PHP Versions and Why They Matter for Your Website

PHP is one of the most widely used server-side scripting languages powering websites today. If your site runs on platforms like WordPress, Magento, or Joomla, it’s using PHP. But using the right PHP version is essential for keeping your site fast, secure, and compatible with modern software.

In this article, we’ll explain what PHP versions are, why updating matters, and how to check or change the PHP version for your site hosted with Liquid Web.

What Is a PHP Version?

PHP is regularly updated by its maintainers to improve performance, add new features, and fix security issues. Each release is labeled as a “version” (e.g., PHP 7.4, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2).

• Active versions receive regular security updates and bug fixes.
  
• End-of-life (EOL) versions no longer receive official support or patches.
  

You can find the full support timeline at php.net/supported-versions.php.

Why Does the PHP Version Matter?

1. Security

Outdated PHP versions are more vulnerable to attacks because they don’t receive security patches. Running an EOL version exposes your site to known exploits.

Recommendation: Always run a supported version of PHP to protect your website from vulnerabilities.

2. Performance

Newer PHP versions are significantly faster and more efficient than older ones. For example:

• PHP 8.1 can handle 50% more requests per second than PHP 7.4.
  
• Lower memory usage and faster script execution improve your page load times.
  

Result: A faster site means better user experience and SEO.

3. Compatibility

Modern content management systems (CMSs) and plugins often require newer PHP versions. If you’re using an outdated version:

• Plugins or themes may stop working.
  
• You may experience bugs or failed installations.
  

Note: Always check the PHP requirements of your CMS and extensions before upgrading.

How to Check Your Current PHP Version

You can check your PHP version in several ways:

• Using WordPress Plugins:
  
  Plugins like “Display PHP Version” or “Site Health Info” show your current version from the WordPress dashboard.
  
• Command Line (Linux):
  
  Run php -v in the terminal.
  

How to Change or Upgrade PHP Versions

Liquid Web customers have access to tools and support that make PHP version upgrades safe and easy.

cPanel/WHM

1. Log in to WHM
2. In the left-hand WHM search bar, type: EasyApache 4
3. Click on EasyApache 4 under the “Software” section.
4. On the EasyApache 4 dashboard, you’ll see a list of currently installed PHP versions.
5. Look for the “Currently Installed Packages” section to confirm your current profile.
6. Click the “Customize” button next to the current profile.
7. Navigate to the PHP Versions section.
8. Browse the list of available PHP versions (e.g., PHP 8.1, PHP 8.2).
9. Check the box next to the version you want to install.
10. Click “Next” through each section until you reach the “Review” screen.
11. Confirm your changes.
12. Click “Provision” to begin the PHP upgrade process.
    

Set PHP Version Per Domain (Optional)

After installing the new PHP version, assign it to individual domains:

1. In WHM, search for and open “MultiPHP Manager.”
2. In the domain list, check the box next to the domain(s) you want to update.
3. From the PHP Version drop-down, select the new version.
4. Click “Apply” to save changes.
   

Test Your Website(s)

1. Visit your website(s) to ensure they are functioning correctly.
2. Review site functionality and error logs for issues.
3. If needed, switch back to the previous PHP version via MultiPHP Manager.
   
   

Plesk

1. Log in to Plesk
   
2. Check Current PHP Versions Installed.
   
   1. In the left-hand menu, click Tools & Settings.
   2. Under General Settings, click PHP Settings.
   3. You’ll see a list of all installed PHP versions and handlers (e.g., FastCGI, FPM, CGI).
   4. Note which versions are currently available on your server.
      
3. Install a New PHP Version (If Not Already Installed)
   
   1. Go to Tools & Settings > Updates and Upgrades.
   2. Click Add/Remove Components.
   3. Scroll down to the Web hosting section.
   4. Expand PHP interpreter versions.
   5. Check the box for the version you want to install (e.g., PHP 8.2).
   6. Click Continue to begin installation.

4. Set the PHP Version for a Specific Domain
   
   1. Go to the Websites & Domains tab.
   2. Find the domain you want to modify and click Hosting Settings.
   3. Scroll to the Web scripting and statistics section.
   4. Use the PHP support drop-down menu to select the desired PHP version and handler (e.g., PHP 8.2 FPM).
   5. Click OK or Apply to save the changes.
      
5. Verify the New PHP Version
   
   1. Create a phpinfo.php file in the domain’s root directory.
   2. Access the file in your browser: http://yourdomain.com/phpinfo.php
   3. Look for the “PHP Version” line to confirm the correct version is active.
      
6. Update PHP Settings (Optional)

To customize PHP configuration for the domain:

1. Go to Websites & Domains > PHP Settings.
   
2. Adjust values like memory_limit, upload_max_filesize, or max_execution_time.
   
3. Click OK to save the changes.
   

Interworx

1. Log into Nodeworx. For help logging in, see Logging into Interworx Web Panel.
2. Click on System Services in the left menu.
3. Click on Web Server, then click Overview.
4. Scroll down to Multiple PHP Versions.
5. Click the box next to the version(s) of PHP you want to enable.
6. Click the Update button to install selected versions of PHP.
7. Once updated, these versions can be selected per domain via Siteworx.

Best Practices When Upgrading PHP

• Backup your website before making any changes.
• Test updates in a staging environment before applying them to your live site.
• Update your CMS, themes, and plugins to ensure compatibility.
• Use logs and error monitoring tools to catch issues early.

Conclusion

Keeping your PHP version up to date is one of the easiest and most important steps you can take to improve your website’s security, speed, and reliability.