server. That’s good for users and benefits SEO.

3. Modern Features and Better Code

• PHP 8.x adds useful features like updated array functions and new scripting tools. This keeps your code cleaner and easier to maintain.

• Developers can use these features to create modern apps. These apps work well with popular frameworks and plugins.

4. Active Community and Future-Proofing

• The PHP Foundation and a strong community keep working on PHP. This keeps PHP useful and reliable for years to come.

• Updating your PHP version keeps your site working with the latest tools and packages. It also avoids future problems and eases upgrades.

5. Cost Efficiency

• Using the latest PHP version saves money. It reduces bugs, compatibility problems, and emergency fixes related to older versions.

• PHP is open-source, so many people use it. This means there are lots of resources and support options available. You can find updates on official sites like php.net and trusted repositories.

7 Essential Pre-Update Preparations for PHP

Preparing to update the PHP version is important for a clean process. It lowers downtime and avoids errors. Follow these steps before you update:

1. Develop a Plan

• Pick a time with low traffic to upgrade your PHP version. This lowers the impact on users.

• Split the upgrade into small steps, especially if you have an old or earlier version of PHP.

• Check your web host’s schedule and deadlines for updates.

2. Backup Your Data

• Back up your website files, databases, and settings. Use CloudPanel’s clpctl backup:create a tool or use your cloud provider’s snapshot feature.

• Store backups off-site (e.g., AWS S3) and test them to ensure they’re restorable.

3. Check Compatibility

• Use tools like PHP Compatibility Checker to scan your code for old functions. This finds issues with the latest version of PHP.

• Review your plugins, themes, and custom code. They help to see if they work with the new version.

4. Update Dependencies and Extensions

• Ensure all PHP packages, libraries, and extensions are current. They must be compatible with the new version.

• Replace or remove any old or unsupported parts.

5. Test in a Staging Environment

• Copy your project to a test server using the new PHP version.

• Run full tests, like unit and integration tests. Fix any problems before going live.

6. Document and Communicate

• Write down the update steps and changes you make. This aids later.

• Tell your team and team members about the update plan, risks, and downtime.

7. Prepare for Rollback

Have a plan to revert your site if the update breaks things. Know how to use the backup to restore fast.

5 Steps to Update PHP on CloudPanel in a Secure Manner

Step 1: Prepare Before the Update

• Pick the Right Time: Schedule your update during low-traffic hours. This keeps any issues from affecting too many users.

• Check the Updates Page: Look at CloudPanel’s updates page. It notes new PHP versions, bug fixes, and security patches.

• Test in a Staging Area: Set up a staging version of your site. Apply the update first to catch errors or broken features before updating the live site.

Step 2: Make a Backup

Create and test a complete backup as noted in the pre-update steps.

Step 3: Update Your Website’s PHP Version

• Log in to the Dashboard: Sign in to CloudPanel’s dashboard with your admin details.

• Check the current version of PHP, like PHP 8.2.

• Update PHP Version for a Site

  1. Go to Domains and select your website.

  2. Click the PHP Settings tab.

3. Choose a new version (e.g., PHP 8.3) from the version dropdown.

4. Click Update to apply it.

5. Repeat these steps for each site you manage.

• Update PHP for the Whole Server

  1. Connect through SSH.

  2. Update the package list.

  3. Install the PHP version by running:

     sudo apt update && sudo apt install php8.3 php8.3-fpm php8.3-common

  4. Restart the web server:

     sudo systemctl restart nginx

• This installs the new PHP version across your system and handles dependencies.

• Refresh the package list if PHP 8.3 does not show up.

• Run:

  `sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ondrej/php

  sudo apt update

  sudo apt install php8.3 php8.3-fpm php8.3-common`

Step 4: Check Everything After the Update

• Test Website Functionality: Go through your websites. Make sure forms, logins, and other features work. Update any plugin that does not behave well after the upgrade.

• Check Services and Web Server Health: Verify services are running with:

  `systemctl status nginx

  systemctl status php8.3-fpm

  systemctl status mariadb`

  If you use MySQL instead of MariaDB, check systemctl status mysql. Ensure your web server handles requests without errors.

• Secure Your CloudPanel Access

  1. Restrict access to port 8443 to trusted IPs.

  2. Enable two-factor authentication in CloudPanel’s Security Settings.

  3. Configure your web server with the proper settings for PHP-FPM.

  4. Scan for vulnerabilities using tools to spot issues after the update.

• Document the Update: Write down the new PHP version, what changes you made, and any problems you fixed. This eases switching back or troubleshooting later.

Step 5: Fix Problems If They Come Up

• Try the Update Again: If something failed, re-run:

  clpctl update

• Fix Broken Packages Using apt-get: Run:

  dpkg --configure -a apt-get --fix-broken install

• Restore the Snapshot if Needed: If nothing works, return to your backup snapshot. Then, try again later.

Extra Notes

Verified for CloudPanel version 2.x as of May 2025.

1. Apps like Nextcloud may need special builds, such as x64 versions or setups that use php-cgi.exe.

2. When a PHP version reaches end of life, it no longer gets fixes. Keep your system updated to avoid security holes.

3. Contact your hosting support or your web host for help.

How to Change PHP Version and Settings on CloudPanel

Step 1: Edit the PHP Version

• Check the Current PHP Version

  1. Go to the site’s root directory.

  2. Create an info.php file.

  3. Add the code:

  <?php phpinfo(); ?>

  4. Open the file in your browser.

  5. You will see the current PHP version displayed on the page.

• Log in to CloudPanel

  1. Open CloudPanel in your browser.

  2. Sign in with your User account.

• Choose the Website

  1. Click the Domains menu.

  2. Select the website you want to manage.

• Edit the PHP Version

  1. Go to the PHP Settings tab.

  2. Pick the PHP version you want, such as:

• PHP 8.1

• PHP 8.2.

  3. Click Update to apply the change.

• Verify the New Version

  1. Reload the info.php file in your browser.

  2. Check to verify the new version is active.

  3. If the version has changed, your update from the old PHP version was successful.

Step 2: Edit PHP Settings

• Access PHP Configuration

  1. In CloudPanel, open the Domains section.

  2. Select your website.

  3. Click on the PHP Settings tab.

• Adjust the Settings

Now change the values listed below:

1. memory_limit: Sets how much memory the script can use. If your site is heavy, increase this number.

2. max_execution_time: Allows longer scripts to run. You can raise it to 600 seconds if needed.

3. max_input_time: Defines how long the server waits for input data.

4. post_max_size: Sets the form size limit.

5. upload_max_filesize: Sets the upload file size.

6. display_errors: Set this to On during development to show PHP errors.

You can edit these settings according to the requirements.

• Save Your Configuration

  1. After making changes, click Update.

  2. Check the info.php file again to verify the new values.

11 Best Practices for Secure PHP Updates

1. Always Backup Before Updating

Follow the backup process described in the pre-update preparations to safeguard your site.

2. Check Compatibility in Detail

Check your code, plugins, and frameworks first. Make sure they work with the new PHP version before updating. Run tests in a staging environment first to avoid surprises when you go live.

3. Use Secure Update Tools and Methods

Stick to trusted tools like version managers or your control panel for updates. Check your installed PHP version before proceeding. Update only when necessary, and follow each step with care to prevent errors.

4. Harden PHP Configuration

Open your php.ini file and configure it to disable unsafe functions like eval() and exec(). Only allow scripts to run in specific directories and turn off features you do not use.

5. Keep Dependencies and Libraries Updated

Outdated packages can lead to security holes. Update them often using Composer. Run composer audit to spot problems and composer update to fix them.

6. Enforce Secure Coding Standards

Use prepared statements for database queries to block SQL injection. Sanitize inputs with filter_var() and use htmlspecialchars() to clean outputs. Skip risky or outdated functions like eval() and create_function().

7. Encrypt Sensitive Data

Use strong encryption like AES for secure data storage. Use password_hash() and verify passwords with password_verify(). Stick to hashing methods like bcrypt or Argon2 for better protection.

8. Secure File Uploads and Permissions

Allow users to upload only safe file types and save them outside the public web folder. Set file and folder permissions to restrict access to authorized users only.

9. Track, Log, and Respond

Install tools like Fail2Ban or a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to block bot attackers. You can use logging tools like Logwatch or ELK Stack to set alerts for suspicious behavior.

10. Periodic Security Audits

Review your code and run security checks on a set schedule. If using WordPress, update plugins and themes to close security gaps.

11 Use the Right PHP Version

When moving from PHP 8.2, upgrade to PHP 8.3 if it's stable and supported. Use the apt package manager, and always run updates with sudo for proper access.

8 Troubleshooting Common PHP Update Issues

Updating PHP can cause problems on your website. You might see errors, missing features, or blank pages. Follow these steps to find and fix the most common issues:

1. Compatibility Problems

Symptoms: The site shows errors, blank screens, or broken parts.

Causes: Some plugins or custom code may not work with the new PHP version.

Fix:

• Update your CMS, themes, and any custom modules.

• Remove old plugins or themes that no longer receive updates.

• Always test the site in a staging area before making changes live.

2. Syntax and Parse Errors

Symptoms: Error messages say “parse error” or “unexpected token.”

Causes: Code may use outdated syntax or features removed in PHP 8.2.

Fix:

• Check the error log to find the file and line number.

• Fix syntax problems and replace any old code functions.

3. PHP Code Shows as Text

Symptoms: PHP code appears as plain text in the browser.

Causes: The file may have the wrong extension, or PHP may have turned it off.

Fix:

• Make sure the file ends in .php.

• Use php -v to check if PHP is active on the server.

4. Infinite Loops or Slow Page Loading

Symptoms: Pages keep loading or crashing the site.

Causes: A loop in the code may be running without stopping.

Fix:

• Add print statements inside loops to trace the problem.

• Review the logic and any linked scripts for errors.

5. Custom Module Failures

Symptoms: Features that depend on custom code stop working.

Cause: The developers may not have built the custom module for PHP 8.1 or higher.

Fix:

• Update or rebuild custom extensions for the current PHP version.

• Test all features after making changes.

6. php.ini File Problems

Symptoms: Some PHP settings do not work or cause unexpected issues.

Causes: An outdated php.ini file or a mismatch with the new PHP version may exist.

Fix:

• Replace it with the correct php.ini file for your PHP version.

• Change the settings for your site as needed.

7. Site Runs Slower After Update

Symptoms: The website feels slower than before.

Causes: Changes in the PHP engine or default settings.

Fix:

• Run a speed test before and after the update.

• Adjust PHP settings to boost server performance.

8. General Fixes

• Turn On Error Reporting: Add this to your PHP files:

  ini_set('display_errors', 1); error_reporting(E_ALL);

  Turn it off after testing, especially on live websites.

• Revert If Needed: to your old PHP version through your hosting panel if necessary.

• Use Guides and Forums: Check the official docs or visit forums for help with tough issues.

FAQs

1. Why is it important to keep PHP updated?

PHP updates fix security holes that hackers can use. They also increase speed and add new features. Keeping PHP updated keeps your site safe.

2. Is updating PHP something I can do without technical help?

If you can access your hosting panel or server, you can update PHP. But make sure to back up your site first. If you are unsure, ask a developer to avoid problems.

3. What tools or methods do developers use to update PHP?

Many use the hosting control panel to update PHP with minimal effort. Codes like sudo apt update and sudo apt upgrade are common on Linux servers. Using trusted tools keeps updates safe.

4. What risks come from running an outdated PHP version?

Old PHP versions do not get security fixes. This makes your site easy to hack. They might not work with new plugins or themes. Using old PHP can slow your site and cause errors.

5. How can I check whether my themes work with a newer PHP version?

Create a test site like your real one. Update PHP there first. Check all plugins and themes to find problems early. This keeps your live site safe.

Summary

To update PHP, check your current version. Install the latest PHP version. You can use a package manager like apt or your hosting control panel. Back up your files before starting the update to avoid any issues. Consider the following simple steps to update PHP:

• Security: Updating PHP keeps your site safe from hackers and bugs.

• Performance: New PHP versions run faster, so your site loads quicker.

• Compatibility: New versions fit well with the latest software and plugins.

Want to know the best way to update PHP? Try CloudPanel Free Hosting today and manage your PHP updates with confidence.