Ever noticed your WordPress site running slower or certain plugins not working as expected? Updating your PHP version could be the key to better performance and security. Many site owners overlook this simple yet powerful way to keep their websites secure and up-to-date.
In this article, you’ll discover exactly how to update PHP in WordPress. We’ll walk you through the steps, share essential tips, and help you enjoy a smoother, safer website experience.
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How to Update PHP in WordPress: Step-by-Step Guide for a Faster, Safer Website
Updating the PHP version on your WordPress site is a critical task that enhances performance, improves security, and ensures compatibility with modern plugins and themes. If you’re unsure about how to approach this update or worried about things breaking, don’t worry. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to safely update PHP in WordPress, why it matters, and what to expect along the way.
Why Updating PHP in WordPress Matters
PHP is the underlying programming language that powers WordPress. Just like any software, newer versions of PHP provide:
- Better security: Older versions are vulnerable to exploits and bugs.
- Improved speed: Each update typically comes with performance enhancements, sometimes making your site run noticeably faster.
- Greater compatibility: Many plugins and themes require newer PHP versions to work correctly.
- Future-proofing: Updating PHP ensures your website remains functional and secure as WordPress evolves.
Neglecting PHP updates can result in outdated code, which may cause errors, slower load times, or even make your site more vulnerable to hackers.
Step-by-Step: How to Update PHP in WordPress
Let’s break down the process into clear, manageable steps. While the exact method depends on your hosting provider, the core steps remain similar across the board.
1. Check Your Current PHP Version
Before making changes, find out which PHP version your WordPress site is currently using.
- Log into your WordPress dashboard.
- Go to Tools > Site Health.
- Click on the Info tab, and expand the Server section.
- Check the ‘PHP version’ entry.
Most hosts offer PHP 7.4, 8.0, 8.1 or newer, but if you’re below 7.4, an upgrade is urgent.
2. Review Compatibility of Plugins and Themes
Upgrading PHP can expose code that isn’t prepared for newer versions. To prevent problems:
- Ensure WordPress core, themes, and plugins are all updated.
- Check compatibility information for essential plugins and your current theme on their info pages or documentation.
- Consider disabling or replacing older plugins/themes that haven’t been updated in years.
3. Back Up Your Website
Always back up your site before making technical changes. This is your safety net in case anything goes wrong.
- Use your hosting control panel’s backup tool, or
- Install a backup plugin like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy to create full backups of your files and database.
- Download a copy of the backup to your computer if possible.
4. Update PHP Version via Your Hosting Provider
How you update PHP depends on your host. Here’s a general approach used by popular hosts:
a. Access Your Hosting Control Panel
- Common control panels are cPanel, Plesk, or a custom dashboard.
- Log in using your hosting account.
b. Locate the PHP Version Manager
- In cPanel, find “Select PHP Version” or “MultiPHP Manager.”
- With custom dashboards (like most managed WordPress hosts), look for “PHP Settings,” “Site Settings,” or similar.
c. Change the PHP Version
- Choose the desired PHP version (PHP 8.1 or above is typically recommended).
- Apply changes to the domain/subdomain running your WordPress site.
d. Wait for the Update
- Updates are typically instant, but some providers may require a few minutes or a confirmation step.
5. Test Your Website Thoroughly
After updating PHP, you need to make sure everything works as expected:
- Visit your homepage and a few inner pages.
- Test vital features — contact forms, shopping carts, logins, etc.
- In your WordPress dashboard, check for errors or compatibility warnings.
- If your site breaks, restore your backup or switch back to the previous PHP version and investigate which plugin/theme caused the issue.
Benefits of Updating PHP in WordPress
Here are some key reasons why you should keep your PHP version updated:
- Stronger security: Protect your site from known vulnerabilities.
- Faster website speed: Latest PHP versions can dramatically increase page load times.
- Reduced conflicts and errors: Ensures plugins and themes work smoothly.
- Better SEO: Faster and more stable sites rank better in search engines.
- Access to modern features: Enables site owners and developers to use advanced functionality.
Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them
While updating PHP is usually safe, there are some challenges. Here’s what to watch for:
- Plugin/theme incompatibility: Outdated components may not work with newer PHP. Solution: always update or replace problematic items.
- White screen or fatal errors: If things go wrong, revert to the previous PHP version and troubleshoot by disabling recently added/updated items.
- Host limitations: Some older or budget hosts may delay offering the latest PHP versions. Solution: consider switching to a modern, reputable hosting provider.
- Lack of backups: Never skip creating a backup before making PHP changes!
Practical Tips and Best Practices
- Schedule updates during low-traffic periods to minimize disruption.
- Use a staging site if your host offers it. This lets you test updates in a safe sandbox environment.
- Keep everything updated — WordPress, plugins, themes, and PHP.
- Regularly check site health using WordPress’s built-in tools.
- Ask your host for help if you’re unsure about changing PHP or something doesn’t look right.
- Defer to managed hosting if you prefer the host to take care of PHP updates automatically.
Cost Tips for Updating PHP
- Updating PHP itself does not involve any extra shipping or upgrade costs through reputable hosts — it’s included in your hosting service.
- Beware of cheap hosts that are slow to provide the latest PHP versions; this can cost you more due to security risks and poor performance.
- If replacing incompatible plugins or themes, consider free alternatives before paying for premium versions.
- Backups can be done for free with many plugins, but some advanced features (like automated backup scheduling) may require a paid solution.
Conclusion
Updating PHP in WordPress is one of the smartest things you can do for your website’s security, performance, and long-term reliability. The upgrade process is straightforward, especially with a good backup and a bit of preparation. By following the steps above and adopting best practices, you’ll benefit from a faster, safer, and more future-proof WordPress site.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I update the PHP version on my WordPress site?
Ideally, you should review your PHP version every few months and upgrade when new stable releases are available and widely supported by your plugins and themes.
Will updating PHP break my WordPress site?
Most modern, up-to-date sites have no issues. However, outdated plugins or themes may not be compatible. Always back up your site first so you can easily roll back if there’s a problem.
Do I need a developer to update PHP for me?
Most users with basic technical skills can update PHP via their hosting panel. If you feel unsure or run a business-critical site, it’s wise to ask your host or a developer for assistance.
What’s the safest PHP version to use with WordPress?
As of now, PHP 8.1 or higher is recommended. Older versions, like 7.4, no longer receive active support or security updates. Always check compatibility with your plugins and themes first.
Can I update PHP directly from the WordPress dashboard?
No. While WordPress can alert you if your PHP is outdated, the actual update is done through your hosting control panel or by contacting your hosting provider for help.
Regularly updating PHP keeps your WordPress site healthy and lets you enjoy the very best the platform has to offer. Take the plunge — your website (and visitors) will thank you!