---
url: /phonepe-whmcs/requirements.md
description: >-
  What your server and WHMCS install need before you run PhonePe for WHMCS —
  PHP, WHMCS, the ionCube Loader, the curl/openssl/json extensions, SSL, a
  PhonePe Business account and an active license, with how to check each one.
---

# Requirements

Verify that your server and hosting environment meet the requirements below before installing PhonePe for WHMCS. The gateway requires **ionCube Loader** to execute encoded module files.

## Server and software

| Requirement | Details |
| --- | --- |
| **PHP** | 8.2 or newer (runs on 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 and 8.5) |
| **WHMCS** | 8.13 or newer, or 9.x |
| **ionCube Loader** | 13.0.2 or newer (see below) |
| **PHP extensions** | `curl`, `openssl`, `json` |
| **SSL certificate** | Required for the webhook endpoint |
| **A PhonePe Business account** | KYC-verified, with API credentials |
| **License** | An active PhonePe for WHMCS license |

## The ionCube Loader

PhonePe for WHMCS ships as an ionCube-encoded package. Because WHMCS itself requires the ionCube Loader, standard WHMCS hosting environments usually have it pre-installed.

* **Minimum loader:** ionCube Loader 13.0.2 or newer.
* **PHP version alignment:** PHP 8.2 uses loader 13.0.2+, PHP 8.3 uses 14.4.0+, and PHP 8.4+ uses 15.x.
* **Compatibility:** A single encoded build runs across all supported PHP and loader versions without separate packages.

::: danger ionCube Loader required
The gateway cannot execute without ionCube Loader:

* **Impact:** Missing or outdated (< 13.0.2) loaders prevent module activation and payment processing.
* **Action:** Enable **ionCube Loader 13.0.2 or newer** in your hosting control panel or request activation from your host.
  :::

## Why a PhonePe account and SSL

* **PhonePe Business account:** Requires verified **KYC** status to generate production **Client ID** and **Client Secret** credentials (see [PhonePe setup](/phonepe-whmcs/guides/phonepe-setup)).
* **HTTPS / SSL:** PhonePe webhooks require a valid SSL certificate to deliver real-time payment status notifications to your WHMCS domain.

::: info Webhook role
Webhooks deliver real-time payment updates from PhonePe to WHMCS:

* **Instant updates:** Invoices mark Paid immediately upon successful transaction completion.
* **Dual verification:** The gateway validates incoming signatures and confirms status against PhonePe's API before updating records.
  :::

## Why a license

PhonePe for WHMCS requires an active relyweb.co license key entered under gateway settings. The license gates payment processing: while inactive, PhonePe checkouts are disabled. See [Licensing](/phonepe-whmcs/licensing).

## How to check

You don't need to guess at any of this:

* **PHP version and extensions:** Navigate to **Utilities → System → PHP Info** in WHMCS admin. Confirm PHP 8.2+ and verify `curl`, `openssl`, and `json` extensions are enabled.
* **ionCube Loader:** Check the same **PHP Info** page to verify ionCube Loader version (13.0.2+).
* **WHMCS version:** Check the admin panel footer or navigate to **Help → System Health Status** (8.13+ or 9.x required).
* **SSL certificate:** Confirm your WHMCS portal loads securely over `https://` with a valid certificate.

::: tip Ready to install?
Once your server checks out, head to [Installation](/phonepe-whmcs/installation) for the
step-by-step activation walkthrough.
:::

## Related pages

* [PhonePe setup](/phonepe-whmcs/guides/phonepe-setup) — business account, credentials, webhook
* [Installation](/phonepe-whmcs/installation) — upload, activate, configure
* [Configuration](/phonepe-whmcs/configuration) — the gateway fields explained
* [Licensing](/phonepe-whmcs/licensing) — how the license types work