When you see the message “Looks like your PHP handler doesn’t support CloudLinux PHP Selector,” it means your web hosting environment isn't compatible with the CloudLinux PHP Selector. This error can occur when a user tries to use CloudLinux's features to select a different version of PHP, but the current PHP handler doesn't support this functionality.

CloudLinux is an OS specifically designed to increase the security and stability of shared hosting environments. One of its primary features is the PHP Selector, which allows users to choose the version of PHP they want to use for their websites. However, this feature is only compatible with certain PHP handlers.

The error indicates that the PHP handler installed on your server is not one of those that support PHP Selector.

Understanding CloudLinux PHP Selector

CloudLinux PHP Selector is a feature that allows each user to choose their preferred version of PHP for their website in a shared hosting environment. The selector helps ensure that users can use specific PHP versions that their applications require without needing administrator access to the server.

Common PHP versions that can be selected include PHP 5.6, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 8.0, and 8.1. This flexibility helps users manage compatibility issues and utilize features available only in specific versions of PHP.

The PHP Selector typically works with the following handlers:

• LSAPI (LiteSpeed API): A high-performance handler commonly used in CloudLinux.
• CGI (Common Gateway Interface): A traditional PHP handler.
• FastCGI: A variation of CGI that improves performance.
• Dso (mod_php): An older handler that can be compatible but less efficient than newer options.

Why Does This Error Occur?

The error "Looks like your PHP handler doesn't support CloudLinux PHP Selector" generally occurs for one or more of the following reasons:

• Incorrect PHP Handler: The PHP handler on your server might be set to one that isn't compatible with CloudLinux's PHP Selector. For example, if the handler is set to DSO, it may not work with the PHP Selector.

• Handler Misconfiguration: If the PHP handler is not configured correctly, CloudLinux may not recognize it as compatible with the PHP Selector.

• Outdated PHP Handlers: The PHP handler in use could be outdated and incompatible with CloudLinux's more recent PHP Selector features.

• Server Mismanagement: Shared hosting environments or misconfigured CloudLinux settings can also cause this error.

How to Fix the Error

There are several ways to resolve this issue and restore compatibility with CloudLinux PHP Selector. Here are the steps you should take:

Check the Current PHP Handler

1. Login to cPanel/WHM: If you're an administrator, you can check the current PHP handler through WHM (Web Host Manager).

2. Navigate to MultiPHP Manager: In WHM, go to the "MultiPHP Manager" option under the Software section. Here, you can see the current PHP version and handler in use.

3. Check PHP Handler: If the PHP handler is set to something like DSO or CGI, these handlers are often not compatible with PHP Selector. You should consider switching to LSAPI (LiteSpeed API) or FastCGI for compatibility.

Switch to Compatible PHP Handlers

To resolve the issue, switch to a PHP handler supported by CloudLinux PHP Selector:

1. Select PHP Handler (in WHM): From the "MultiPHP Manager" section in WHM, choose a compatible handler like LSAPI or FastCGI for each PHP version.

2. Configure PHP Selector in CloudLinux: Ensure that CloudLinux is properly configured to handle PHP Selector requests. This configuration is typically set in WHM under "CloudLinux LVE Manager."

Verify PHP Selector Installation

Ensure that the PHP Selector is properly installed and active on the server. If it’s not installed or has become inactive, you might need to reinstall CloudLinux or configure PHP Selector manually.

1. Reinstall CloudLinux: If the PHP Selector is missing or disabled, reinstalling CloudLinux might help.

2. Check for PHP Selector Updates: Ensure your CloudLinux server is running the latest version. CloudLinux periodically updates its PHP Selector, which might fix compatibility issues.

Contact Hosting Support

If you do not have administrator access to the server, you may need to contact your hosting provider’s support team. Inform them of the issue and ask if they can enable PHP Selector and configure it correctly for you.

1. Request PHP Handler Change: Ask your hosting provider to change your server’s PHP handler to a supported one (such as LSAPI or FastCGI).

2. Ask for PHP Selector Support: If the issue persists, request that they investigate the compatibility of CloudLinux and PHP Selector on your hosting environment.

Check for Conflicting Software

Ensure that no conflicting software or configuration is interfering with the PHP Selector.

1. Ensure No Conflicting PHP Handlers: Sometimes, using multiple handlers on the same server can cause issues. Ensure that only compatible PHP handlers are installed and active.

2. Update CloudLinux and PHP Versions: Ensure that your CloudLinux OS is up-to-date. Using an outdated version of PHP or CloudLinux may cause compatibility issues.

Best Practices to Prevent PHP Selector Issues

To prevent running into similar issues in the future, follow these best practices:

• Use a Supported PHP Handler: Always use PHP handlers like LSAPI or FastCGI, which are fully compatible with CloudLinux's PHP Selector.

• Update Your Software Regularly: Keep your PHP, CloudLinux, and web server software up-to-date to avoid compatibility issues and to take advantage of the latest features and security patches.

• Monitor Your Server: Regularly check server configurations and logs to ensure everything is running smoothly. This proactive approach helps prevent issues before they become critical.

• Avoid Downgrading PHP Versions: Downgrading your PHP version can cause compatibility issues with the PHP Selector. Stick to recommended versions unless necessary.

• Use a Custom PHP Configuration: If you need to use specific PHP settings, ensure your hosting provider allows customization for PHP configurations.