Ever noticed your WordPress site lagging or certain plugins refusing to work? The culprit might be an outdated version of PHP powering your website. Keeping PHP up to date is not just about speed—it’s essential for security, compatibility, and the overall health of your site.
In this article, we’ll walk you through why updating PHP matters and share simple, step-by-step instructions for safely upgrading your WordPress site. Let’s keep your website running smoothly and securely!
How to Update PHP on WordPress: A Step-by-Step Guide
Keeping your WordPress website secure and fast is crucial. One of the best ways to do this is by updating your underlying PHP version. Many WordPress users overlook this essential task, but running an outdated PHP version can leave your site vulnerable and slow. In this guide, you’ll learn how, why, and when to update PHP on your WordPress website—plus, practical steps and tips to do it safely and smoothly.
Why Updating PHP Matters for WordPress
Updating your PHP version isn’t just about staying “modern.” It has significant impacts on:
- Security: Older PHP versions are more vulnerable to hacks and exploits. New releases patch known issues and strengthen your site’s defenses.
- Speed: The latest PHP versions perform much faster, helping your WordPress website load more quickly.
- Compatibility: Many popular plugins and themes now require newer versions of PHP to function correctly.
- Support: Outdated PHP versions are eventually abandoned by their maintainers, which means you won’t get help if something goes wrong.
How to Check Your WordPress Site’s PHP Version
Before you start updating, you need to know which version of PHP your website currently uses. Here’s how to check:
Method 1: Using WordPress Dashboard
- Log in to your WordPress admin area.
- Go to Tools > Site Health.
- Click on the Info tab.
- Scroll to the Server section. You’ll see your PHP version listed there.
Method 2: With a Plugin
- You can also use plugins like “Display PHP Version” to view the current version directly from your dashboard.
Taking this first step lets you compare your current PHP version with what’s recommended or required by WordPress and your plugins.
Prepare Your Website for a PHP Update
Upgrading PHP is safe when done carefully, but it’s wise to take precautions. Here’s what you should do before making any major changes:
1. Backup Your Website
- Use a reliable backup plugin or your hosting panel.
- Make sure you save both your website files and your database.
2. Update Plugins and Themes
- Before upgrading PHP, update all your active plugins and themes. This ensures maximum compatibility with newer PHP versions.
3. Check PHP Compatibility
- Some older themes or plugins might not support the latest PHP.
- Use a plugin like “PHP Compatibility Checker” to scan your site for potential issues.
4. Review Recommended PHP Version
- As of 2024, WordPress recommends at least PHP 7.4 or higher, with PHP 8.0+ being optimal for most sites.
- Always aim for the version recommended by your host or WordPress, unless you’re testing on a staging site.
How to Update PHP on Your WordPress Website
The steps may vary slightly depending on your web host, but the general process is similar across the board.
Step 1: Access Your Hosting Control Panel
Most commonly, you’ll use cPanel or a custom dashboard provided by your host.
- Log in to your hosting account.
- Find a section labeled PHP Version Manager, Select PHP Version, or Software.
Step 2: Select Your Website or Domain
- Choose the website you want to update (if you host more than one).
- You may have to navigate to your domain under “Domains” or similar.
Step 3: Change PHP Version
- In the PHP selector, you’ll see your current version and options to update.
- Select your preferred (latest, recommended) PHP version from the dropdown menu.
- Click Apply or Save.
Step 4: Test Your Website
- Visit the front end and back end of your website.
- Check for any errors or issues with plugins, themes, or the site’s main functions.
Step 5: Troubleshoot if Needed
If anything breaks:
- Revert to your earlier PHP version in your hosting control panel.
- Restore your site backup if required.
- Contact your hosting provider’s support if you can’t resolve the issue on your own.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
Keeping your WordPress site smooth after a PHP update involves a few golden rules. Here’s what the experts suggest:
- Always Update Gradually: If your PHP version is very old, update to the next-highest version first (for example, from 7.0 to 7.4), test, then move to 8.0 or higher.
- Use Staging Environments: Many hosts offer a “staging” copy of your site. Try updates here first before making changes on your live site.
- Regularly Maintain Plugins and Themes: Outdated plugins are the number one source of compatibility issues when updating PHP.
- Monitor for Errors: Use the Site Health tool or your hosting dashboard to keep an eye on compatibility and performance.
- Schedule Regular Backups: Get in the habit of backing up before any updates—not just PHP.
Benefits of Updating PHP for Your WordPress Site
Not convinced yet? Here’s what you gain by keeping PHP up to date:
- Faster Page Loads: Newer PHP versions can double (or even triple) your site’s speed.
- Improved SEO: Search engines favor quick, secure sites.
- Strengthened Security: Each PHP version addresses vulnerabilities that hackers know about.
- Enhanced Plugin and Theme Support: Recurring errors or warnings often vanish after a PHP raise.
- Future-Proofing: You minimize the chances of “white screens” and critical breakdowns as plugins phase out old PHP compatibility.
Possible Challenges (and How to Handle Them)
Updating PHP is simple, but you can hit a few bumps:
- Plugin/Theme Conflicts: Some older plugins may break. Always check and update them first.
- Deprecated Functions: Custom themes or plugins may use outdated PHP functions that no longer work.
- Incompatible Hosting: A few budget hosts may not let you change your PHP version easily. Contact support or consider switching hosts if needed.
- Downtime Risk: This is why backups are critical—just in case you need to roll back.
If you encounter issues, retracing your steps or reaching out to your host’s customer support can resolve most challenges.
Additional Advice for a Smooth PHP Update
- Read Host Documentation: Each hosting provider has specific tools or methods for PHP updates. Some provide automatic updates; others require manual intervention.
- Check for Strict Requirements: Some plugins have strict PHP version requirements. Always check these in plugin details before updating.
- Don’t Ignore After-Update Alerts: If WordPress or plugins display warnings after your update, address them quickly to avoid long-term problems.
Cost Tips Related to PHP Updates
Most web hosts include PHP updates as part of their standard plans, meaning you generally won’t pay extra.
However:
- Premium Support: Some hosts may charge for advanced troubleshooting.
- Developer Assistance: If you need a developer to help troubleshoot custom code, there could be hourly fees.
- Migration: Upgrading to a host that allows newer PHP may involve moving costs, but this is uncommon.
So, for most users, updating PHP is free. It becomes a possible cost only if your site’s code needs custom fixes.
Wrapping Up: PHP Updates Keep WordPress Sites Fast & Safe
Updating your PHP version is one of the most valuable and often neglected aspects of WordPress security and performance. The process is simpler than many think, especially with modern hosts making it accessible from your control panel.
By following a few simple steps—checking compatibility, backing up, updating through your host, and testing your site—you’ll enjoy a quicker, safer, and more reliable website. Be proactive and make PHP updates part of your regular website care routine!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will updating PHP break my WordPress site?
If your plugins and themes are up to date and compatible, updating PHP shouldn’t break your site. Issues mostly occur with outdated or unsupported plugins or themes. Always back up your site and use a staging environment to test before making the update live.
2. How often should I update my PHP version?
You should check for PHP updates a few times per year. Whenever a new major PHP version is released and confirmed as stable by the WordPress community, plan for an update. Regular updates also coincide with plugin or theme updates.
3. What should I do if my host doesn’t let me change the PHP version?
If your hosting provider restricts access to newer PHP versions, contact their support team. If they can’t provide an upgrade path, consider migrating to a WordPress-focused host that supports up-to-date PHP.
4. Can I update PHP through the WordPress dashboard?
Currently, you cannot update PHP directly from the WordPress admin dashboard. PHP updates must be done through your hosting panel (like cPanel) or with the help of your hosting provider’s support team.
5. What is the safest way to update PHP for a non-technical user?
For non-technical users, the safest path is:
– Make a full backup.
– Update all plugins and themes.
– Contact your hosting provider and ask them to update PHP for you, or use the hosting dashboard’s guided tool.
– Test your site afterwards, and restore from backup if needed.
Updating your PHP version may feel daunting, but with the right approach, it’s a straightforward way to boost your WordPress site’s security and performance. Take it step by step, and your WordPress website will thank you for it!