Changing the PHP version for a specific directory

By default, when you set the PHP version in cPanel using the PHP Selector, that version applies to your entire hosting account. However, on ruachost.com, you can configure a different PHP version for a specific directory using a .htaccess file.

Why Change PHP Version Per Directory?

• Run applications that require different PHP versions side‑by‑side.

• Test compatibility with newer PHP versions without affecting your whole site.

• Maintain legacy scripts while upgrading other parts of your application.

Requirements

• Your account must be hosted on servers running CloudLinux.

• Applies to:

  • Shared hosting accounts

  • Reseller hosting accounts

  • Turbo Web hosting accounts

  • Managed VPS and Dedicated servers activated May 2023 or later

Steps to Change PHP Version for a Directory

Step 1: Create/Edit the .htaccess File

1. Navigate to the directory where you want to use a different PHP version.

2. Create a file named .htaccess (or edit the existing one).

Step 2: Add the Handler Code

Insert the following code into the .htaccess file:

<FilesMatch ".(php4|php5|php3|php2|php|phtml)$">
    SetHandler application/x-httpd-alt-phpXX___lsphp
</FilesMatch>

• Replace XX with the desired PHP version number (without the dot).

  • Example: For PHP 8.1 → php81

  • Example: For PHP 7.4 → php74

Step 3: Save the File

• Save the .htaccess file in the target directory.

• The new PHP version takes effect immediately.

Step 4: Verify the Configuration

1. Create a test file named info.php in the same directory:

   <?php phpinfo(); ?>
   

2. Visit http://yourdomain.com/directory/info.php.

3. Confirm the PHP version displayed matches your intended version.

4. Delete the test file afterward for security.