Your WordPress site feels slower than usual. Pages take forever to load. Security warnings pop up in your dashboard. The culprit? An outdated PHP version that’s holding your website hostage.
PHP powers your WordPress site behind the scenes. When it’s outdated, your site becomes vulnerable to security threats, runs slower, and may stop working with newer plugins and themes. This guide will walk you through updating WordPress PHP safely, even if you’re not tech-savvy.
You’ll learn how to check your current PHP version, create essential backups, update through your hosting provider, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. By the end, your site will run faster, more securely, and be compatible with the latest WordPress features.
Why Updating WordPress PHP Matters
PHP isn’t just another technical detail you can ignore. It’s the foundation that makes WordPress work. When you run an outdated version, you’re putting your entire website at risk.
Security vulnerabilities top the list of concerns. Older PHP versions contain security holes that hackers actively exploit. WordPress.org reports that sites running PHP 7.4 or older face significantly higher breach risks compared to those on PHP 8.0 or newer.
Performance improvements come naturally with PHP updates. Each new version processes code more efficiently. Sites upgrading from PHP 7.4 to PHP 8.1 typically see 15-20% faster page load times without changing anything else.
Plugin and theme compatibility requires modern PHP versions. Popular plugins like WooCommerce and Yoast SEO now require PHP 7.4 minimum. Running older versions means missing out on new features and security patches for your favorite tools.
WordPress core compatibility depends on updated PHP. WordPress itself requires PHP 7.4 as the absolute minimum, though they recommend PHP 8.0 or higher for optimal performance and security.
Checking Your Current PHP Version
Before updating, you need to know your starting point. WordPress provides several ways to check your current PHP version.
Method 1: WordPress Site Health Tool
Navigate to your WordPress dashboard and go to Tools > Site Health. Click the Info tab and expand the Server section. Your PHP version appears in the first few lines.
This method works for all WordPress sites and provides additional server information you might need later.
Method 2: WordPress Dashboard
Look at the bottom-right corner of any WordPress admin page. You’ll see “WordPress Version X.X” followed by your PHP version in smaller text. This quick check works when you’re already logged into your dashboard.
Method 3: PHP Info File
Create a new file called phpinfo.php in your site’s root directory using your hosting file manager or FTP client. Add this single line of code:
<?php phpinfo(); ?>
Visit yoursite.com/phpinfo.php in your browser to see detailed PHP information. Delete this file immediately after checking, as it reveals sensitive server details to anyone who visits the URL.
Method 4: Hosting Control Panel
Most hosting providers display your current PHP version in their control panel. Look for sections labeled “PHP Settings,” “Software,” or “Server Information” in your hosting dashboard.
Creating Essential Backups Before Updating
Never update PHP without backing up your WordPress site first. Even successful updates can occasionally cause unexpected issues with specific plugins or themes.
Complete Site Backup Options
Hosting provider backups offer the simplest solution. Most hosts provide automatic daily backups, but create a manual backup before making changes. Look for “Backup” or “Restore” options in your hosting control panel.
WordPress backup plugins provide more control over the backup process. Popular options include:
- UpdraftPlus: Free version backs up to cloud storage
- BackWPup: Comprehensive backup scheduling
- Duplicator: Creates complete site packages
- Jetpack Backup: Automated daily backups (paid feature)
Install your chosen plugin, run a complete backup, and verify the backup files are accessible before proceeding.
Manual backup method works when plugins aren’t available:
- Download all website files via FTP or file manager
- Export your WordPress database through phpMyAdmin
- Store both files and database in a secure location
- Test restore process with backup files
What to Include in Your Backup
Your backup should contain everything needed to restore your site completely:
- All WordPress files (wp-content, themes, plugins, uploads)
- Complete WordPress database
- Configuration files (.htaccess, wp-config.php)
- Any custom code or modifications
Updating PHP Through Your Hosting Provider
Most hosting providers make PHP updates straightforward through their control panels. The exact process varies by host, but the general steps remain similar.
cPanel-Based Hosting
cPanel is the most common hosting control panel. Here’s how to update PHP:
- Log into your cPanel using credentials from your hosting provider
- Find “Software” section and click “Select PHP Version” or “PHP Selector”
- Choose your desired PHP version from the dropdown menu
- Select extensions your site needs (most hosts pre-select common ones)
- Click “Set as current” to apply changes
- Verify the update by refreshing and checking the new version displays
Popular Hosting Provider Methods
SiteGround users can update PHP through Site Tools:
- Access Site Tools from your account dashboard
- Navigate to Devs > PHP Manager
- Select your desired PHP version and click “Confirm”
Bluehost customers use the Advanced section:
- Find “Software” in your control panel
- Click “MultiPHP Manager”
- Select your domain and choose the PHP version
- Apply changes
HostGator accounts include PHP version control:
- Look for “Software” in cPanel
- Select “PHP Version”
- Choose your preferred version and extensions
GoDaddy hosting provides PHP updates through their dashboard:
- Access your hosting control panel
- Find “PHP” under “Settings”
- Select the version and save changes
Managed WordPress Hosting
Managed WordPress hosts like WP Engine, Kinsta, and Pressable often handle PHP updates automatically or provide one-click updates through their custom dashboards.
WP Engine updates PHP through User Portal:
- Log into User Portal
- Select your site
- Choose “PHP Engine” from the left menu
- Select your desired version
Kinsta users update through MyKinsta:
- Access your site in MyKinsta dashboard
- Navigate to Tools > PHP Engine
- Choose the PHP version and apply
VPS and Dedicated Server Updates
If you manage your own server, PHP updates require command-line access:
Ubuntu/Debian systems:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install php8.1
sudo a2enmod php8.1
sudo systemctl restart apache2
CentOS/RHEL systems:
sudo yum update
sudo yum install php81
sudo systemctl restart httpd
Always test updates on staging servers before applying to production sites.
Testing Your Site After the Update
PHP updates can occasionally break website functionality. Systematic testing helps identify and resolve issues quickly.
Frontend Testing Checklist
Start with a comprehensive visual inspection of your site:
- Homepage loads correctly with all elements displaying
- Navigation menus work and link to proper pages
- Images display properly without broken links
- Contact forms submit and send confirmation emails
- Search functionality works if your site includes search
- Mobile responsiveness remains intact across devices
Backend Functionality Tests
Check your WordPress admin area thoroughly:
- Dashboard loads without error messages
- Plugins activate and display their admin pages
- Theme customizer works for appearance changes
- Content editing functions normally in posts and pages
- Media library uploads new files successfully
- User management allows creating and editing accounts
Performance Verification
Compare your site’s performance before and after the update:
Page Load Speed: Use Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to measure load times. PHP updates typically improve scores, but theme or plugin conflicts might cause slowdowns.
Server Response Time: Monitor your hosting provider’s performance metrics or use tools like Pingdom to verify response times remain fast.
Database Queries: Check if database operations run smoothly by testing complex pages with multiple plugin interactions.
Error Log Monitoring
Enable WordPress debug logging to catch hidden errors:
Add these lines to your wp-config.php file:
define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_DISPLAY', false);
Check /wp-content/debug.log for any PHP errors or warnings that might not display on the frontend.
Troubleshooting Common PHP Update Issues
Even careful planning can’t prevent every issue. Here’s how to resolve the most common problems that arise after PHP updates.
White Screen of Death
A blank white page usually indicates a fatal PHP error. This happens when plugins or themes contain code incompatible with newer PHP versions.
Immediate fix:
- Access your site via FTP or file manager
- Rename the
/wp-content/plugins/folder to/wp-content/plugins-off/ - Check if your site loads normally
- If it loads, reactivate plugins one by one to identify the problematic one
Plugin-specific issues:
- Update all plugins to their latest versions
- Check plugin documentation for PHP compatibility
- Contact plugin developers for updated versions
- Replace outdated plugins with modern alternatives
Theme Compatibility Problems
Themes using deprecated PHP functions may break with updates.
Quick resolution:
- Switch to a default WordPress theme (Twenty Twenty-Three)
- If the site works, your theme needs updating
- Contact theme developer for updated version
- Consider switching to a regularly maintained theme
Memory Limit Errors
Newer PHP versions sometimes reveal existing memory limit issues.
Increase memory limit by adding this to wp-config.php:
ini_set('memory_limit', '256M');
Or contact your hosting provider to increase the server memory limit.
Plugin Functionality Issues
Some plugins may lose functionality after PHP updates.
Systematic troubleshooting:
- Update all plugins to latest versions
- Deactivate non-essential plugins temporarily
- Test core site functions
- Reactivate plugins individually to isolate issues
- Find alternatives for incompatible plugins
Database Connection Errors
Rarely, PHP updates affect database connections.
Check these elements:
- Verify database credentials in wp-config.php
- Test database connection through hosting control panel
- Contact hosting support if connections fail
- Restore from backup if database corruption occurs
Form and Email Problems
Contact forms and email functionality may stop working after updates.
Common solutions:
- Update contact form plugins
- Verify SMTP settings remain correct
- Test email delivery with different addresses
- Check hosting provider’s email service status
Benefits of Keeping PHP Updated
Regular PHP updates provide advantages that extend far beyond basic functionality. Understanding these benefits helps prioritize maintenance tasks and demonstrates value to clients or stakeholders.
Enhanced Security Protection
Vulnerability patches in each PHP release address specific security threats. The PHP development team releases security updates regularly to close exploits discovered by security researchers worldwide.
Reduced attack surface comes naturally with updated software. Automated scanning tools used by malicious actors specifically target known vulnerabilities in older PHP versions.
Compliance requirements for many businesses mandate updated software. Industries like healthcare, finance, and e-commerce often require current PHP versions to meet security standards.
Performance Improvements
Faster execution times result from optimized code processing in newer PHP versions. Benchmarks consistently show 15-30% performance improvements with each major PHP release.
Better memory management reduces server resource consumption. Websites can handle more concurrent visitors without requiring hosting upgrades.
Improved caching compatibility works better with modern caching plugins and server-level caching solutions.
Access to New Features
Modern PHP syntax enables developers to write cleaner, more efficient code for custom themes and plugins.
Enhanced error handling provides better debugging information when issues arise, making troubleshooting faster and more accurate.
Improved compatibility with modern web standards ensures your site works well with the latest technologies and integrations.
Long-term Cost Savings
Reduced maintenance time comes from fewer compatibility issues and better error handling in updated PHP versions.
Lower hosting costs result from improved efficiency. Sites running newer PHP versions often require less server resources.
Better plugin ecosystem support means access to more features and better integration options for extending your site’s functionality.
Best Practices for PHP Maintenance
Successful PHP management requires ongoing attention rather than one-time updates. These practices help maintain a healthy, secure WordPress site.
Regular Update Schedule
Monthly checks for PHP version updates help you stay current without falling too far behind. Most hosting providers announce PHP updates through email notifications or control panel messages.
Staging site testing should precede every production update. Create a copy of your live site for testing updates without affecting visitors.
Update during low-traffic periods minimizes impact if issues arise. Most websites experience lower traffic during weeknight hours or early mornings.
Monitoring and Maintenance
Enable automatic WordPress updates for minor releases to ensure core security patches install promptly.
Subscribe to PHP security announcements from php.net to learn about critical security releases that require immediate attention.
Document your update process including backup procedures, testing checklists, and rollback plans for consistent maintenance.
Planning for Major Updates
Research compatibility before major PHP version changes. Check with theme and plugin developers about support for newer versions.
Budget for potential issues including developer time for compatibility fixes or plugin replacements.
Create update timelines that allow adequate testing time before major PHP releases reach end-of-life status.
Conclusion
Updating WordPress PHP doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. By following this systematic approach—checking your current version, creating backups, updating through your hosting provider, and testing thoroughly—you can safely modernize your website.
The benefits far outweigh the temporary effort required. Your site will run faster, stay more secure, and remain compatible with the latest WordPress features and plugins. Regular PHP updates are an investment in your website’s future performance and security.
Start by checking your current PHP version today. If you’re running anything older than PHP 8.0, schedule your update within the next week. Your website visitors will notice the improved performance, and you’ll sleep better knowing your site is protected against the latest security threats.
Remember to maintain this process regularly. Set a monthly reminder to check for PHP updates, and always test changes on a staging site first. With these practices in place, keeping your WordPress PHP updated becomes a routine part of website maintenance rather than a stressful emergency task.