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How to Update Php on WordPress

Updating PHP on your WordPress site improves performance, security, and compatibility. This guide walks you through the entire process—from checking your current version to completing the update with confidence.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your current PHP version first: Use your hosting dashboard or a plugin to see what version you’re running before making changes.
  • Always backup your site: Create a full backup of your files and database before updating PHP to avoid data loss.
  • Test compatibility with themes and plugins: Ensure your active theme and plugins support the new PHP version to prevent errors.
  • Update via your hosting provider: Most hosts allow one-click PHP updates in their control panel—no coding required.
  • Monitor your site after updating: Watch for white screens, broken features, or error messages and fix them quickly.
  • Use staging sites for safety: Test the PHP update on a staging copy of your site before applying it live.
  • Keep PHP updated regularly: Older versions become unsupported and vulnerable—stay current for better security and speed.

Why You Should Update PHP on WordPress

PHP is the programming language that powers WordPress. Every time you load a page, PHP processes your content and delivers it to visitors. Over time, newer versions of PHP are released with better performance, improved security, and modern features.

Using an outdated PHP version can slow down your site, expose it to security risks, and cause compatibility issues with newer plugins or themes. For example, WordPress officially recommends using PHP 8.0 or higher as of 2024. If you’re still on PHP 7.4 or earlier, you’re missing out on significant speed boosts and protection.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to safely update PHP on your WordPress site—whether you’re using shared hosting, a managed WordPress host, or a VPS. We’ll cover everything from preparation to post-update checks, so you can upgrade with confidence.

Step 1: Check Your Current PHP Version

How to Update Php on WordPress

Visual guide about How to Update Php on WordPress

Image source: wuzzweb.com

Before making any changes, find out which PHP version your site is currently using. There are several easy ways to do this:

Method 1: Use Your Hosting Control Panel

Most hosting providers (like Bluehost, SiteGround, or HostGator) show your PHP version in the dashboard. Log in to your hosting account and look for sections labeled “PHP Version,” “Software,” or “Server Settings.”

Method 2: Use a WordPress Plugin

Install a free plugin like “PHP Compatibility Checker” or “WP Server Stats”. These tools display your current PHP version directly in your WordPress admin area under Tools or Settings.

Method 3: Create a phpinfo File (Advanced)

If you have FTP access, create a file called phpinfo.php in your website’s root folder with this code:
<?php phpinfo(); ?>
Then visit yoursite.com/phpinfo.php in your browser. Delete the file immediately after checking—it exposes sensitive server info.

Step 2: Backup Your WordPress Site

Never skip this step! A full backup ensures you can restore your site if something goes wrong during the PHP update.

How to Backup Your Site

Use a reliable backup plugin like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, or your host’s built-in backup tool. Make sure your backup includes:

  • All WordPress files (themes, plugins, uploads)
  • The entire database
  • Configuration files like .htaccess

Store the backup in a safe place—cloud storage, external drive, or email it to yourself. Test restoring it on a local environment if possible.

Step 3: Test Theme and Plugin Compatibility

Older themes or plugins may not work with newer PHP versions. Updating PHP without checking can break your site.

Check Plugin Compatibility

Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins in your WordPress dashboard. Look for updates—many developers release PHP 8+ compatible versions. If a plugin hasn’t been updated in over a year, consider replacing it.

You can also use the PHP Compatibility Checker plugin to scan your site. It will flag plugins or themes that might cause issues.

Check Your Active Theme

Visit Appearance > Themes and ensure your active theme is up to date. If you’re using a custom or outdated theme, check with the developer or consider switching to a modern, well-supported option like Astra or GeneratePress. For help managing themes, see our guide on how to update a theme on WordPress.

Step 4: Create a Staging Site (Highly Recommended)

A staging site is a clone of your live site where you can test changes safely. Many hosts offer one-click staging (e.g., SiteGround, WP Engine). If yours doesn’t, use a plugin like WP Staging.

Why Use a Staging Site?

Testing the PHP update on a staging site lets you catch errors without affecting real visitors. If something breaks, you can fix it before going live.

Step 5: Update PHP via Your Hosting Provider

Now it’s time to upgrade. The method depends on your hosting type.

Shared or Managed WordPress Hosting

Log in to your hosting control panel (cPanel, Plesk, or a custom dashboard). Look for:

  • “PHP Version” or “Select PHP Version”
  • “Software” > “MultiPHP Manager”
  • A dedicated “PHP Settings” section

Choose the latest stable version (e.g., PHP 8.2 or 8.3). Avoid “beta” or “experimental” versions. Click “Save” or “Apply.”

VPS or Dedicated Server

If you manage your own server, use SSH to update PHP. For Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install php8.2
sudo a2enmod php8.2
sudo systemctl restart apache2

Replace php8.2 with your desired version. Always check your web server (Apache/Nginx) compatibility.

Step 6: Test Your Live Site After Updating

Once PHP is updated, visit your site and check:

  • Does the homepage load?
  • Are posts and pages displaying correctly?
  • Do forms, sliders, and plugins work?
  • Is the admin dashboard accessible?

Look for common issues like:

  • White screen of death: Usually means a plugin or theme conflict.
  • 500 Internal Server Error: Check your .htaccess file or PHP error logs.
  • Deprecated function warnings: Appear in debug logs—update the offending plugin or theme.

Enable WordPress debugging by adding this to your wp-config.php file:

define('WP_DEBUG', true);
define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);

Errors will be saved to /wp-content/debug.log.

Troubleshooting Common PHP Update Issues

Even with preparation, problems can occur. Here’s how to fix the most common ones.

White Screen After Update

This usually means a plugin or theme isn’t compatible. To fix:

  1. Rename the /wp-content/plugins folder via FTP to plugins_old.
  2. Reload your site—if it works, rename the folder back and disable plugins one by one.
  3. If the issue persists, switch to a default theme like Twenty Twenty-Four.

Site Loads Slowly

Newer PHP versions are faster, but misconfigurations can cause slowdowns. Clear your cache, optimize your database, and check for resource-heavy plugins. For performance tips, read our article on the best WordPress theme for SEO and speed.

Plugin or Theme Errors

If a specific plugin breaks, check its support forum or update it. If no update is available, consider alternatives. You can also temporarily downgrade PHP (via your host) while you find a fix—but don’t stay on an old version long-term.

Best Practices for Future PHP Updates

To avoid surprises, make PHP updates part of your regular maintenance routine.

Stay Informed

Follow WordPress news and your host’s announcements. PHP 7.4 reached end-of-life in November 2022—using it now is risky.

Schedule Regular Checks

Every 3–6 months, verify your PHP version and test for compatibility. Use tools like the PHP Compatibility Checker plugin to stay ahead.

Keep Everything Updated

Regularly update WordPress core, themes, and plugins. This reduces compatibility issues and improves security. For guidance, see our guide on how to upgrade a WordPress theme.

Conclusion

Updating PHP on WordPress might seem intimidating, but it’s a straightforward process when you follow the right steps. By checking your current version, backing up your site, testing compatibility, and using a staging environment, you can upgrade safely and enjoy faster load times, better security, and fewer errors.

Remember: staying on an outdated PHP version puts your site at risk. Take action today—your visitors (and your server) will thank you.