PHP-FPM (FastCGI Process Manager) is a high-performance PHP handler designed to handle heavy traffic websites efficiently. Unlike the traditional suPHP or CGI handlers, PHP-FPM offers better speed, lower memory usage, and improved control over PHP processes.
If your website runs on WordPress, Joomla, Laravel, or other PHP-based applications, enabling PHP-FPM in cPanel can greatly improve performance and stability.
Benefits of Using PHP-FPM
Faster Performance – Handles high loads with lower response time.
Reduced Resource Usage – Manages PHP processes efficiently.
Better Security – Isolates PHP processes per user or domain.
Fine-Tuned Control – Supports per-domain PHP configurations.
Enabling PHP-FPM in cPanel
Step 1: Log in to cPanel
Go to your domain’s cPanel login page.
Enter your username and password to access the dashboard.
Step 2: Navigate to “MultiPHP Manager”
In the cPanel goto MultiPHP Manager.
Open it – this tool lets you manage PHP versions and handlers per domain.
Step 3: Enable PHP-FPM for Your Domain
Locate the domain you want to optimize.
Under the PHP-FPM column, tick the checkbox.
Click “Enable PHP-FPM”.
Your domain is now running PHP-FPM instead of the default PHP handler.
Step 3: Enable PHP-FPM for Your Domain
Locate the domain you want to optimize.
Under the PHP-FPM column, tick the checkbox.
Click “Enable PHP-FPM”.
Your domain is now running PHP-FPM instead of the default PHP handler.
Adjusting PHP-FPM Settings
Step 1: Open “MultiPHP INI Editor”
From cPanel, search for MultiPHP INI Editor.
Select your domain.
Step 2: Configure PHP Settings
Here, you can adjust values such as:
memory_limit – Maximum memory a script can use.
upload_max_filesize – Maximum file size allowed for uploads.
post_max_size – Max size of POST data (important for forms).
max_execution_time – How long scripts can run before timeout.
Save changes to apply.
Step 3: Fine-Tuning PHP-FPM Pools (Advanced – WHM Users)
If you have root/WHM access, you can fine-tune PHP-FPM pool options:
Log in to WHM.
Go to MultiPHP Manager → System PHP-FPM Configuration.
Adjust settings such as:
pm.max_children – Max PHP processes.
pm.max_requests – Number of requests per process.
pm.start_servers – Number of PHP-FPM workers started initially.
This helps optimize server performance for high-traffic websites.
Troubleshooting PHP-FPM Issues
Website Not Loading After Enabling PHP-FPM
Disable PHP-FPM temporarily in MultiPHP Manager and test.
Ensure correct PHP version is set.
500 Internal Server Error
Check error logs:
Adjust PHP settings if limits are too low.
High Resource Usage
Fine-tune pool settings (if you have WHM/root access).
Optimize your application (database queries, caching).
Best Practices for Using PHP-FPM
Always pair PHP-FPM with the latest stable PHP version.
Enable OPcache for better PHP performance.
Monitor Resource Usage in cPanel to ensure stable operation.
For high-traffic sites, fine-tune pm.max_children and related settings.
Restart PHP-FPM from WHM if you encounter stuck processes.
Using PHP-FPM with cPanel is one of the easiest ways to enhance website performance, reduce server load, and handle more concurrent users without issues. With just a few clicks in cPanel’s MultiPHP Manager, you can enable PHP-FPM for your domain and enjoy faster, more reliable hosting.
For advanced optimization, WHM users can fine-tune PHP-FPM pool settings to achieve the perfect balance between performance and resource usage.