how to update php in wordpress

As a foundational technology, PHP is oddly hard to place in time. It was the powerhouse of the early web, yet it's also the defining language of the modern WordPress era. Its versions oscillate between legacy support and cutting-edge performance. Developers long for a time when their sites were "fast," though when that was depends on their current PHP version. Its historical iterations include the PHP 5 series that powered early WordPress sites, the significant jump to PHP 7, and the current actively supported versions like PHP 8.x ("Most people don't even know their site is running an outdated version, right? Does anybody check?"). Keeping your PHP updated is not just a technical task; it's a core part of maintaining a healthy, secure, and fast website.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Updating PHP in WordPress

Updating the PHP version for your WordPress site might seem intimidating, but it's a straightforward process that yields significant benefits. A newer PHP version can dramatically boost your site's speed and security. Before you begin, it's absolutely essential to create a full backup of your website. This includes your database and all files, so you can restore everything if anything goes wrong during the update. Once your safety net is in place, you're ready to proceed.

• Step 1: Check Your Current PHP Version First, you need to know what you're currently running. You can find this information in your WordPress admin dashboard under Tools > Site Health > Info, and then look under the "Server" section for the PHP version.
• Step 2: Test for Compatibility The most critical step is to ensure your theme and all plugins are compatible with the new PHP version you want to use. You can use a plugin like "PHP Compatibility Checker" to scan your site and report any potential issues.
• Step 3: Update via Your Hosting Provider For the vast majority of users, the PHP version is changed through your web hosting control panel. Log in to your hosting account (like cPanel). Look for a section named "PHP Version," "Selector," or something similar. Select your desired newer version from the list and apply the change.
• Step 4: Thoroughly Test Your Website After updating, visit your site's front end and admin dashboard. Check all major functionalities, including forms, shopping carts, and contact pages. Ensure everything looks and works as expected. If you encounter a fatal error, your hosting panel allows you to quickly revert to the old PHP version while you fix the compatibility issue.

What is the latest version of PHP?

As of this writing, the latest stable release series is PHP 8.3, with PHP 8.4 on the horizon. The PHP development team regularly releases new versions that include performance improvements, new features, and, most importantly, security patches. Running the latest stable version ensures your site benefits from the best possible speed and protection against known vulnerabilities. It's a good practice to review your site's core software regularly, much like you would for other critical components, to maintain optimal performance and security standards.

Will updating PHP break my WordPress site?

Updating PHP has the potential to break your site, but only if your theme or plugins are not compatible with the new version. This is why pre-update compatibility testing is non-negotiable. Outdated or poorly coded plugins might use functions that are deprecated or removed in newer PHP versions, leading to errors or a complete "white screen of death." The risk is manageable and should not deter you from performing this crucial maintenance task.

To mitigate this risk, always create a backup first and test the update on a staging site if your hosting provider offers one. A staging site is a clone of your live website where you can safely make changes without affecting your visitors. If a problem occurs, you can identify the conflicting plugin or theme on the staging site, find an update or alternative, and then confidently update the live site. This process turns a potentially risky update into a safe and controlled procedure.

How do I check my PHP version?

There are several easy ways to check your current PHP version. The simplest method for WordPress users is within the WordPress admin area. Navigate to Tools > Site Health > Info and scroll down to the "Server" section. Here, you will see a line item for "PHP version" that displays your current number. This built-in tool provides a wealth of other useful server information as well.

Alternatively, you can check through your web hosting control panel. Most hosts, like those using cPanel or Plesk, have a section dedicated to PHP settings where the version is prominently displayed. For those who need more detailed server information, you can also verify your database server's configuration from the same hosting panel, as the MySQL or MariaDB version can also impact overall site performance and compatibility.

What are the benefits of using a newer PHP version?

The benefits of updating to a newer PHP version are substantial and directly impact your site's success. The most noticeable improvement is in performance. Newer PHP versions are engineered to execute code much more efficiently, which can cut your page loading times in half. This not only provides a better experience for your users but is also a positive factor for your overall site design and user experience metrics, which search engines like Google consider in their rankings.

Beyond speed, enhanced security is a major advantage. Older PHP versions, especially those that are no longer receiving active support, do not get security updates. This leaves your website exposed to known vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Newer versions receive regular patches to close these security holes. Furthermore, modern PHP offers new features and better memory management, allowing for more complex and powerful websites to run smoothly.

How often should I update PHP?

You should aim to update your PHP version at least once a year to stay on a supported release. The PHP project actively supports each version for a limited time. The table below outlines the support lifecycle for recent PHP versions to help you plan your updates.

Staying on a version within its security support period is critical for protecting your site. When your current version approaches its end-of-life date, it's time to plan your upgrade to the next available stable version. This proactive approach is far better than being forced to update in a panic after a security incident occurs. Regular updates are a core part of managing your website's core structure and functionality effectively.

What should I do if my site breaks after a PHP update?

If your site breaks and displays a fatal error or a blank white screen after a PHP update, don't panic. The first and fastest solution is to revert to the previous PHP version. You can do this immediately through your web hosting control panel by selecting the old version you were using. This will restore your site's functionality instantly, giving you time to diagnose the problem without losing traffic or causing user frustration.

Once your site is running again, you need to identify the cause of the conflict. The most common culprits are a single plugin or your active theme. To find it, methodically switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-Four and see if the error persists. If it fixes the issue, your theme needs an update. If not, deactivate all your plugins and then reactivate them one by one, checking your site after each activation. This process will pinpoint the problematic software. Sometimes, the fix is as simple as transferring your site's design to a more modern and compatible theme if your current one is no longer maintained.

Streamline Your WordPress Management with WPutopia

Keeping your WordPress site, including its PHP version, updated and secure can feel like a part-time job. That's where WPutopia comes in. Our expert team handles all the technical maintenance for you, from core and PHP updates to theme and plugin management. We ensure your site is always running on a carefully selected suite of essential tools and plugins for peak performance and ironclad security. With our proactive monitoring and support, you can focus on your content and business, resting easy knowing your website's technical health is in expert hands