A Comprehensive Guide to Updating PHP Versions in WordPress Safely
By WordPress Development Team |
Are you considering upgrading the PHP version running your WordPress installation?
Implementing the most recent PHP release for your WordPress site can dramatically enhance both performance and user engagement. While numerous hosting companies simplify this upgrade procedure, certain preparatory steps should be completed beforehand.
This guide provides detailed instructions for securely updating the PHP version powering your WordPress website.
The Importance of PHP Version Updates for WordPress
Upgrading your WordPress site's PHP version can substantially improve operational efficiency.
WordPress operates on PHP, an open-source programming language. Current WordPress releases require PHP 7.4 or newer versions.
New PHP releases typically include security patches addressing vulnerabilities and bug fixes, providing enhanced protection against malicious attacks. These updates also introduce performance enhancements that accelerate processing and decrease memory consumption.
For these reasons, experienced developers strongly recommend maintaining the latest stable PHP version. Currently, PHP 8.3.2 represents the most recent stable release.
Operating with outdated PHP versions may compromise security, reduce speed, and create compatibility conflicts with WordPress core files, plugins, or themes.
Fortunately, most WordPress hosting providers actively support current PHP versions to meet platform requirements. Some may implement automatic PHP updates without requiring user intervention.
Nevertheless, staying informed about PHP development news remains advisable. Understanding potential changes helps anticipate how they might affect your WordPress environment. Some plugins, themes, or applications might experience functionality issues following updates, potentially requiring temporary reversion to previous PHP versions.
With these considerations in mind, let's examine methods for checking your current PHP version and provide step-by-step upgrade instructions for various hosting platforms.
- Checking Your Current PHP Version in WordPress
- Essential Preparations Before PHP Updates
- PHP Version Updates in Bluehost
- PHP Version Updates in Hostinger
- PHP Version Updates in SiteGround
- PHP Version Updates in HostGator
- PHP Version Updates in DreamHost
- PHP Version Updates in WP Engine
- PHP Version Updates in Other Hosting Providers
- Common Questions About PHP Version Changes
Checking Your Current PHP Version in WordPress
WordPress provides straightforward methods for verifying your hosting provider's PHP version. Begin by accessing your administrative dashboard and navigating to Tools » Site Health.
Select the 'Info' tab within this section.
Scroll downward and expand the 'Server' section. This area displays comprehensive server information, including your current PHP version.
The demonstration website in our example operates on PHP version 8.1.
Essential Preparations Before PHP Updates
As with any system modifications, ensuring your production website remains error-free requires specific preparatory measures:
- Update WordPress core, themes, and plugins– This ensures compatibility with newer PHP versions. Reputable plugin developers typically maintain compatibility with current PHP releases.
- Create comprehensive website backups – Utilize backup solutions to generate complete website copies. This enables restoration to functional versions if complications arise.
- Establish a staging environment – Testing PHP updates in staging environments prevents potential errors from affecting live websites.
- Implement PHP compatibility verification tools– Specialized plugins can identify potential conflicts before implementing new PHP versions.
PHP Version Updates in Bluehost
Begin by accessing your Bluehost control panel and selecting the 'Websites' tab in the left navigation.
Choose the specific website requiring PHP updates, then click the 'Settings' button.
Navigate to the 'Settings' tab to access advanced configuration options for your WordPress installation.
Scroll to the PHP Version section and select 'Change' adjacent to your current PHP version.
Choose your desired PHP version and confirm with the 'Change' button.
Bluehost will immediately implement the selected PHP version for your website.
PHP Version Updates in Hostinger
Access your Hostinger dashboard and select the 'Websites' section.
Click 'Manage' next to the website requiring PHP version modifications to access its specific dashboard.
Locate 'PHP Configuration' under the Advanced menu in the left navigation panel.
Hostinger displays available PHP versions for selection. Choose your preferred version and click 'Update' to save configuration changes.
