Custom PHP Settings Pro lets WordPress administrators review and change supported PHP settings from the dashboard. When you save with the option to update the configuration file enabled, the extension writes selected values to the file used by the server. That file must be writable by the webserver.

Choose the file for your PHP mode

When PHP runs as an Apache module, the plugin writes settings to .htaccess. In CGI or FastCGI mode, it uses the custom INI file named by the PHP configuration value user_ini.filename, commonly .user.ini. The PHP Information table shows the configured filename. The custom INI file should be in the website root where required, writable by the webserver, and blocked from public access.

The PHP Information table also shows user_ini.cache_ttl, which determines how long PHP may cache the custom INI file before reloading it. Changes can remain unapplied until that cache period expires.

Review the settings table

The table lists non-system PHP settings the plugin can customize. Modified settings appear in red, though red can also indicate a value changed elsewhere, such as through a customized php.ini, WordPress, or another plugin. For example, enabling WP_DEBUG in wp-config.php can affect the displayed error_reporting value. Directives marked PHP_INI_SYSTEM cannot be changed through the plugin.

Switch configurations and set environment variables

The Pro edition works with multiple named configurations, each with its own PHP settings. Select a saved configuration to apply its values to the relevant configuration file.

Custom environment variables are available when PHP runs as an Apache module and the plugin uses .htaccess. Apache's mod_env module must be enabled. The variables can then be accessed through the $_SERVER superglobal.

Check server access and setting effects

Confirm that the relevant .htaccess or custom INI file exists where required and is writable by the webserver. The webserver should block access to .user.ini.

Review each directive before applying it because an incorrect value can disrupt the site. For example, setting variables_order to EPCS omits the $_GET superglobal, while a very low post_max_size can prevent form data from reaching the server. If a bad value makes the site inaccessible, remove the plugin's marked entries from the relevant .htaccess or custom INI file.

Install and apply settings

Install and activate the plugin, then open its settings page in WordPress administration. Review the available settings, confirm the configuration file is writable, select the values you need, and check the option to update the configuration file before saving. Verify the result after PHP reloads the settings; a custom INI cache period may delay changes.