How to Update PHP for WordPress

WordPress and PHP

WordPress is built on the PHP coding language. While it is essential to keep your themes and plugins up to date, keeping your PHP version up-to-date is equally important. Running the latest PHP version will ensure that your website runs faster and will stay more secure.

Additional benefits

1. Faster WordPress websites may rank higher in search results.
2. Faster websites will help you retain site visitors.
3. A secure website will cost less in the long run.
4. A secure website will keep its reputation when protected from hackers.

WordPress is backward compatible, meaning that it will still run on older versions of PHP. But to take advantage of new features, it is advisable to update to the latest version offered in your hosting dashboard.

Before you update

Updating your PHP will not usually be a problem, but there is no guarantee that an issue might arise.

1. Back up your website. Use one of the free backup plugins available through your WordPress dashboard.
2. Update WordPress, themes, and plugins to the latest versions.
3. Run the PHP compatibility checker plugin.
4. Fix any compatibility issues found by the checker.

How to update your PHP version

1. Log in to your Account Manager.
2. Click the Hosting tab at the left-hand side.

   

3. Click on the Manage button for your WordPress site.

   

4. Click Scripting Config.

   

5. Click Manage PHP Scripting.

   

6. Under ACTIONS, click Change PHP Version.

   

7. Select your preferred PHP version from the dropdown.

   

8. Click on the Set Version button again.
    

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