Changing PHP Version via .htaccess on Shared Server

If you're operating a shared server and need to change the PHP version, it's possible to do so through the .htaccess file. This allows you to run a specific PHP version for your website while the server maintains its default version.

To switch PHP versions, follow these steps:

1. Locate the .htaccess file: This file is usually found in the root directory of your website. If it doesn't exist, create a new one and name it ".htaccess".
2. Add the following code: Paste the appropriate code depending on the PHP version you want to switch to.

# To switch to PHP 4.4:
AddHandler application/x-httpd-php4 .php

# To switch to PHP 5.0:
AddHandler application/x-httpd-php5 .php

# To switch to PHP 5.1:
AddHandler application/x-httpd-php51 .php

# To switch to PHP 5.2:
AddHandler application/x-httpd-php52 .php

# To switch to PHP 5.3:
AddHandler application/x-httpd-php53 .php

# To switch to PHP 5.4:
AddHandler application/x-httpd-php54 .php

# To switch to PHP 5.5:
AddHandler application/x-httpd-php55 .php

# To switch to PHP 5.6:
AddHandler application/x-httpd-php56 .php

# To switch to PHP 7:
AddHandler application/x-httpd-php7 .php

# To switch to PHP 7.1:
AddHandler application/x-httpd-php71 .php

3. Save and upload: Save the .htaccess file. Make sure to upload it to the correct location on your server.
4. Verify: Check the PHP version by creating a PHP file with a command like . Visit the page in your browser to confirm the correct version is in use.