# Change PHP Version in FlyWP Site

Source: https://flywp.com/docs/site/configurations/php-version-change/

This guide explains how to update the PHP version for a site in FlyWP.

### Navigate to Site Settings

![Screenshot 2026 04 01 at 13.18.40](https://flywp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-01-at-13.18.40-1024x945.png)

1. Log in to your FlyWP dashboard
2. Go to **Sites**
3. Select the target site
4. Click on **Settings** from the left sidebar
5. Open the **PHP Settings** tab

![Screenshot](https://flywp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-01-at-13.17.36.jpg)

### Change PHP Version

1. Locate the **PHP Version** dropdown
2. Select the desired version (e.g., 8.1, 8.2, etc.) and click on Save.

![Screenshot](https://flywp.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-01-at-13.19.02.jpg)

FlyWP will automatically reconfigure PHP-FPM for the selected version.

### Important Considerations

#### Compatibility

- Ensure your application (e.g., WordPress, plugins, themes) supports the selected PHP version
- Upgrading to PHP 8.x can break outdated plugins

#### Performance

- Newer PHP versions (8.3/8.4) offer better performance and lower memory usage
- Recommended for production unless compatibility issues exist

#### Downgrade Risks

- Downgrading PHP may cause fatal errors if code uses newer features
- Always test before switching in production

### Recommended Workflow (Production)

1. Clone site to staging
2. Change PHP version on staging
3. Test critical functionality
4. Apply the same change to production

### Verification

After switching:

- Check site loads correctly
- Review error logs (Logs tab in FlyWP)
- Verify WP Admin access
- Monitor performance

### Troubleshooting

- **White screen / 500 error** → check PHP error logs
- **Plugin errors** → disable incompatible plugins
- **Composer apps** → run dependency updates if needed

### Best Practice

- Use PHP **8.2** unless you have legacy constraints
- Keep PHP version aligned with your stack and framework requirements
- Periodically review and upgrade