How do I change my Faaaster site's PHP version?
The PHP version is set from the site's Server tab, Runtime environment section, PHP engine row. The Edit button opens the version picker.
Faaaster recommends PHP 8.2 or later.
Changing version
- Open the site, Server tab.
- Runtime environment section, PHP engine row.
- Click Edit, choose the version in the Switch PHP Version window, then click Apply.
With the Viewer role, you can view the Server tab but its settings are grayed out.
Before changing major version, create a backup and check that your plugins and theme are compatible. A version jump can break a site that uses old code.
Server environment
The Server environment row, just below, reads: "Aligns the system image (nginx, PHP, extensions) with the latest available version." The Update button applies it.
Available versions
PHP 5.6, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 and 8.5.
Versions 5.6 to 7.4 carry the end of life badge on the PHP engine row: they haven't received security fixes for years and are only there for older sites waiting to be upgraded. Faaaster recommends 8.2 or later.
Does the site restart?
Not always. Before applying, the version change window shows one of these two messages:
- usually on the live production site, outside the Dev plan: "Your site stays online while the update is applied: the new configuration is prepared alongside it, then the site switches over (about 5 minutes). If switching over without downtime isn’t possible, the site restarts briefly.";
- otherwise — development environment, site on the Dev plan, stopped site or site hosted on the legacy infrastructure: "Configuration changes will be applied after a restart. Your site might be unavailable for a few minutes."
The Update button on the Server environment row follows the same rule.
Pick your moment. An off-peak hour, never right before a sales event or an expected traffic spike.
👉 How do I restart my site? · How do I back up and restore a site?
Updated on: 10/03/2026
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