## How to Update Your PHP Version in WordPress (the RIGHT Way)
**By Naveed Ahmed**
**Introduction**
As a WordPress expert with over 15 years of experience, I’ve seen countless websites struggle due to outdated PHP versions. It’s a common misconception that simply updating WordPress core is enough to keep your site secure and performant. In reality, PHP plays a crucial role in your website’s functionality, and neglecting its updates can lead to security vulnerabilities, slow loading times, and even website crashes.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of updating your PHP version in WordPress, ensuring you do it the right way. We’ll cover everything from understanding why PHP updates are essential to navigating the different methods for different hosting providers. So, let’s get started!
**Why Update PHP Version in WordPress?**
PHP is the programming language that powers WordPress. While WordPress itself receives regular updates, PHP is managed separately by your hosting provider. Updating your PHP version has several significant benefits:
* **Enhanced Security:** Newer PHP versions include patches for security vulnerabilities and bugs, protecting your website against malware and hackers. This is crucial for safeguarding your data and user information.
* **Improved Performance:** Modern PHP versions offer optimizations that make your site faster and more responsive. This translates to a better user experience and can even boost your search engine rankings.
* **Increased Compatibility:** WordPress core, plugins, and themes are constantly evolving to utilize the latest PHP features. Outdated PHP versions can cause compatibility issues, leading to errors and broken functionality.
* **Future-proofing:** WordPress regularly requires minimum PHP versions for compatibility. Keeping your PHP up-to-date ensures your website continues to function properly as WordPress evolves.
**How to Check Your Current PHP Version in WordPress**
Before updating, you need to know what version you’re currently using. Here’s how to check your PHP version:
1. **Log in to your WordPress dashboard.**
2. **Navigate to Tools ยป Site Health.**
3. **Go to the ‘Info’ tab.**
4. **Expand the ‘Server’ section.**
5. **Locate the PHP version displayed in the ‘PHP version’ field.**
**What to Do Before Updating PHP in WordPress**
Updating your PHP version is a crucial step, but it’s essential to prepare your website to minimize the risk of issues. Follow these steps before proceeding:
1. **Update WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins:** Ensure all these elements are updated to their latest versions. This minimizes the chance of compatibility issues with the new PHP version.
2. **Back Up Your Website:** Create a complete backup using a reliable backup plugin like Duplicator. This allows you to easily restore your website in case of any problems.
3. **Create a Staging Site:** If possible, create a staging environment (a copy of your live website) where you can test the PHP update without affecting your live site.
4. **Use the PHP Compatibility Checker Plugin:** This plugin, created by WP Engine, can scan your website for potential compatibility issues with the new PHP version.
**How to Update Your PHP Version in Different Hosting Providers**
The process of updating PHP varies depending on your hosting provider. Here’s a step-by-step guide for popular hosting providers:
**Bluehost**
1. **Log in to your Bluehost hosting account’s control panel.**
2. **Click ‘Websites’ in the left column.**
3. **Select the website you want to update and click ‘Settings’.**
4. **Switch to the ‘Settings’ tab.**
5. **Scroll down to the ‘PHP Version’ section.**
6. **Click ‘Change’ next to your current PHP version.**
7. **Select the desired PHP version and click ‘Change’.**
**Hostinger**
1. **Log in to your Hostinger account dashboard.**
2. **Go to the ‘Websites’ tab.**
3. **Click ‘Manage’ next to the website you want to update.**
4. **Navigate to ‘Advanced’ in the left sidebar and click ‘PHP Configuration’.**
5. **Choose the desired PHP version and click ‘Update’.**
6. **Confirm the update in the pop-up window.**
**SiteGround**
1. **Log in to your SiteGround account dashboard.**
2. **Go to ‘My Websites and Services’ and click ‘Manage’ under ‘Websites’.**
3. **Click ‘Site Tools’ for the website you want to update.**
4. **Go to ‘Devs’ in the left sidebar and click ‘PHP Manager’.**
5. **Click the pencil icon next to your PHP version.**
6. **Select ‘Change PHP version manually’ and choose the desired version.**
7. **Click ‘Confirm’ to apply the changes.**
**HostGator**
1. **Log in to your HostGator hosting account dashboard.**
2. **Click ‘Websites’ and then ‘Settings’ for the website you want to update.**
3. **Switch to the ‘Settings’ tab.**
4. **Scroll down to the ‘PHP Version’ section.**
5. **Click ‘Change’ next to your current PHP version.**
6. **Select the desired PHP version and click ‘Change’.**
**DreamHost**
1. **Log in to your DreamHost hosting account’s control panel.**
2. **Go to ‘Manage Websites’ in the left sidebar.**
3. **Click the three-dot menu next to the website you want to update and choose ‘PHP Version’.**
4. **Select the desired PHP version from the dropdown menu.**
5. **Click ‘Change PHP Version’ to apply the changes.**
**WP Engine**
1. **Log in to your WP Engine dashboard.**
2. **Go to ‘My Sites’ and click the PHP version next to your website.**
3. **Scroll down to the ‘Updates’ section.**
4. **Click the PHP version number link.**
5. **Choose ‘Upgrade to PHP …’ and select the desired version.**
6. **Click ‘Confirm’ to apply the changes.**
**Other WordPress Hosting Providers**
Most hosting providers offer similar settings for managing PHP versions. You’ll likely find the option in your cPanel or another hosting control panel. If you can’t locate it, check your provider’s knowledge base or contact their support team.
**Changing PHP Versions in WordPress: Frequently Asked Questions**
**H2: FAQs**
**H3: What should you do after updating the PHP version?**
After updating, visit your website to ensure everything is working as expected. Check for any immediate issues. Then, log in to your WordPress admin area and confirm that you’re using the latest version of WordPress and that all your plugins and themes are updated. This helps to prevent compatibility problems.
**H3: What do I do if a PHP update breaks my WordPress website?**
While unlikely, a PHP update can sometimes break a website. It’s essential to troubleshoot the issue. First, deactivate all your WordPress plugins and switch to a default WordPress theme. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, contact your web host’s support team. They often have experience with such issues and can provide assistance. If your web host can’t help, consider downgrading your PHP version using the methods described above.
**H3: Is it safe to switch to PHP 8.3?**
PHP 8.3 is a highly recommended and stable version, offering significant performance enhancements and security improvements. However, it’s always a good idea to test the update in a staging environment before applying it to your live website. This allows you to identify and resolve any potential compatibility issues without affecting your live site.
**H3: What are the differences between changing the PHP version through cPanel and using .htaccess?**
Changing the PHP version via cPanel applies the selected version to your entire website. Using .htaccess allows you to set different PHP versions for specific directories or files on your website. This is useful if you need to run certain parts of your site on different PHP versions. However, it requires more technical knowledge and is usually only necessary in specific cases.
**H3: What if my hosting provider doesn’t offer the latest PHP version?**
If your hosting provider doesn’t offer the latest PHP version, you may need to consider switching to a different provider. Look for a hosting provider that supports the latest stable PHP versions and has a track record of reliability. You may also be able to contact your current provider and inquire about potential updates or upgrades.
**H3: What happens if I don’t update my PHP version?**
Failing to update your PHP version leaves your website vulnerable to security risks, performance issues, and compatibility problems. It can also affect your website’s ability to function properly as WordPress evolves and requires newer PHP versions. Regular updates are crucial for maintaining a secure, reliable, and future-proof WordPress website.
**H3: What’s the difference between PHP and WordPress updates?**
WordPress updates primarily focus on features, bug fixes, and security enhancements for the WordPress platform itself. PHP updates, on the other hand, address vulnerabilities and performance improvements in the underlying language that powers WordPress. While both are essential, PHP updates provide a foundational level of security and performance for your website.
**H3: How often should I update my PHP version?**
It’s recommended to update your PHP version regularly, especially when a new stable version is released. This ensures you’re always benefiting from the latest security patches and performance optimizations. Stay informed about new PHP releases and follow the recommendations from your hosting provider.
**H3: Is it possible to downgrade my PHP version?**
Yes, in most cases, you can downgrade your PHP version if you encounter compatibility issues after updating. Follow the same steps for updating your PHP version, but select the older version you want to revert to. Make sure to back up your website before downgrading, just in case.
**H3: Can I update my PHP version on a shared hosting plan?**
Shared hosting plans often have limitations in terms of PHP version control. Some providers may offer limited options or require contacting support for assistance. However, many providers are moving towards offering more flexibility in managing PHP versions, even on shared plans.
**H3: Are there any performance penalties for using older PHP versions?**
Yes, older PHP versions are generally less efficient and can negatively impact your website’s performance. Newer PHP versions include performance optimizations that can significantly improve loading times and reduce resource consumption. Updating to the latest version will likely lead to better performance overall.
**H3: Can I update my PHP version without affecting my live site?**
It’s highly recommended to test any PHP updates in a staging environment before applying them to your live website. This ensures you catch any compatibility issues or unexpected errors without affecting your live site’s visitors.
**H3: Is there a way to automatically update my PHP version?**
Some managed WordPress hosting providers automatically update your PHP version for you. However, it’s still important to stay informed about the updates and to test them in a staging environment before they are applied to your live site.
**Conclusion**
Updating your PHP version in WordPress is crucial for maintaining a secure, performant, and future-proof website. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily update your PHP version, ensuring compatibility with the latest WordPress technologies and protecting your website from potential vulnerabilities. Remember to back up your website, test updates in a staging environment, and stay informed about PHP releases and security best practices.
If you’re interested in learning more about tech news, feel free to visit my website: www.naveedahmed.me.