{"id":2085,"date":"2025-06-23T06:21:34","date_gmt":"2025-06-23T06:21:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/?p=2085"},"modified":"2025-06-26T08:13:39","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T08:13:39","slug":"how-to-change-php-handlers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/how-to-change-php-handlers\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is PHP Handler and How To Change PHP Handlers In WHM?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In this blog, we\u2019ll explain What Is PHP Handler and How To Change PHP Handlers In WHM (Web Host Manager) with a step-by-step visual guide. This is especially useful for system administrators or website owners managing VPS or dedicated servers using cPanel\/WHM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are running a website on a <a href=\"https:\/\/cpanel.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cPanel <\/a>server, understanding <strong>what is PHP handler<\/strong> and learning how to configure it correctly is essential for optimal performance and security. A PHP handler defines how Apache interacts with PHP scripts on your web server. Choosing the right one can significantly affect your site&#8217;s load time, resource usage, and compatibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a PHP Handler?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong>PHP Handler<\/strong> is a method by which Apache processes PHP files. It acts as a bridge between your web server and the PHP interpreter. There are several types of handlers, each with its own use case:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>CGI<\/strong>: Older and stable, but not the most performance-efficient.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>suPHP<\/strong>: Secure but slower. Ideal for shared environments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DSO (mod_php)<\/strong>: Fast, but runs PHP as Apache user (less secure).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>FCGI (FastCGI)<\/strong>: Recommended for performance and better resource management.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it matters:<\/strong> The wrong PHP handler can increase memory usage or cause permission issues. Choosing the right handler ensures stability, performance, and security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When Should You Change PHP Handlers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You&#8217;re migrating servers with a different PHP environment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You want to improve performance or reduce resource load.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your current handler is outdated or unsupported.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Specific PHP scripts or CMS platforms require a different handler.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>HostraGo Tip<\/strong>: If you&#8217;re unsure which handler to choose, consult with your web hosting provider. At <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hostrago.com\/\">HostraGo<\/a>, we assist clients in customizing PHP settings for optimal performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is PHP Handler and How To Change PHP Handlers In WHM (Step-by-Step Guide)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s walk through the exact process using WHM. Make sure you have root access to proceed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Log into WHM Panel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Navigate to your WHM login at <code>https:\/\/yourserverIP:2087<\/code>. Enter your root credentials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Search for \u201cMultiPHP Manager\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the left sidebar search bar, type <strong>&#8220;software&#8221;<\/strong> and find <strong>MultiPHP Manager<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"537\" src=\"https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Search-for-MultiPHP-Manager-1024x537.webp\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Search for \u201cMultiPHP Manager\u201d\" class=\"wp-image-2088\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Search-for-MultiPHP-Manager-1024x537.webp 1024w, https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Search-for-MultiPHP-Manager-300x157.webp 300w, https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Search-for-MultiPHP-Manager-768x403.webp 768w, https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Search-for-MultiPHP-Manager-1536x806.webp 1536w, https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Search-for-MultiPHP-Manager-2048x1075.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Open MultiPHP Manager<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Click on <strong>MultiPHP Manager<\/strong> to access the interface for PHP configuration. It allows you to assign different PHP versions and handlers to individual domains or globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Change the PHP Handler<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Click the dropdown menu under the <strong>PHP Handler<\/strong> column. Select from options like <code>cgi<\/code>, <code>fcgi<\/code>, or <code>suphp<\/code>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if you&#8217;re using <code>PHP 7.4<\/code>, and it&#8217;s set to <code>cgi<\/code>, you can change it to <code>fcgi<\/code> for better performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"625\" src=\"https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Change-the-PHP-Handler-1024x625.webp\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Change the PHP Handler\" class=\"wp-image-2087\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Change-the-PHP-Handler-1024x625.webp 1024w, https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Change-the-PHP-Handler-300x183.webp 300w, https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Change-the-PHP-Handler-768x468.webp 768w, https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Change-the-PHP-Handler-1536x937.webp 1536w, https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Change-the-PHP-Handler-2048x1249.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Apply Changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you select your preferred handler, changes are applied instantly. No need to reboot Apache. However, it&#8217;s good practice to test your site for compatibility after switching handlers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Practices When Changing PHP Handlers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Always backup your website before making configuration changes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Test on staging environment if possible.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monitor server load and performance post-change.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure compatibility with your web application (e.g., WordPress, Magento, Laravel).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Issues and Troubleshooting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>500 Internal Server Error<\/strong>: Usually due to permission conflict or .htaccess incompatibility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Slow performance after change<\/strong>: May need to switch to a more efficient handler like FCGI.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Script errors<\/strong>: Some scripts may depend on specific handlers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For quick assistance, visit our <a>Support Center<\/a> or raise a <a href=\"https:\/\/hostrago.com\/contact-us\/\">ticket<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding and managing What Is PHP Handler and How To Change PHP Handlers In WHM can significantly improve your hosting experience. Whether you&#8217;re running high-traffic sites or just starting with shared hosting, proper configuration matters. At <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hostrago.com\">HostraGo<\/a>, we provide flexible hosting solutions with full root access to help you control every aspect of your server.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this blog, we\u2019ll explain What Is PHP Handler and How To Change PHP Handlers In WHM (Web Host Manager) with a step-by-step visual guide&#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2086,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[26],"tags":[390,389,391,387,392,388],"class_list":["post-2085","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-whm","tag-change-php-handler-in-whm","tag-cpanel-server","tag-hosting-settings","tag-php-handler","tag-web-hosting-configuration","tag-whm-tutorial"],"menu_order":0,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2085","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2085"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2085\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2089,"href":"https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2085\/revisions\/2089"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2086"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2085"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2085"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hostrago.com\/knowledge-base\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2085"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}