cPanel MultiPHP INI Editor – Managing PHP settings

What is MultiPHP INI Editor

The MultiPHP INI Editor tool in cPanel lets you manage basic PHP settings, such as memory_limit, upload_max_filesize, post_max_size and max_execution_time.
It works by modifying php.ini or .user.ini files in each folder, applying local settings according to the PHP version in use.

This approach is mainly useful on Apache systems with EasyApache (ea-php), where PHP settings are managed through php.ini files.

In the Konet environment, however, MultiPHP INI Editor is neither needed nor recommended.


Why MultiPHP INI Editor is not needed in the Konet environment

Konet servers combine the following components:

This combination completely changes the way PHP settings are applied.

Instead of using php.ini or .user.ini files, CloudLinux and LiteSpeed apply the settings through .htaccess.
Changes made in MultiPHP INI Editor to php.ini or .user.ini files are simply not taken into account by the LiteSpeed handler (lsphp).

The actual, active PHP settings are the ones defined either:

  1. Through Select PHP Version (CloudLinux PHP Selector) → tab Options, or

  2. Through the .htaccess file with php_value and php_flag.


How PHP settings are applied correctly in the Konet environment

1) Through Select PHP Version

The Select PHP Version tool lets you choose the alt-php version and gives you access to the Options tab, where you set directly:

  • memory_limit

  • upload_max_filesize

  • max_execution_time

  • max_input_vars

  • post_max_size

  • display_errors, etc.

These changes take effect immediately and remain active as long as the selected alt-php version is active. The increased PHP limits also apply only with an alt-php version.

2) Through the .htaccess file

If you need a setting that is not available in the GUI, you can define it in .htaccess, e.g.:

php_value memory_limit 512M
php_value upload_max_filesize 64M
php_value post_max_size 64M
php_value max_execution_time 180

This is the recommended method for Konet users, because LiteSpeed reads PHP directives directly from .htaccess, not from php.ini or .user.ini.


Why editing php.ini and .user.ini is not supported

LiteSpeed Web Server, combined with CloudLinux, runs each account in an isolated environment (CageFS) and applies PHP settings per user through alt-php.
php.ini or .user.ini settings are bypassed because:

  • LiteSpeed's lsphp handlers do not use .user.ini files.

  • These changes are not read by CloudLinux's alt-php profiles.

  • All changes are applied faster and more safely through .htaccess or PHP Selector.

Therefore, MultiPHP INI Editor is visible in cPanel only for compatibility reasons, but it should not be used.


Example of correct settings in .htaccess

If you need to change PHP values, you can use examples such as:

# Increase memory limit
php_value memory_limit 512M

# Increase allowed upload size
php_value upload_max_filesize 128M
php_value post_max_size 128M

# Script execution time
php_value max_execution_time 180
php_value max_input_time 180

These directives take effect immediately in LiteSpeed, without requiring a restart or access to php.ini.


Advantages of the .htaccess method over php.ini

  • Changes take effect immediately.

  • They apply per folder (locally, per directory).

  • They do not require root or global privileges.

  • They work fully with the LiteSpeed + CloudLinux + cPanel stack.

  • There is no risk of conflicting settings between alt-php users.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Should I change settings from MultiPHP INI Editor?
No. Changes you make there have no effect in the Konet environment.

Where do I change PHP values?
From Select PHP Version → Options tab, or in the .htaccess file.

Why does MultiPHP INI Editor appear in cPanel?
It is there for compatibility reasons, because it is a standard cPanel tool. However, its settings apply only to Apache environments with ea-php.

Can I create my own php.ini?
No. php.ini settings are not read by the LiteSpeed handler. Directives in .htaccess are the recommended method.


Conclusion

The MultiPHP INI Editor tool in cPanel is intended for Apache environments with ea-php and has no practical value on Konet servers, which use LiteSpeed Enterprise Web Server and CloudLinux OS.
PHP settings are applied exclusively through CloudLinux PHP Selector or the .htaccess file, offering speed, flexibility and full compatibility with lsphp.

This way, the Konet environment stays stable, secure and optimized, ensuring the best possible results for every website.

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