Different websites and applications may require different PHP versions. Plesk lets you switch the PHP version for each domain individually, so you can run a modern site on PHP 8.3 while keeping an older application on PHP 7.4 on the same server. This guide covers changing the PHP version and handler type for a single domain.

## Step 1: change the PHP version

1. Log in to your **Plesk control panel**.
2. Go to **Websites & Domains**.
3. Find the domain you want to configure, then click the **PHP** link (on the domain card, next to the current PHP version number).
4. Make sure **PHP support** is enabled (checkbox should be ticked).
5. Select the desired **PHP version** from the dropdown menu (e.g., 8.1, 8.2, 8.3).
6. Select the **handler type** — we recommend **FPM application served by nginx** for best performance.
7. Click **OK**.

## Step 2: verify the change

1. Go back to **Websites & Domains**.
2. Check the domain card — the PHP version number should now show the new version next to the PHP icon.
3. Visit your website to make sure it loads correctly.

For a more detailed check, click the **PHP** link again and then click **View the phpinfo() page** at the bottom. This shows all PHP configuration details for the domain.

## Understanding PHP handler types

The handler type controls how PHP processes requests. Here is a quick comparison:

- **FPM application served by nginx** — best performance, lowest memory use, recommended for most sites
- **FPM application served by Apache** — good performance, uses Apache to serve PHP
- **FastCGI application** — good balance of performance and compatibility
- **Apache module** — highest memory use, simplest setup, not recommended for shared hosting

## Important notes

- PHP version changes take effect almost immediately. If your site shows errors, switch back to the previous version right away.
- The available PHP versions depend on what your hosting provider has installed on the server. If a version you need is missing, contact support.
- PHP 7.x has reached end of life and no longer receives security updates. Upgrade to PHP 8.x if your application supports it.
- WordPress currently requires at least PHP 7.4, but PHP 8.2 or higher is recommended for best performance and security.
- Each domain and subdomain can use a different PHP version. Subdomains inherit settings from their parent domain unless you change them separately.

## Troubleshooting

- **Website shows a 500 error after changing PHP version?** Switch back to the previous version immediately. Your application or plugins may not be compatible with the new version.
- **White screen of death?** Same as above — revert the PHP version and check your application compatibility requirements.
- **Desired PHP version not in the dropdown?** Your hosting provider has not installed that version. Open a support ticket to request it.
- **Cannot find the PHP link on the domain card?** You may be in Service Provider view. Switch to Power User view, or go to **Websites & Domains** > the domain > **Hosting & DNS** > **PHP Settings**.
- **Changes not taking effect?** Clear your website cache (if using a caching plugin or CDN) and try again. PHP handler changes may take a minute to propagate.

### Related Guides

- [Adjust PHP settings](/hc/help/en/articles/how-to-change-php-settings-in-plesk)
- [For WordPress](/hc/help/en/articles/how-to-install-wordpress-using-wp-toolkit-in-plesk)
- [For a Node.js app](/hc/help/en/articles/how-to-set-up-a-node-js-application-in-plesk)