Shared hosting
How do I check PHP support on shared hosting?
Short answer
Look in your hosting control panel for the PHP version setting, or temporarily upload a small phpinfo file to see the running version and extensions. Compare that with what your software requires and with the PHP versions still receiving security support.
What changes the answer
- PHP version your application requires
- Extensions and memory limits the host enables
- Whether the version is still receiving security support
Find the version in use
Many shared plans let you pick a PHP version in the control panel. If yours does not, ask the host, or temporarily upload a file that calls phpinfo(). It prints the running version, the loaded extensions and limits such as memory and upload size. Delete the file immediately afterwards, because it exposes details about your server to anyone who can load the URL.
Compare it with what you need
Check the PHP and database versions your application requires. WordPress, for example, publishes its software requirements on its own site. A host running an older PHP than your software supports can break updates or plugins, and a version newer than an old plugin supports can break it in the opposite direction. Test on a copy of the site before changing versions on the live one.
Check that the version is still supported
The PHP project publishes which release branches are actively supported, which receive security fixes only, and which have reached end of life. Running an end-of-life branch means the PHP project no longer provides security fixes for it, so prefer a supported branch if your software allows it. Hosts may backport fixes or label versions differently, so use the host's documentation as well.
Check extensions and limits
Some applications need particular extensions or higher limits for memory, execution time or upload size. The phpinfo output lists what is loaded. If something is missing, ask support whether it can be enabled on your plan.
If the host cannot provide what you need
If a required version or extension is unavailable, compare other plans or consider a VPS. The requirements wizard can help you list what your application needs before you contact a provider.
Keep a record
Note the PHP version, extension list and limits you find, together with the date. When you contact support or compare a new plan, that record shows exactly what your site ran on. Check again after any upgrade the host announces, because hosts can change defaults over time.