Hi, first thing you need to check php version you are using. You can check using php info. This explanation is based on dreamhost that I'm using. You can check with your hosting.
Create a info.php file and add this code with any name.
<?php phpinfo(); ?>
save this code and open your browser yourdomain.com/info.php. You will see .php information you are using. Scroll, the page and search for zend engine. This, is where you can see the ioncube loader installed or not.
2, you need to find your phprc file in your hosting / server, usually located inside .php folder. Inside the .php folder you will see a bunch of folder. Open the folder based on your php version. I'm using 8.2.
3, go to ioncube website and download the latest file. Make sure ioncube version is same with your server / host version. I placed ioncube folder inside /home/username/<ioncube loaders>
4, supposing you already find your .php folder. Go into php version in .php folder, e.g. 8.2 folder. Inside there is file name phprc. Edit the phprc, and insert this line:
zend_extension = /home/username/ioncube/ioncube_loader_lin_8.2.so
(i'm using 8.2 version because php version is 8.2) and save.
5, you can check ioncube loaders is working or not using yourdomain.com/info.php, and scroll to zend engine information. You will see info for ioncube loaders shown with the ionCube PHP Loader v13.0.2, Copyright (c) 2002-2023, by ionCube Ltd.. If you don't see it, you can check the phprc file and zend extension address.
You can also search youtube to learn how to install the ioncube loaders. Not everyone have same hosting or server.