Table of contents
Why updating PHP is essential for WordPressCheck your current PHP versionPrepare your site before updating PHPHow to update PHP version via your hosting providerTest your WordPress site after updating PHPWhat to do if something breaksHow often should you update PHP?FAQsNext stepsAdditional resources
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WordPress Guide → PHP → Update

How to update PHP in WordPress

Running an outdated PHP version can quietly slow down your WordPress site, introduce security risks, and make plugins misbehave. The good news? Updating PHP is easier than you might think—and it’s one of the simplest ways to boost your site’s performance and stability.

Let’s walk through how to safely update your PHP version, test your site, and avoid common problems.

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Why updating PHP is essential for WordPress

WordPress runs on PHP, so the version you’re using directly affects your site’s performance, security, and compatibility. Here’s why keeping it updated matters:

  • Speed: Newer PHP versions process code more efficiently, which can noticeably reduce your site’s load times. This makes your site faster for visitors and can improve SEO rankings.
  • Security: Older versions of PHP no longer get security updates, making your site more vulnerable to attacks. Upgrading helps protect against exploits that target known issues in outdated PHP builds.
  • Compatibility: Many newer plugins and themes are built to work with recent PHP versions and may not function correctly on older setups. If you’re running outdated PHP, you might miss out on new features—or worse, break your site.
  • Stability: WordPress itself is tested and optimized for modern PHP versions. Using a version that’s too old can lead to errors, broken features, or unpredictable behavior over time.

Check your current PHP version

Start by finding out which PHP version your site is using:

  • In WordPress: Go to Tools > Site Health > Info, then scroll to the Server section. Your PHP version will be listed there.
  • In your hosting control panel: Look for a section labeled PHP Info, PHP Settings, or Select PHP Version.
  • With a plugin: Install and activate Health Check & Troubleshooting. Navigate to Tools > Site Health > Info > Server to view your current PHP version.

Prepare your site before updating PHP

To reduce the risk of breaking your site, follow these steps before changing your PHP version:

  • Back up your site: Create a full backup including your files and database using your hosting panel or a plugin.
  • Update everything: Make sure WordPress core, themes, and plugins are up to date.
  • Check compatibility: Visit the plugin/theme pages on WordPress.org or the developer’s site to confirm they support modern PHP versions.
  • Deactivate old plugins: Temporarily disable any unmaintained or unknown plugins that may not work with newer PHP versions.

How to update PHP version via your hosting provider

Most hosting providers let you change PHP versions through their control panel. Here’s what the process usually looks like:

  1. Log into your hosting account.
  2. Open the control panel and find the PHP Version Manager, PHP Selector, or similar tool.
  3. Select your website or domain from the list.
  4. Choose a newer supported PHP version (preferably 8.1 or 8.2).
  5. Save or apply the changes.

If your host doesn’t provide this option, contact their support team and ask them to update the PHP version for you.

Test your WordPress site after updating PHP

Once the update is complete, go back to your site and test everything:

  • Visit key pages and posts to make sure they load properly.
  • Check your homepage, contact forms, shopping carts, or any custom features.
  • Look for PHP warnings or errors in your dashboard or on the frontend.
  • Re-enable any plugins you disabled earlier and test them one by one.

You can also check your hosting control panel for error logs if something isn’t working right.

What to do if something breaks

Don’t panic if your site throws an error after the update. Here are your options:

  • Enable WP_DEBUG in your wp-config.php file to see detailed error messages.
  • Switch back to the previous PHP version temporarily using your control panel.
  • Restore a backup if the site is completely down.
  • Contact plugin or theme developers if one tool is causing the issue.
  • Replace broken plugins with actively maintained alternatives if needed.

How often should you update PHP?

It’s a good habit to check your PHP version once or twice a year. Aim to:

  • Use a version that’s still actively supported (check php.net for lifecycles).
  • Stay within one major release of the current stable version.
  • Monitor plugin compatibility notices so you know when it’s time to upgrade.

FAQs about updating PHP in WordPress

What PHP version does WordPress recommend?
WordPress recommends PHP 7.4 or higher, but you should ideally run PHP 8.1 or newer for the best speed and security.

Will updating PHP break my site?
Not if your themes and plugins are up to date and compatible. That’s why backups and testing are critical.

What if I don’t have access to PHP settings?
Reach out to your hosting provider. Many offer managed environments and will handle it for you.

Additional resources

What is WordPress? →

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PHP 7 vs PHP 8: A Comparison →

PHP 8 is faster than PHP 7, the syntax requires less code, and typing is better supported. These three improvement categories provide a powerful major version release of PHP.

How to embed iframe code in WordPress →

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