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How to Upgrade PHP on WordPress: Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by William Zheng

Is your WordPress site running slower than you’d like, or are you seeing prompts to update your PHP version? Upgrading PHP isn’t just another tech task—it’s a key move to boost your website’s speed, security, and compatibility with new plugins and themes.

If you’re unsure where to start, you’re not alone. This article breaks down the why and how of upgrading PHP on WordPress, guiding you with clear steps and practical tips to keep your site running smoothly.

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How to Upgrade PHP on WordPress: Step-by-Step Guide for a Faster, Safer Website

Keeping your WordPress site running smoothly and securely is a top priority. One crucial but often overlooked aspect is upgrading your PHP version. PHP is the programming language that powers your WordPress site. Ensuring it’s up-to-date is vital for security, speed, and compatibility. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about upgrading PHP on WordPress, breaking it down into simple, actionable steps.

Why Upgrading PHP Matters for WordPress

Before we get into the step-by-step process, it’s important to know why this update is so critical. Here’s what updating PHP brings to your website:

  • Improved Security: Newer PHP versions patch vulnerabilities, making your site harder to hack.
  • Better Performance: Up-to-date PHP runs faster, delivering a smoother experience for your visitors.
  • Compatibility: Many plugins and themes require the latest PHP versions to function correctly.
  • Stability: Fewer errors mean less downtime and fewer headaches.

Regular updates are a key part of responsible website management.

Step 1: Check Your WordPress Site’s Current PHP Version

First, let’s see which PHP version your site is using.

How to Check Your PHP Version

Most web hosts offer tools to check this, but here are two easy methods:

  1. Use the WordPress Site Health Tool
  2. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
  3. Click on “Tools” > “Site Health.”
  4. Switch to the “Info” tab and expand the “Server” section.

  5. You’ll see your current PHP version listed.

  6. Check in Your Hosting Control Panel

  7. Log in to your hosting control panel (such as cPanel, Plesk, or a custom dashboard).
  8. Look for sections like “Software” or “Server Information” to find your PHP version.

Knowing where you stand helps you plan your upgrade.

Step 2: Back Up Your Website

Upgrading PHP is usually smooth, but it’s always wise to back up your site first.

How to Back Up WordPress

  • Use a Plugin: Reliable plugins like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, or Duplicator make backups easy.
  • Manual Backups: Download your site files (via FTP or your hosting file manager) and export the database.
  • Hosting Backup Tools: Many hosts offer easy one-click backups—just check your dashboard.

A backup ensures you can restore your site if anything goes wrong.

Step 3: Check Plugin and Theme Compatibility

Not all plugins and themes are updated to support the latest PHP versions. Avoid surprises by reviewing compatibility.

What to Do

  1. Update Plugins and Themes:
  2. Go to your WordPress dashboard.

  3. Update all plugins and themes to their latest versions.

  4. Check Compatibility:

  5. Visit the plugin or theme pages for notes on PHP support.

  6. Use compatibility-checker plugins if available (many security or management plugins offer this).

  7. Deactivate and Test:

  8. Temporarily deactivate any outdated or rarely-used plugins.
  9. Consider contacting developers of critical plugins if you’re unsure about compatibility.

Address compatibility issues before upgrading PHP.

Step 4: Locate the PHP Version Manager in Your Hosting Control Panel

Most hosts make changing your PHP version straightforward.

Common Control Panels and What to Look For

  • cPanel: Look for “Select PHP Version” or “MultiPHP Manager.”
  • Plesk: Check for “PHP Settings” in your site’s control panel.
  • Custom Dashboards: Your host may have a tool labeled “PHP Settings,” “PHP Version,” or something similar.

If you’re not sure where to look, a quick search in your provider’s documentation or help area often helps.

Step 5: Upgrade PHP Version

Now for the main event—let’s upgrade your PHP version!

Typical Steps

  1. Log in to Your Hosting Control Panel.
  2. Find the PHP Version Selector.
  3. Choose the Latest Stable Version.
    • Unless specified by a plugin or theme, aim for the highest available version (as of 2024, that might be PHP 8.x or newer).
  4. Apply/Save Changes.
    • Changes often take effect immediately, but some hosts might require a few minutes or a server restart.

Important: Do not choose “beta” or “unstable” PHP versions for your live site.

Step 6: Test Your Website Thoroughly

After upgrading, make sure everything works as expected.

What to Check

  • Browse Popular Pages: Visit the homepage, blog posts, product pages, and checkout (if using e-commerce).
  • Test Forms and Plugins: Ensure contact forms, galleries, or special features work.
  • Check the Admin Area: Make sure the dashboard loads and settings are accessible.

If problems appear:

  • Restore your backup if necessary.
  • Switch back to the previous PHP version temporarily.
  • Troubleshoot by disabling problematic plugins or contacting their developers.

Practical Tips and Best Practices

Upgrading PHP can be simple when you follow these best practices:

  • Always Back Up First: Never skip this crucial safety net.
  • Update WordPress Core: Keeping WordPress itself updated ensures full compatibility with new PHP versions.
  • Use Staging Environments: Many hosts offer a staging site feature. Test your upgrade here before applying changes to your live site.
  • Keep Track of Plugin/Theme Updates: Set a regular schedule to update all your site’s components.
  • Contact Your Host’s Support: If unsure, your hosting provider’s help desk can usually guide you or even handle the upgrade for you.

Benefits of Upgrading PHP on Your WordPress Site

Let’s summarize the many advantages:

  • Better Security: Close vulnerabilities and keep hackers at bay.
  • Faster Performance: Quicker page loads improve SEO and visitor satisfaction.
  • Fewer Bugs: Bug fixes in newer PHP versions mean more stable operation.
  • Access to Modern Plugins/Themes: Many developers require or recommend current PHP versions.
  • Long-Term Support: Old PHP versions eventually lose support, leaving you at risk.

Investing a small amount of time to upgrade can pay off significantly.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Upgrading PHP isn’t always seamless, especially with older sites or lots of legacy plugins. Here’s what to watch for:

  • Plugin/Theme Conflicts: Outdated add-ons may break. Fix: Replace them or ask developers for updates.
  • White Screen of Death: If your site goes blank post-upgrade, revert to the previous PHP version and troubleshoot.
  • Deprecated Functions: Some custom code may use functions removed in newer PHP. Update or rewrite these sections.
  • Limited Host Support: Rarely, some shared hosting environments limit which PHP versions you can select. In that case, consider upgrading your hosting plan or switching providers.

Most challenges can be managed by staying prepared and following the steps above.

Cost Considerations

Upgrading PHP itself is free—there’s no charge to use the latest version from your hosting company.

However, keep in mind:

  • If your host doesn’t offer newer PHP versions, you might need a different plan or provider.
  • Upgrading custom plugins or themes may incur developer costs if they need to be rewritten.
  • Some managed WordPress hosts offer automatic PHP upgrades, often included in your hosting fees.

So, while the upgrade process is usually cost-free, be aware of potential upgrade-related expenses, especially for complex or highly customized sites.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is PHP, and why does my WordPress site need an update?

PHP is the programming language that runs your WordPress website. Upgrading ensures your site is secure, faster, and compatible with new plugins and features, protecting you from hackers and keeping things running smoothly.

Will upgrading PHP break my website?

Usually, upgrading PHP is safe if you’ve updated your plugins/themes and checked compatibility. Occasionally, outdated code might not work with new PHP versions. Backing up your site first lets you restore if any issues occur.

How do I know which PHP version to choose?

Pick the latest stable version your hosting provider offers, unless a plugin or theme specifically requires an older one. Using the newest version ensures speed and security improvements.

Can I upgrade PHP myself, or do I need a developer?

Most website owners can upgrade PHP through their hosting control panel—it’s often just a few clicks. If your site is very complex or highly customized, having a developer assist might offer extra safety.

I don’t see PHP upgrade options in my hosting account—what should I do?

Some hosts hide advanced settings or don’t provide newer PHP versions on basic plans. Contact your hosting support or consider migrating to a modern host that supports current PHP releases.

In Summary

Upgrading your WordPress site’s PHP version is essential. It brings better security, speed, and future-proofing. By following these steps—checking your current version, backing up, updating plugins and themes, using your host’s control panel, and testing everything—you’ll navigate the process confidently. Regularly revisiting your PHP version is a best practice for every WordPress site owner. Don’t put it off; upgrade your PHP for a safer, faster, and more reliable website today!

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