PHP reads its settings once, when it starts. If you change a PHP setting (in cPanel's MultiPHP INI Editor, a .user.ini or php.ini file) and your site still behaves the old way, PHP is probably still running from before the change. Restarting it takes a few seconds and doesn't take your site offline.
Restart PHP from File Manager
- Log in to cPanel and open File Manager.
- Go to your home folder (the folder above
public_html, shown as/home/yourusername). - Click + File and name the new file
.lsphp_restart.txt(with the dot at the start). - That's it. Within a few seconds PHP stops, and the next visit to your site starts it fresh with your new settings.
- Once your site is behaving with the new settings, delete the file (tick it and click Delete). It has done its job, and removing it keeps things tidy. If you need another restart later, just create it again.
Can't see the file?
Files starting with a dot are hidden. In File Manager click Settings (top right) and tick Show Hidden Files.
Is it safe?
Yes. It only restarts PHP for your own account, and only the requests running at that exact moment are affected. Nothing is deleted and no settings change.
Still stuck? Open a ticket and we'll take a look.