WordPress: How to Check and Update the PHP Version in 2024
WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) in the world, powering millions of websites. To keep your site running efficiently and securely, it’s crucial to ensure that the PHP version your site uses is up to date. PHP is the scripting language that powers WordPress, and running an outdated version can lead to performance issues, security vulnerabilities, and compatibility problems. In this blog post, we will explain WordPress: How to Check and Update the PHP Version in 2024, guiding you through every step in simple, easy-to-follow instructions.
Table of Contents ; WordPress: How to Check and Update the PHP Version in 2024
- Why Updating the PHP Version Matters
- How to Check the PHP Version in WordPress
- How to Update the PHP Version in WordPress
- Backup Your WordPress Site Before Updating PHP
- Common Issues After Updating PHP and How to Fix Them
- FAQs About PHP Versions in WordPress
- Conclusion: Keeping Your WordPress Site Updated in 2024
1. Why Updating the PHP Version Matters
Before we dive into WordPress: How to Check and Update the PHP Version, it’s essential to understand why updating your PHP version is so important. PHP is the backbone of your WordPress website, and each new version brings better performance, improved security, and new features.
Performance Boost: PHP 8.0 and higher offer significantly better performance than older versions. Faster PHP processing can improve your site's loading time, which is essential for SEO and user experience.
Security: Older PHP versions no longer receive security updates. Running an outdated version leaves your site vulnerable to attacks.
Compatibility: Many WordPress themes and plugins require the latest PHP version to function correctly. If your site is running an outdated PHP version, you may encounter compatibility issues that can break features on your website.
Knowing WordPress: How to Check and Update the PHP Version is vital to ensure your site remains secure and runs smoothly in 2024.
2. How to Check the PHP Version in WordPress
The first step in maintaining your WordPress site is to check which PHP version you’re currently running. Here’s WordPress: How to Check and Update the PHP Version, starting with how to find out your current version.
Method 1: Using the WordPress Dashboard
- Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Go to ‘Tools’ > ‘Site Health’.
- Click on the ‘Info’ tab, then scroll down to the ‘Server’ section.
- Here, you will see your current PHP version displayed.
This method provides a quick and easy way to find the PHP version directly from your WordPress dashboard.
Method 2: Using a PHP Info Plugin
- Install and activate the ‘Display PHP Version’ plugin from the WordPress plugin directory.
- Once activated, you can see the PHP version directly on your WordPress dashboard’s ‘At a Glance’ section.
This method is particularly useful if you want a simple plugin solution for checking your PHP version.
3. How to Update the PHP Version in WordPress
Now that you’ve identified your current PHP version, let’s move on to WordPress: How to Check and Update the PHP Version. Updating PHP is typically done through your hosting provider’s control panel. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Step 1: Log in to Your Hosting Control Panel
Most hosting providers offer a control panel where you can manage your website’s settings. Common control panels include cPanel, Plesk, and custom dashboards provided by hosts like Site Ground, Bluehost, or WP Engine.
- Log in to your hosting account.
- Navigate to the ‘PHP Version Manager’ or ‘Multi PHP Manager’.
Step 2: Select Your WordPress Site
Once in the PHP manager, you’ll see a list of websites hosted on your account. Select the WordPress site for which you want to update the PHP version.
Step 3: Choose a New PHP Version
- Select the latest stable PHP version (PHP 8.0 or higher is recommended in 2024).
- Click ‘Update’ or ‘Apply’.
Your hosting provider may take a few minutes to update the PHP version. Once it’s done, your WordPress site will run on the new version of PHP.
Step 4: Test Your WordPress Site
After updating, it’s important to check that your website functions correctly. Visit the front end of your site and ensure that there are no errors. Test your main functionalities like forms, shopping carts, and other interactive features.
By following these steps, you’ve successfully completed WordPress: How to Check and Update the PHP Version for your website.
4. Backup Your WordPress Site Before Updating PHP
Before making any significant updates like changing your PHP version, it’s critical to create a backup of your WordPress site. This ensures that you can restore your website if something goes wrong during the update process.
Step 1: Use a Backup Plugin
Install and activate a backup plugin like Updraft Plus, Backup Buddy, or All-in-One WP Migration.
- Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the backup plugin.
- Create a full backup, including files and the database.
Step 2: Download the Backup
Once the backup is complete, download it to your local storage or cloud storage for safekeeping.
Backing up your site ensures that if anything goes wrong during WordPress: How to Check and Update the PHP Version, you can revert to your previous settings.
5. Common Issues After Updating PHP and How to Fix Them
Updating your PHP version can sometimes cause issues, especially if your themes or plugins are not compatible with the latest version. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
Issue 1: White Screen of Death (WSOD)
This is a common error that happens when the site fails to load after the PHP update.
- Solution: Temporarily deactivate all plugins and switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-One. Then, reactivate them one by one to find the conflict.
Issue 2: Plugin or Theme Incompatibility
Some plugins or themes may not support the latest PHP version, leading to errors or broken functionality.
- Solution: Update all plugins and themes to their latest versions. If the issue persists, contact the developer or find an alternative plugin that supports your PHP version.
Issue 3: Slow Website Performance
If your website slows down after the update, it might be due to poorly optimized code in certain plugins.
- Solution: Use a caching plugin like WP Rocket or W3 Total Cache to optimize performance. Additionally, check your hosting provider for any server-level caching options.
Understanding these potential issues helps you navigate WordPress: How to Check and Update the PHP Version smoothly.
6. FAQs About PHP Versions in WordPress
Q: How do I know if my WordPress site is compatible with the latest PHP version?
Before updating PHP, check that your theme and plugins are compatible with the latest version. Most popular themes and plugins are regularly updated to support the newest PHP versions.
Q: What is the minimum PHP version recommended for WordPress in 2024?
As of 2024, WordPress recommends PHP 8.0 or higher for optimal performance and security.
Q: Can I update the PHP version without contacting my hosting provider?
Most hosting providers allow you to update PHP directly through their control panel. However, if you don’t see this option, you may need to contact your host for assistance.
Q: What happens if I don’t update my PHP version?
Running an outdated PHP version can lead to performance issues, security vulnerabilities, and compatibility problems with themes and plugins. It’s always best to stay up to date.
7. Conclusion: Keeping Your WordPress Site Updated in 2024
Staying on top of your PHP version is essential for maintaining a secure, fast, and reliable WordPress site. This guide has shown you WordPress: How to Check and Update the PHP Version in simple steps that anyone can follow.
By regularly checking and updating your PHP version, you’re not only improving your website’s performance but also ensuring its security and compatibility with the latest plugins and themes. Make sure to always backup your site before performing updates and monitor your site for any issues afterward.
By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to keep your WordPress site running smoothly and securely in 2024.