Is your WordPress site feeling sluggish or warning you about outdated software? You might be wondering how PHP—the language behind WordPress—can be upgraded for better speed and security. Keeping PHP current isn’t just a techie chore; it’s essential for protecting your website and making sure everything runs smoothly.
In this article, we’ll explain why upgrading PHP matters and walk you through the simple steps to update it safely in WordPress. Get ready for practical tips and straightforward guidance!
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Why Upgrading PHP in WordPress Matters
Upgrading the PHP version of your WordPress site is one of the most impactful yet overlooked ways to boost website performance, security, and compatibility. PHP is the server-side language WordPress is built upon. Running your website on an outdated PHP version can slow down your site, leave vulnerabilities wide open, and cause compatibility problems with modern plugins and themes.
If you want faster page loads, better search engine rankings, and peace of mind on the security front, keeping your PHP version up-to-date is crucial. Thankfully, upgrading PHP for your WordPress website is usually straightforward, provided you approach it carefully. Let’s walk through how you can do it step by step, what to watch out for, and the many benefits it brings.
What Happens When You Update PHP?
Think of PHP as the foundation of your WordPress site. When you update to a newer version:
- Your website runs faster. Modern PHP versions process code more efficiently, meaning pages load more quickly.
- You gain more security. Updates patch security flaws, reducing the risk of being hacked.
- You future-proof your site. Many themes and plugins now require newer PHP versions. Staying updated ensures compatibility.
- You improve resource use. Newer versions use server resources more efficiently, which is great for visitors and for keeping hosting costs in check.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Upgrade PHP for Your WordPress Site
Every hosting environment is a bit different, but this general approach covers most WordPress installations.
1. Check Your Current PHP Version
Before making any changes, it’s vital to know what you’re working with.
- Login to your WordPress dashboard.
- Go to Tools > Site Health.
- Switch to the Info tab, then scroll to Server. You’ll see your current PHP version listed there.
Alternatively, you might check your hosting control panel (like cPanel or Plesk) on the “PHP Selector” or “PHP Info” page.
2. Confirm Compatibility
It’s essential to make sure your WordPress core version, plugins, and themes are compatible with the new PHP version.
- Update WordPress core: Always use the latest stable version of WordPress.
- Update all plugins and themes: Fully update them from your WordPress dashboard.
- Check plugin/theme documentation: Visit plugin and theme pages in your admin panel for notes on PHP compatibility.
- Install a staging environment: Many hosting providers allow you to clone your site for testing. Use this to test updates without affecting your live site.
3. Backup Your Website
Never skip this step! A backup protects you if something goes wrong.
- Backup both files and database.
- Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, or your host’s built-in backup tool.
- Download copies of backups to your local computer for added safety.
4. Locate Your PHP Version Manager
Where you update PHP depends on your web hosting provider. Here are common setups:
a. cPanel
- Login to cPanel.
- Find the “Select PHP Version” or “MultiPHP Manager” tool.
- Select your website/domain.
- Pick the target PHP version from the dropdown (e.g., PHP 8.1 or 8.2).
- Click Apply or Save.
b. Plesk
- Login to your Plesk dashboard.
- Go to “Websites & Domains” > “Hosting Settings.”
- Find “PHP Support,” select the version you want, and save.
c. Managed WordPress Hosting
- Many providers (like Kinsta, WP Engine, Hostinger) have a simple toggle for PHP versions in their custom dashboards.
- Look for “PHP version,” “Environment settings,” or similar menus.
Tip: If you can’t find these settings, contact your host’s support—they’ll either guide you or do it for you.
5. Test Your Website
After changing the PHP version:
- Visit your site’s front-end and several pages, checking for problems.
- Test critical functionality—logins, forms, shopping carts, etc.
- Ensure the admin dashboard works properly.
- If errors occur, switch back to the previous PHP version immediately and consult plugin/theme developers or your host for help.
6. Fix Any Issues
Sometimes a plugin or a theme doesn’t play nice with the new PHP version. Here’s what you can do:
- Temporarily disable problematic plugins/themes.
- Search for a recent update or alternative plugins/themes.
- Reach out to the plugin/theme developer for support.
- Consider hiring a developer if your site relies on outdated custom code.
Key Benefits of Upgrading PHP for WordPress
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the effort, here’s what you gain:
- Speed: PHP 8+ can be twice as fast as PHP 5.6, which means happier visitors and better SEO.
- Security: Each old PHP version drops out of support quickly. Keeping PHP updated protects your data and reputation.
- Support: Many theme and plugin creators require the latest PHP versions for their features and best support.
- Resource Efficiency: Save bandwidth and reduce server load, possibly keeping hosting costs lower over time.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
While upgrading PHP is usually smooth, here are potential bumps:
- Incompatible Themes/Plugins: Older add-ons may not work with new PHP. Always check compatibility before upgrading.
- Deprecated Functions: Custom code or older themes/plugins might rely on features no longer supported.
- Host Limitations: Some budget hosts don’t let you control PHP versions. In that case, consider moving to a better host.
Best Practice: Use a staging site for testing, ask your support team for help, and don’t be afraid to seek out updated solutions.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
- Back up before making changes – Always!
- Test everything on a staging site if possible, especially for larger or high-traffic websites.
- Read plugin/theme changelogs for PHP compatibility details.
- Keep everything updated – WordPress core, plugins, themes, and PHP.
- Schedule updates during low-traffic hours to minimize risk.
- Ask your host for help – Good support is invaluable.
- Remove unused plugins/themes to reduce risks and maintenance burden.
Cost Considerations
Upgrading your PHP version itself usually carries no direct cost, as all mainstream hosts include several PHP versions for free. However, be aware of:
- Plugin/theme costs: If you need to purchase updated versions for compatibility.
- Developer costs: If you run a custom-coded WordPress site and need help updating code.
- Migration costs: If your host doesn’t support new PHP versions and you need to move to another host.
Pro Tip: If you are considering migrating hosts for better PHP support, ask about free migration services and compare plans to avoid hidden fees.
Summary
Upgrading the PHP version of your WordPress website is a vital step for any site owner who values speed, security, and reliability. By following the steps above—checking compatibility, backing up, changing PHP versions via your host, and diligently testing—you can confidently bring your site up to modern standards. This simple upgrade delivers big results, helping you put your best face forward to both visitors and search engines.
Don’t wait until compatibility issues or security breaches force your hand. Being proactive with your PHP upgrades keeps your WordPress site lean, mean, and ready for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What PHP version should I use for WordPress?
You should always use the most recent PHP version supported by WordPress, which is typically PHP 8.x or higher. This ensures maximum speed, security, and compatibility with the latest themes and plugins.
Will upgrading PHP break my WordPress site?
It might, but usually only if you run outdated plugins or themes that aren’t compatible with the new PHP version. To reduce risk, always back up your site and test upgrades on a staging environment first.
Do I need coding knowledge to upgrade PHP?
No. Most hosting providers offer a simple interface to upgrade PHP. In some cases, you may need to contact support, but you rarely need to touch any code.
How often should I check for PHP updates?
Check at least twice a year, or whenever you see messages in your WordPress dashboard about outdated PHP. Also, whenever you do a major WordPress, theme, or plugin update, make sure your PHP version is up to date.
What if my host doesn’t offer newer PHP versions?
If your web host won’t provide recent PHP versions (like 8.1 or higher), it may be time to consider switching to a more modern hosting provider. Running on outdated server software puts your site at risk for security and compatibility problems.
By staying proactive with PHP updates, you set your WordPress site up for long-term success. The steps may seem technical at first, but with careful planning and the right hosting partner, anyone can make this crucial upgrade with confidence.