Change the PHP version and php.ini settings

In short

Every website has its own PHP version. You set it in the web panel for the website under Advanced → Developer tools → PHP version. PHP 8.2 to 8.5 are available, and the default is 8.4. In the same area, you use the php.ini editor to change values such as memory_limit or upload_max_filesize, and you find the PHP error log.

Which PHP version?

Version	Recommendation
PHP 8.5	the newest version. Use it if your software explicitly supports it.
PHP 8.4	Default at Nexthosting, the safe choice for current WordPress and most CMSs.
PHP 8.3	for software that still has problems with 8.4.
PHP 8.2	only for older software that has not been adapted yet. Plan an update.

Older versions (7.x, 8.0, 8.1) are no longer offered because they receive no security updates. Which version your software needs is stated in its documentation; for WordPress see wordpress.org/about/requirements. Also check plugins and themes – they are usually the bottleneck.

Switching the PHP version

Switching the PHP version safely

1. ▶Update plugins and theme
3. 2Test on stagingset the new version on the copy
5. ?Does everything run?
7. 4Switch livesame version on the real site
9. ✓Check the error log

1. In the web panel, open Websites and click the website.
2. Choose Advanced at the top and then Developer tools.
3. Scroll to PHP version and choose the version you want from the list.
4. Confirm in the dialog with Update. The switch takes only a moment.
5. Click through your site and take a look at the PHP error log.

All domains of a website use the same PHP version. If you need a different version for part of it, create a separate website for that.

You can always go back

If something breaks after the switch, simply set the previous version again. That takes seconds, and your data stays unchanged. With staging you can test the switch beforehand without risk.

Changing php.ini values

The website takes over sensible defaults. You override individual values in the php.ini editor:

1. Open the website in the web panel → Advanced → Developer tools.
2. Scroll to the php.ini editor.
3. In the directive field, enter the name, for example upload_max_filesize, choose Text as the type and enter the value, for example 128M.
4. Confirm with Create. You can edit existing values.

Values that are already preset can be edited but not deleted.

The most important settings

Directive	Used for	Typical value
memory_limit	Maximum memory per PHP request	256M for WordPress, 512M for large shops
upload_max_filesize	Largest file that may be uploaded	64M to 256M
post_max_size	Largest form transfer overall; must be at least as large as upload_max_filesize	equal to or larger than upload_max_filesize
max_execution_time	How long a script may run (seconds)	60 to 300 for imports
max_input_vars	Number of form fields, e.g. for large menus or page builders	3000 to 5000
display_errors	Show errors in the browser	Off on live sites
date.timezone	Time zone for PHP	Europe/Berlin

You write sizes with M for megabytes, so 200M means 200 MB.

Plan limits

The memory of your plan (e.g. 1 GB for Webspace Basic) applies to all PHP processes of the website together. A very high memory_limit does not help when many visitors arrive at the same time. If things are permanently tight, a bigger plan makes sense (Changing plans).

PHP error log

PHP writes errors and warnings to the file php-error.log. Here is how to find it:

1. Open the website → Advanced → Developer tools.
2. Find the PHP card and scroll to php-error.log.

The file is also in the website’s home folder and reachable via the file manager or SFTP. What typical messages mean:

Message	Meaning
PHP Fatal error: Allowed memory size … exhausted	memory_limit too small or a plugin needs too much
PHP Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Call to undefined function …	Code does not suit the PHP version, or a missing extension
PHP Deprecated: …	Warning that something will be removed in a future version – not an error yet
PHP Warning: … failed to open stream	File missing or wrong permissions
Maximum execution time of 30 seconds exceeded	Script runs too long; raise max_execution_time or split the task

PHP extensions

The common extensions are already installed, including curl, gd (with WebP), imagick, intl, mbstring, zip, exif, sodium, bcmath, gmp, xsl, pdo_mysql, redis and the opcode cache opcache. With these, WordPress, WooCommerce, Joomla, Contao, Nextcloud apps and most frameworks run without extra work. If you are missing an extension, ask Support.

You can see which extensions are active via SSH with php -m or with a test file:

<?php phpinfo();

Put it in public_html as info.php, open it, and delete it immediately afterwards – it reveals many details about your website.

Cron jobs

You also create recurring tasks (e.g. sending newsletters, imports, WordPress cron) under Advanced → Developer tools. Enter the schedule and the command, for example:

php ~/public_html/cron.php

For WordPress see Scheduled tasks.

Frequently asked questions

Can I upload my own php.ini or .user.ini?

Use the php.ini editor in the web panel. Values set there reliably apply to the whole website. php_value lines in .htaccess are not a recommended way and can even cause an error 500.

Do I have to restart anything after a change?

No. Changes usually take effect after a few moments. Reload the page and check the value with phpinfo() or in WordPress under Werkzeuge (Tools) → Website-Zustand (Site Health) → Bericht (Info) → Server.

Does Nexthosting switch my PHP version automatically?

No, you choose your website’s version yourself. Keep your software up to date so that switching to a newer version works without problems if an older one is ever no longer offered.

Further reading

• Fixing WordPress problems
• Staging and cloning
• Error 500 and white screen
• Making your website faster