How to Update PHP Version in WordPress Website in Few Steps

The best way to optimize WordPress performance, security, and compatibility is to keep your PHP version updated. PHP, the scripting language that powers WordPress, frequently releases new versions that bring enhancements, bug fixes, and security patches. An outdated PHP version can expose your site to vulnerabilities, slow down performance, and cause compatibility issues with newer themes and plugins.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the process to update PHP version in WordPress Website in just a few straightforward steps. Whether you're managing your site’s hosting environment or working with a hosting provider’s control panel, we’ll provide clear instructions to help you make this essential upgrade with confidence. By checking your PHP version, confirming WordPress compatibility, and performing the actual update, this tutorial will ensure your WordPress site runs smoothly and securely. Let’s dive into how you can seamlessly update PHP version in WordPress and enhance your website’s performance and security.

What Exactly is PHP Version in WordPress?

PHP, which stands for Hypertext Preprocessor, is a server-side scripting language used to build dynamic and interactive websites. WordPress as a CMS is a popular, is built using PHP. This means that PHP is responsible for executing server-side code that powers your WordPress site, including handling user requests, querying the database, and generating the HTML that gets sent to a visitor's browser.

When we refer to the "PHP version" in WordPress, we’re talking about the specific version of the PHP language that your web server is using to run WordPress. Each PHP version comes with its own set of features, improvements, and security updates. WordPress, as well as its themes and plugins, rely on PHP to function correctly. As PHP evolves, new versions are released with enhancements that improve performance, security, and functionality.

Benefits of Updating PHP Version in WordPress

Updating PHP version in WordPress site offers several significant benefits, each contributing to the overall health and performance of your website. The following are some of the advantages:

1. Improved Performance: Newer PHP versions generally come with optimizations and performance improvements. Upgrading to a more recent version can result in faster load times and better overall performance for your WordPress site. This means quicker page rendering, which enhances user experience and can positively impact search engine rankings.
2. Enhanced Security: Older PHP versions may have known vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors. Each new PHP release addresses security issues identified in previous versions. By updating to a supported PHP version, you reduce the risk of your site being compromised by these vulnerabilities, ensuring better protection for your data and your users.
3. Better Compatibility: As WordPress, themes, and plugins are updated, they often require newer PHP versions to function correctly. Keeping your PHP version up-to-date will ensure your WordPress site operates with the latest features and updates. This will reduce the odds of compatibility issues and errors.
4. Access to New Features: New PHP versions introduce features and functionalities that can be leveraged by developers to build more efficient and effective code. Updating PHP allows you to take advantage of these improvements, potentially benefiting from enhanced capabilities and performance optimizations in your custom themes and plugins.
5. Support and Community: Older PHP versions eventually reach their end of life (EOL), meaning they no longer receive support or updates from the PHP development team. By using a supported PHP version, you ensure that you’re part of an active support community and have access to troubleshooting resources and guidance.

The process to update PHP version in WordPress is a crucial maintenance task that helps keep your site running efficiently, securely, and compatibly with the latest web technologies. It’s a proactive step towards maintaining a high-performing, secure, and future-proof website.

Steps to Update PHP Version in WordPress Website

Updating the PHP version in WordPress site is a crucial maintenance task that ensures your website remains secure, fast, and compatible with the latest plugins and themes. We will walk you through every step of the process, from checking your PHP version to verifying compatibility with WordPress to performing the update itself and testing your site afterwards.

Step 1: Checking Your Current PHP Version

Before starting the process to update PHP version in WordPress site, it's crucial to know which PHP version your site is currently running. This knowledge is the foundation for a smooth and successful update process. Here are several methods to determine your PHP version:

• WordPress Dashboard: Some hosting providers integrate PHP version information directly into the WordPress dashboard. You can find this information under Tools > Site Health > Info. In the "Server" section, you should be able to see the current PHP version. In addition to being straightforward, this method requires no additional tools or technical knowledge.
• Using a Plugin: Another simple method is to use a plugin specifically designed for this purpose. Download and install the "Display PHP Version" plugin from the WordPress plugin repository. Once activated, the PHP version will be prominently displayed on your WordPress dashboard. This plugin provides a quick and easy way to check your PHP version without needing to delve into server settings or control panels.
• PHP Info File: For a more detailed view of your PHP configuration, you can create a PHP info file. Create a new file named phpinfo.php in the root directory of your WordPress installation and add the following code:

<?php

phpinfo();

?>

Upload this file to your server and access it via your browser (e.g., http://yourdomain.com/phpinfo.php). This will display a comprehensive page of information about your PHP configuration, including the version number. This method is useful for advanced users who need more detailed information about their PHP setup.

• Hosting Control Panel: Many hosting providers offer control panels like cPanel or Plesk, where you can find your PHP version under the "Software" or "Server" information sections. Log in to your hosting control panel and look for these sections to find the PHP version. This method is beneficial if you are familiar with your hosting control panel and prefer managing server settings directly.

By knowing your current PHP version, you can update it accordingly to keep your WordPress site secure, fast, and compatible with the latest themes and plugins.

Step 2: Verifying Compatibility with WordPress

After checking your current PHP version, it’s crucial to ensure that your WordPress site, including all themes and plugins, is compatible with the newer PHP version before proceeding with the update. This step is vital to prevent any disruptions or errors on your site due to incompatibility. To keep your website error free and resolve common WordPress errors. Here are the detailed steps to verify compatibility: 

• Check WordPress Core Requirements: First, visit the official WordPress requirements page to determine the recommended PHP version. As of now, WordPress recommends using PHP 7.4 or higher. Ensuring your server runs a version that meets or exceeds this recommendation is essential for optimal performance and security. The latest PHP versions typically offer improved speed, security features, and support for modern coding practices.
• Review Theme and Plugin Compatibility: Next, review the compatibility of your themes and plugins with the newer PHP version. Navigate to the Plugins > Installed Plugins page in your WordPress dashboard and check for any available updates. Plugin and theme developers often specify PHP version compatibility in their changelogs or documentation. It’s important to update all your plugins and themes to their latest versions to reduce the risk of compatibility issues. Developers continuously release updates to ensure their products work seamlessly with the latest PHP versions, fixing bugs and enhancing functionality.
• Use a Compatibility Checker Plugin: Additionally, install and activate the WordPress plugin repository's "PHP Compatibility Checker" to ensure compatibility. This plugin scans your themes and plugins to identify potential issues with different PHP versions. After activation, run the scan and review the results. The plugin will highlight any conflicts or deprecated functions that might cause problems after updating PHP. This proactive approach helps you identify and address compatibility issues before they affect your live site, ensuring a smooth transition to the updated PHP version.

By following these steps, you can confidently proceed with process to update PHP version in WordPress, knowing that your WordPress site, themes, and plugins are prepared and compatible with the changes.

Step 3: Take Back up Your Website

After checking your current PHP version and verifying compatibility with WordPress, the next critical step is to back up your entire website before making any major changes. It ensures that if anything goes wrong with the PHP update, your site can be restored to its previous state. Backing up your site involves creating copies of all your files and databases, so nothing is lost if you encounter issues during the update process.

Using a Backup Plugin

One of the easiest and most efficient ways to back up your WordPress site is by using a WordPress Staging plugins. Plugins like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, or Duplicator are excellent choices for this task. Here’s a brief overview of how to use these plugins:

• UpdraftPlus: Install and activate UpdraftPlus from the WordPress plugin repository. Go to Settings > UpdraftPlus Backups. Click on the “Backup Now” button, and the plugin will create a complete backup of your site, including your files and database. You can store the backup locally or upload it to remote storage like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Amazon S3.
• Duplicator: Install and activate Duplicator, then go to the Duplicator menu in your WordPress dashboard. Create a new package and follow the steps to back up your entire site. Duplicator is particularly useful for creating site migrations and full-site backups.

Manual Backup

If you prefer to back up your site manually, you can use your hosting control panel, such as cPanel or Plesk. Here’s how to perform a manual backup:

• Files Backup: Access your hosting control panel and navigate to the file manager Choose the public_html or www directory to locate your WordPress root directory. Select all files and download them to your local computer. This ensures that you have copies of your WordPress core files, themes, plugins, and media uploads.
• Database Backup: To back up your database, access phpMyAdmin from your hosting control panel. Choose your WordPress database, then click on "Export". To download your database, select the "Quick" export method and click "Go". This file contains all your site’s content, settings, and user data.

By following these backup methods, you can safeguard your website against potential issues during the PHP update process.

Step 4: Updating PHP Version via Hosting Control Panel

Most modern hosting providers offer an easy way to update PHP version in WordPress website through their control panel. This streamlined process ensures you can quickly upgrade PHP without needing extensive technical knowledge. Here’s a general guide on how to update your PHP version using popular control panels:

cPanel

cPanel is one of the most commonly used hosting control panels. It provides a user-friendly interface to manage various aspects of your hosting account, including updating PHP.

• Log in to your cPanel account: Access your cPanel by logging in with the credentials provided by your hosting provider. The login URL is typically something like yourdomain.com/cpanel.
• Find the "Software" section: Once logged in, scroll down to the "Software" section. This section includes tools for managing your server's software and configurations.
• Click on "MultiPHP Manager" or "Select PHP Version": According to your cPanel version, you may see either "MultiPHP Manager" or "Select PHP Version”. Click on the appropriate option to proceed.
• Select the domain you want to update: In the MultiPHP Manager or Select PHP Version interface, you will see a list of your domains. Choose the domain whose PHP version you wish to upgrade.
• Choose the desired PHP version: From the dropdown menu, select the PHP version you want to use. Ensure you select a version that is compatible with your WordPress site and its plugins.
• Apply the changes: After selecting the desired PHP version, click on the "Apply" or "Save" button to update the PHP version for the selected domain.

Plesk

Plesk is another popular control panel used by many hosting providers. It offers a straightforward method to update PHP version in WordPress website.

• Log in to your Plesk account: Access your Plesk control panel by logging in with your hosting account credentials.
• Go to Websites & Domains: In the Plesk dashboard, navigate to the "Websites & Domains" section. This section displays all your hosted domains and their settings.
• Select the domain you want to update: Locate the domain for which you want to update the PHP version and click on it to access its settings.
• Click on PHP Settings: In the domain settings, look for the "PHP Settings" option and click on it. This will open a page where you can manage PHP configurations for the selected domain.
• Select the desired PHP version: From the PHP version dropdown menu, select the PHP version you wish to use. Make sure the version is supported by your WordPress site.
• Save the changes: After selecting the new PHP version, click the "OK" or "Apply" button to save your changes and update the PHP version for the domain.

DirectAdmin

DirectAdmin is a less common but still widely used control panel that also offers easy PHP version management.

• Log in to your DirectAdmin account: Access DirectAdmin by logging in with your hosting credentials.
• Navigate to Extra Features > Select PHP Version: In the DirectAdmin dashboard, go to the "Extra Features" section and then click on "Select PHP Version". This will bring up the PHP version management interface.
• Choose the desired PHP version: From the list of available PHP versions, select the one you want to set as the default for your domain.
• Set it as the default: Confirm your selection and set the chosen PHP version as the default. The control panel will apply the new PHP version to your domain.

Custom Control Panels

If your hosting provider uses a custom control panel, the process may vary slightly. Typically, you will need to look for sections related to PHP management or server settings. Refer to your hosting provider’s documentation or contact their support team for specific instructions tailored to their custom interface.

In conclusion, updating your PHP version via your hosting control panel is a straightforward process that involves logging in, navigating to the PHP settings, selecting your domain, choosing the desired PHP version, and applying the changes. By following these steps, you ensure your WordPress site remains secure, fast, and compatible with the latest themes and plugins.

Step 5: Updating PHP Version via .htaccess or php.ini

In situations where your hosting provider does not offer a control panel option for managing PHP versions, you may need to update the PHP version manually using configuration files like .htaccess or php.ini. This approach involves directly modifying server configuration files to specify the PHP version you wish to use. Here's a detailed guide on how to update PHP via these methods:

Updating via .htaccess

• Access Your WordPress Root Directory: To begin, you need to access your WordPress root directory, where your WordPress installation files are located. Use an FTP client like FileZilla or your hosting provider’s file manager tool to navigate to this directory. The root directory typically contains files like wp-config.php, index.php, and the .htaccess file.
• Open or Create a .htaccess File: Once you’re in the root directory, locate the .htaccess file. This file is a hidden configuration file that controls various server settings. If the .htaccess file does not exist, you can create a new text file and name it .htaccess. Ensure you include the dot at the beginning of the filename, as this is crucial for it to function properly.
• Add PHP Version Specification: Open the .htaccess file using a text editor. To specify the PHP version you want to use, add the following line:

AddHandler application/x-httpd-php74 .php

Replace 74 with the version number you wish to use (e.g., 82 for PHP 8.2). Save the file after making this change. This directive tells the server to use the specified PHP version for .php files.

Updating via php.ini

• Access Your WordPress Root Directory: As with the .htaccess method, start by accessing your WordPress root directory through an FTP client or file manager provided by your hosting service.
• Open or Create a php.ini File: Look for the php.ini file in your root directory. This file is used for PHP configuration WordPress settings. If it does not exist, you can create a new text file and name it php.ini.
• Specify PHP Version: Open the php.ini file with a text editor and add the following line to specify the desired PHP version:

version=.2

Adjust the version number to reflect the PHP version you wish to use. Save the changes after editing the file.

After making these updates, it is essential to verify that the new PHP version is active. You can do this by creating a phpinfo.php file or checking through your hosting control panel if available. This ensures that the server correctly applies the new PHP version settings and your WordPress site operates under the updated configuration.

Step 6: Testing Your Website After the Update

Once you've updated PHP version in WordPress, it's essential to thoroughly test your WordPress site to confirm that all components are working correctly and efficiently. This step ensures that the upgrade hasn’t introduced any issues or broken existing functionality. Here’s a detailed checklist to guide you through the testing process:

• Check the Frontend: Start by visiting your website's frontend and navigating through various pages. Verify that all content, including text, images, and multimedia elements, displays correctly. Pay close attention to page load times and ensure there are no broken links or missing elements. This initial check helps identify any immediate visual or functional issues resulting from the PHP update.
• Login to the Admin Dashboard: Access your WordPress admin dashboard (/wp-admin) to confirm that you can log in without encountering any errors or warnings. Test the admin interface by navigating through different sections like posts, pages, and settings. Ensure that you can perform administrative tasks smoothly without encountering unexpected issues.
• Test Plugins and Themes: Visit the Plugins and Themes sections of your dashboard to ensure all installed plugins and themes are active and functioning as expected. Test key functionalities such as forms, sliders, and widgets to confirm they work correctly with the new PHP version. If any plugins or themes exhibit problems, consider checking for updates or compatibility issues.
• Monitor Error Logs: Access your server’s error logs to check for any PHP errors or warnings. These logs can provide valuable insights into any compatibility issues or bugs introduced by the PHP update. Many hosting providers offer easy access to error logs through their control panels.
• Use a Debugging Plugin: Install and activate a debugging plugin like "Query Monitor" to detect potential issues. This plugin helps identify errors, slow queries, and performance bottlenecks, offering detailed insights into what might be causing problems.
• Perform User Actions: Simulate common user actions on your site, such as submitting forms, making purchases (if you run an eCommerce site), and interacting with various interactive elements. Ensure that these actions are executed correctly and that users experience no issues.
• Verify Functionality: Test all major features of your website, including contact forms, search functionality, image galleries, and any custom features you have implemented. Confirm that each feature operates smoothly and as expected, addressing any anomalies that arise.

Thoroughly following these steps helps ensure that your WordPress site remains functional and reliable after updating your PHP version.

Conclusion

The process to Update PHP version in WordPress website is a vital task that enhances performance, security, and compatibility. As we've discussed, PHP is the backbone of WordPress, driving its functionality and interaction with the server. By upgrading to a newer PHP version, you not only benefit from improved speed and efficiency but also safeguard your site against vulnerabilities and ensure compatibility with the latest Elementor WordPress themes and plugins.

The process to update PHP version in WordPress, involves checking your current version, verifying compatibility, backing up your site, performing the update through your hosting control panel, and thoroughly testing your site post-update. Following these steps ensures a smooth transition to a more robust PHP environment.

Regularly maintaining your PHP version as part of your site’s overall upkeep will help keep your WordPress site running optimally and securely. Embrace these updates to deliver a better user experience and stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital landscape.