How to Check PHP Version in WordPress Without Plugin?

Understanding PHP Version in WordPress: Why It Matters for Your Website

PHP serves as the backbone of every WordPress website, functioning as the server-side programming language that powers the entire content management system. Understanding how to check your WordPress PHP version is essential for maintaining optimal site performance, security, and compatibility. As WordPress continues to evolve, keeping track of your PHP version has become more critical than ever for website owners and administrators.

The importance of knowing your PHP version extends far beyond simple technical knowledge. Your PHP version directly impacts your website’s loading speed, security posture, and ability to run the latest WordPress features, themes, and plugins. According to WordPress.org, sites running outdated PHP versions can experience performance degradation of up to sixty percent compared to modern versions. Furthermore, security vulnerabilities in older PHP releases expose your website to potential threats, making version awareness a fundamental aspect of website management.

WordPress has made significant strides in making PHP version information more accessible to users. Since the release of WordPress version 5.2, the platform has included built-in tools that allow users to check their PHP version without relying on third-party plugins or complex technical procedures. This democratization of technical information empowers website owners to take control of their site’s health and performance without requiring advanced technical knowledge.

The relationship between WordPress and PHP is symbiotic and crucial. PHP processes all dynamic content on your WordPress site, from displaying blog posts to handling user logins and processing contact form submissions. When someone visits your WordPress website, the server executes PHP code to generate the HTML that appears in their browser. This behind-the-scenes processing makes PHP version optimization a cornerstone of effective WordPress management.

The Critical Importance of Maintaining Updated PHP Versions

Maintaining an updated PHP version on your WordPress site delivers three fundamental benefits that directly impact user experience and site longevity. Performance improvements represent the most immediately noticeable advantage, with newer PHP versions executing code significantly faster than their predecessors. The transition from PHP 5.6 to PHP 7.0 represented a groundbreaking performance leap, with benchmarks showing execution speeds more than tripling in many scenarios. Each subsequent PHP release has continued this trend of optimization, meaning sites running PHP 8.3 experience substantially better performance than those on older versions.

Security considerations make PHP version updates non-negotiable for any website owner who values data protection and site integrity. The PHP development community actively maintains newer versions with regular security patches and vulnerability fixes. When PHP versions reach their end-of-life status, they no longer receive these critical security updates, leaving websites vulnerable to exploitation. Hackers specifically target websites running outdated PHP versions because known vulnerabilities remain unpatched, making them easy targets for automated attacks and manual intrusions.

Compatibility issues emerge as another compelling reason to maintain current PHP versions. WordPress core developers, theme creators, and plugin authors design their products to work optimally with modern PHP versions. As the WordPress ecosystem evolves, older PHP versions become increasingly incompatible with new features and functionality. Websites running outdated PHP may experience plugin failures, theme malfunctions, and inability to access new WordPress capabilities. This compatibility gap widens over time, eventually forcing website owners to choose between upgrading PHP or sacrificing access to the latest WordPress innovations.

Performance Metrics: Quantifying the PHP Version Impact

Real-world testing demonstrates the tangible performance benefits of PHP version upgrades. Benchmark tests conducted by WordPress hosting providers consistently show that PHP 8.2 and 8.3 process requests approximately thirty to forty percent faster than PHP 7.4, which itself represents a massive improvement over PHP 5.6. These performance gains translate directly into faster page load times, reduced server resource consumption, and improved user experience. For e-commerce sites, every second of page load time can impact conversion rates, making PHP optimization a revenue-affecting decision.

Memory efficiency improvements in newer PHP versions allow websites to handle more concurrent visitors without requiring server upgrades. PHP 8.0 introduced Just-In-Time compilation, a feature that dramatically improves execution speed for certain types of operations. This technological advancement means websites can serve more dynamic content with less computational overhead, reducing hosting costs while improving performance. The cumulative effect of these optimizations makes PHP version management one of the most cost-effective website performance improvements available.

Security Vulnerabilities and Version Support Lifecycle

The PHP Group maintains a clearly defined support lifecycle for each PHP version, consisting of two years of active support followed by one year of security fixes. After this three-year period, versions become completely unsupported, receiving no updates regardless of discovered vulnerabilities. As of January 2026, PHP 8.1 has entered the security fixes only phase, while PHP 8.2 and 8.3 continue receiving active support. Understanding this lifecycle helps website owners plan necessary upgrades before their current version becomes a security liability.

Common vulnerabilities in outdated PHP versions include remote code execution exploits, SQL injection weaknesses, and cross-site scripting opportunities. These security gaps allow attackers to compromise websites, steal sensitive data, inject malicious code, or use the server for botnet activities. The financial and reputational damage from security breaches far exceeds the minimal effort required to maintain current PHP versions, making security updates a critical priority for all website operators.

Method One: Using WordPress Site Health Tool (Dashboard Method)

The WordPress Site Health tool represents the most straightforward and user-friendly method for checking your PHP version. Introduced in WordPress 5.2, this built-in feature provides comprehensive server information without requiring any technical expertise or additional software installation. The Site Health tool offers a centralized location for monitoring various aspects of your website’s technical configuration, with PHP version information prominently displayed alongside other critical server details.

To access the Site Health tool and check your PHP version, begin by logging into your WordPress dashboard using your administrator credentials. Navigate to the left sidebar menu and locate the Tools section, which appears approximately two-thirds down the menu list. Click on Tools to expand the submenu, then select Site Health from the available options. The Site Health screen displays two tabs at the top: Status and Info. Click the Info tab to access detailed technical information about your WordPress installation.

Within the Info tab, you will find multiple expandable sections containing various categories of system information. Locate and click on the Server section to expand it and reveal server-related configuration details. The PHP version appears prominently within this section, typically listed as one of the first entries. The version number follows a standard format, such as 8.2.15 or 7.4.33, where the first number indicates the major version, the second number represents the minor version, and the third number denotes the patch level.

Interpreting Site Health Information

The Site Health tool provides more than just your PHP version number. This comprehensive diagnostic interface displays additional critical information including your web server software, database version, maximum upload file size, and various PHP configuration settings. Understanding how to interpret this information empowers you to make informed decisions about your website’s technical requirements and potential upgrade paths.

The Server section also reveals important PHP configuration parameters such as PHP max input variables, which determines how many form fields your site can process simultaneously. This setting proves particularly important for complex contact forms or advanced plugin configurations. Another critical value displayed is the PHP memory limit, which governs how much server memory WordPress can utilize for processing requests. Sites with resource-intensive plugins or large media libraries may need higher memory limits to function optimally.

Understanding Version Number Components

PHP version numbers follow a semantic versioning system that conveys important information about the release. The major version number (the first digit) indicates significant changes that may include backward-incompatible modifications. Major version upgrades, such as the transition from PHP 7.4 to PHP 8.0, often introduce new language features and deprecate older functionality. The minor version number (the second digit) represents feature additions that maintain backward compatibility, while the patch number (the third digit) indicates bug fixes and security updates within a specific minor version.

WordPress currently recommends running PHP 8.0 or higher for optimal performance and security, with PHP 8.3 representing the latest stable release as of early 2026. However, WordPress maintains backward compatibility with PHP 7.4, though this version reached end-of-life status in late 2022 and no longer receives security updates. Website owners running PHP 7.4 or older should prioritize upgrading to a supported version to maintain security and access to the latest WordPress features.

Method Two: Checking PHP Version Through Hosting Control Panel

Web hosting control panels provide an alternative method for checking your PHP version, offering the advantage of accessibility even when WordPress dashboard access is unavailable. Most shared hosting providers utilize cPanel as their primary control panel interface, though some providers implement custom solutions. Understanding how to navigate your hosting control panel for PHP information represents an essential skill for WordPress site management, particularly when troubleshooting issues that prevent normal WordPress access.

To check your PHP version through cPanel, begin by logging into your hosting account using the credentials provided when you established your hosting service. Most hosting providers offer cPanel access through their main account dashboard or via a direct URL in the format cpanel.yourdomain.com. Once logged in, you will see the cPanel home screen displaying various management tools organized into sections such as Files, Databases, Email, and Software.

Navigate to the Software section of cPanel, where you will find several PHP-related tools. Look for options labeled Select PHP Version, MultiPHP Manager, or similar designations depending on your hosting provider’s cPanel configuration. Click on the appropriate option to access the PHP version management interface. This screen displays your current PHP version and typically offers a dropdown menu for selecting alternative versions if needed.

Working with MultiPHP Manager

Many modern cPanel installations utilize MultiPHP Manager, an advanced tool that allows different PHP versions for different domains hosted on the same account. This flexibility proves valuable when managing multiple WordPress sites with varying compatibility requirements. The MultiPHP Manager interface displays all domains associated with your hosting account along with their currently assigned PHP versions.

The MultiPHP Manager screen typically shows a system default PHP version at the top, which applies to newly created domains unless specifically overridden. Below this, a table lists individual domains with checkboxes for selection and their current PHP versions. To view detailed information about your WordPress site’s PHP version, locate your domain in the list and note the version number displayed in the corresponding column. This interface also allows you to change PHP versions by selecting domains and choosing a new version from a dropdown menu, though such changes should only be made after proper compatibility testing.

Alternative Hosting Panel Interfaces

Not all hosting providers use cPanel for account management. Popular alternatives include Plesk, DirectAdmin, and custom proprietary control panels developed by hosting companies. While the exact navigation paths differ across these platforms, the fundamental process of locating PHP version information remains similar. Most control panels organize PHP settings under sections labeled Server Settings, Software, or Website Management.

For Plesk users, PHP version information typically appears in the Website & Domains section under PHP Settings. DirectAdmin users should navigate to Account Manager and select PHP Version Selection or PHP Settings. Custom control panels may place this information in varying locations, so consulting your hosting provider’s documentation or support team proves helpful when locating PHP configuration options. Many hosting providers also include PHP version information in their main account dashboard for easy reference.

Method Three: Creating a PHP Info File for Detailed Server Information

Creating a dedicated PHP info file represents the most comprehensive method for examining your server’s PHP configuration, providing detailed information far beyond simple version numbers. This approach utilizes the phpinfo() function, a built-in PHP command that generates a complete report of your server’s PHP installation, including enabled extensions, configuration directives, environment variables, and compilation options. While slightly more technical than the dashboard method, creating a PHP info file requires only basic file management skills and provides invaluable diagnostic information.

To create a PHP info file, you will need access to your website’s file structure through either FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or your hosting control panel’s file manager. Begin by creating a new text file on your local computer using any basic text editor such as Notepad (Windows), TextEdit (Mac), or a code editor like Visual Studio Code. Avoid using word processors like Microsoft Word, as they introduce formatting characters that will prevent the PHP code from executing properly.

Open your text editor and create a completely blank document. Type or paste the following code exactly as shown: . This simple one-line script invokes the phpinfo() function, which PHP will execute to generate the comprehensive server information page. Save this file with the filename phpinfo.php, ensuring the .php extension is included. Some text editors may attempt to add .txt to the filename, so verify the complete filename reads phpinfo.php without any additional extensions.

Uploading the PHP Info File via FTP

FTP represents the traditional method for transferring files to web servers and works universally across all hosting providers. To use this method, you will need an FTP client such as FileZilla, which is free, cross-platform, and widely recommended by WordPress professionals. Download and install FileZilla or your preferred FTP client, then gather your FTP credentials from your hosting provider. These credentials typically include a host address, username, password, and port number.

Launch your FTP client and enter your connection credentials in the appropriate fields. The host field should contain your domain name or server IP address, often preceded by ftp:// or sftp:// for secure connections. Enter your FTP username and password in their respective fields, and set the port to 21 for standard FTP or 22 for SFTP (secure FTP). Click Connect to establish the connection to your server. Once connected, you will see a split-screen interface showing your local computer files on one side and your server files on the other.

Navigate to the public_html directory on the server side of your FTP client. This folder represents the web-accessible root directory of your website, where all publicly viewable files reside. Locate the phpinfo.php file you created earlier in your local file system, then drag and drop it into the public_html folder. The file transfer should complete within seconds. You can now close the FTP connection and proceed to access your PHP info page.

[article9]

Uploading via Control Panel File Manager

Most hosting control panels include a built-in file manager that provides a web-based alternative to FTP for file manipulation. This method proves convenient when you do not have an FTP client installed or prefer working entirely within your browser. Access your hosting control panel and locate the File Manager option, typically found in the Files section of cPanel or similar areas in alternative control panels.

Click on File Manager to launch the web-based file browser. The interface resembles a desktop file explorer, displaying your server’s directory structure on the left and file contents on the right. Navigate to the public_html directory by clicking on it in the left sidebar. Once inside public_html, look for an upload button or option, usually located in the top toolbar. Click the upload option to open the file selection dialog, then browse your local computer to locate and select the phpinfo.php file you created earlier. Click Open or Upload to transfer the file to your server.

Accessing and Interpreting the PHP Info Page

With the phpinfo.php file successfully uploaded to your public_html directory, you can now access it through any web browser. Open your preferred browser and navigate to yourdomain.com/phpinfo.php, replacing yourdomain.com with your actual website address. Press Enter to load the page, which will display a comprehensive table of PHP configuration information with purple or blue header sections depending on your server configuration.

The PHP version appears prominently at the top of the page, typically in the first row of the main information table. Below this, you will find extensive details about your PHP installation, including the server architecture, build date, configuration command, and server API type. Scroll down to explore sections dedicated to various PHP extensions such as mysqli for database connectivity, gd for image processing, and numerous other modules that enable different WordPress functionalities.

Important information sections include the Core section, which details fundamental PHP configuration directives like memory limits, maximum execution time, and file upload sizes. The Environment section reveals server environment variables that can affect PHP execution. Various extension sections provide detailed configuration information for specific PHP modules, which proves valuable when troubleshooting plugin compatibility or enabling required functionality.

Security Considerations and File Removal

The phpinfo() output contains sensitive server configuration information that should not remain publicly accessible indefinitely. After reviewing the PHP version and any other needed information, you must delete or rename the phpinfo.php file to prevent unauthorized access. Malicious actors can use the detailed configuration information exposed by phpinfo() to identify potential security vulnerabilities or plan targeted attacks against your server.

To remove the file, reconnect to your server via FTP or access the control panel file manager. Navigate to the public_html directory, locate the phpinfo.php file, and either delete it completely or rename it to something like phpinfo.php.old to disable execution while preserving the file for future reference. Verify deletion by attempting to access yourdomain.com/phpinfo.php in your browser, which should now return a 404 error indicating the file no longer exists or is inaccessible.

Method Four: Using FTP to Create a Custom PHP Version Display File

For users who want PHP version information without the comprehensive output generated by phpinfo(), creating a custom version display file offers a streamlined alternative. This method provides just the version number in a simple, clean format while maintaining the benefits of file-based checking. The custom version file approach proves particularly useful when you need to quickly verify PHP version without sifting through extensive configuration details.

Create a new text file using your preferred text editor and enter the following PHP code: . This script uses the phpversion() function to retrieve and display only the PHP version number without additional configuration information. Save the file as version.php or another descriptive filename with the .php extension.

Upload this file to your website’s public_html directory using either FTP or your control panel’s file manager, following the same procedures outlined in the previous method. Once uploaded, access the file by navigating to yourdomain.com/version.php in your web browser. The page will display a simple text output showing your current PHP version, such as “Current PHP version: 8.2.15” without any additional formatting or information.

This minimalist approach offers advantages for users who regularly check PHP versions across multiple websites or need to provide version information to support teams without exposing detailed server configuration. Like the phpinfo() file, remember to delete or rename this custom version file after obtaining the needed information to maintain security best practices.

Method Five: Checking PHP Version via WP-CLI Command Line

WordPress Command Line Interface, commonly known as WP-CLI, provides a powerful command-line tool for managing WordPress installations. While this method requires SSH access and basic command-line knowledge, it offers the fastest way to check PHP version for users comfortable with terminal interfaces. WP-CLI proves particularly valuable for developers, system administrators, and users managing multiple WordPress sites who need quick access to technical information.

To use WP-CLI for checking PHP version, you must first ensure WP-CLI is installed on your server. Many managed WordPress hosting providers include WP-CLI by default, while shared hosting environments may require manual installation or may not support it at all. Contact your hosting provider to confirm WP-CLI availability and obtain SSH access credentials if you do not already have them.

Connect to your server via SSH using a terminal application. On macOS and Linux systems, the built-in Terminal application works perfectly. Windows users can utilize PowerShell, Windows Terminal, or third-party applications like PuTTY. Enter the SSH connection command provided by your hosting provider, which typically follows the format: ssh username@yourdomain.com or ssh username@server-ip-address. Enter your password when prompted to establish the connection.

Once connected to your server, navigate to your WordPress installation directory using the cd command. Most WordPress installations reside in public_html or a subdirectory thereof. With WP-CLI installed and your current directory set to your WordPress installation, execute the command: wp cli info. This command displays comprehensive information about your WP-CLI installation and environment, including the PHP version being used.

Alternatively, you can obtain PHP version information more directly using standard Linux commands. The command php -v displays the PHP version installed on the server along with additional build information. This approach works universally on Linux servers regardless of WordPress or WP-CLI installation status, though it requires SSH access and basic command-line familiarity.

Understanding WordPress PHP Version Requirements and Recommendations

WordPress maintains both minimum requirements and recommended specifications for PHP versions, balancing backward compatibility with the need to promote modern, secure PHP usage. As of January 2026, WordPress technically supports PHP 7.4 as its minimum requirement, though this represents a legacy support posture rather than a recommended configuration. The official WordPress.org documentation strongly recommends PHP 8.0 or higher for all production websites, with PHP 8.3 representing the current optimal version.

The minimum requirement of PHP 7.4 exists primarily to maintain compatibility with older websites that have not yet upgraded their hosting environments. However, PHP 7.4 reached its end-of-life status in November 2022, meaning it no longer receives security updates from the PHP development team. Running WordPress on PHP 7.4 or older exposes your website to known security vulnerabilities and prevents you from benefiting from performance improvements available in newer versions.

WordPress core development increasingly focuses on optimizing for PHP 8.0 and higher, taking advantage of modern language features and performance improvements unavailable in older versions. Future WordPress releases will likely increase the minimum required PHP version, eventually deprecating support for PHP 7.4 entirely. Theme and plugin developers similarly target newer PHP versions in their products, meaning websites running outdated PHP increasingly encounter compatibility issues with popular WordPress extensions.

PHP Version Compatibility with Popular Plugins and Themes

The WordPress plugin and theme ecosystem has largely embraced modern PHP versions, with most actively maintained products requiring PHP 7.4 or higher. Premium theme developers and plugin authors often specify minimum PHP requirements in their product documentation, and many implement version checks that prevent installation on incompatible PHP versions. E-commerce plugins, form builders, and caching solutions particularly benefit from newer PHP features, delivering improved performance and functionality on modern versions.

Before upgrading your PHP version, verify compatibility with your installed themes and plugins to prevent website breakage. The WordPress Site Health tool provides some compatibility warnings, but dedicated testing represents the safest approach. Create a staging environment or backup your site completely before making PHP version changes, allowing you to revert if compatibility issues arise. Most quality plugins and themes update regularly to maintain compatibility with current WordPress and PHP versions, making upgrades straightforward for sites using well-maintained extensions.

How to Safely Update Your WordPress PHP Version

Updating your PHP version requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth transition without website disruption. The update process varies depending on your hosting provider, but following a systematic approach minimizes risks and prevents common pitfalls. Never update PHP on a production website without first completing comprehensive testing and creating current backups of both files and databases.

Begin the update process by creating a complete website backup using your preferred backup solution. WordPress backup plugins like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, or your hosting provider’s backup tools should capture both your website files and database. Verify that your backup completed successfully and that you can access the backup files if restoration becomes necessary. This safety net allows you to revert your site to its pre-update state if the PHP upgrade causes unexpected issues.

Next, update all WordPress core files, themes, and plugins to their latest versions. Developers continuously update their products to maintain compatibility with newer PHP versions, so running outdated software increases the likelihood of compatibility problems. Navigate to Dashboard → Updates in your WordPress admin area and install all available updates. After updating, test your website thoroughly to ensure everything functions correctly before proceeding with the PHP upgrade.

Testing PHP Compatibility Before Upgrading

Install and activate the PHP Compatibility Checker plugin to scan your website for potential PHP compatibility issues. This plugin analyzes your WordPress installation, active theme, and installed plugins to identify code that may not work with newer PHP versions. While not perfect, the PHP Compatibility Checker catches many common compatibility problems and provides valuable guidance about potential issues.

Run compatibility scans for your target PHP version using the plugin interface. The scanner examines your site’s code and generates a report highlighting potential problems, including deprecated functions, removed features, and syntax incompatibilities. Review this report carefully and address any identified issues before proceeding with the upgrade. Contact theme or plugin developers for updated versions if compatibility problems appear, or consider finding alternative solutions that support modern PHP.

Performing the PHP Version Update

The specific process for updating PHP depends entirely on your hosting provider and control panel. For cPanel users, navigate to the Software section and click on Select PHP Version or MultiPHP Manager. Select your domain from the list if managing multiple sites, then choose your desired PHP version from the dropdown menu. Click Apply or Set as Current to implement the change, which typically takes effect immediately.

Some hosting providers manage PHP updates through their custom control panels or require you to submit support requests for version changes. Budget hosting providers may not offer self-service PHP version management, requiring you to contact their support team to request upgrades. Premium managed WordPress hosting often handles PHP updates automatically or provides simplified one-click upgrade interfaces specifically designed for WordPress users.

After updating PHP, immediately test your website from the front-end and back-end. Visit your homepage and several internal pages to verify proper rendering and functionality. Log into your WordPress dashboard and navigate through various admin sections, testing critical functions like post editing, plugin management, and theme customization. Check contact forms, e-commerce functionality, and any custom features specific to your site.

Troubleshooting Common Post-Update Issues

If your website displays errors or malfunctions after the PHP update, systematic troubleshooting helps identify and resolve the problem. Start by accessing your Site Health tool to check for specific error messages or warnings. The debugging information provided often points directly to problematic plugins or themes causing compatibility issues.

Enable WordPress debugging to reveal detailed error messages that may not appear on the public-facing site. Access your wp-config.php file via FTP or file manager and locate the line that reads define('WP_DEBUG', false);. Change false to true and save the file. Visit your website again to see if detailed error messages now appear, providing clues about the source of problems.

Deactivate all plugins and switch to a default WordPress theme like Twenty Twenty-Four to isolate the problematic component. If your site works correctly with plugins deactivated and a default theme active, reactivate plugins one at a time, testing after each activation to identify the culprit. Once identified, update the problematic plugin or theme, replace it with an alternative, or contact the developer for assistance.

If problems persist despite these troubleshooting efforts, contact your hosting provider’s support team for assistance. They can review error logs, identify PHP-specific issues, and help resolve configuration problems. As a last resort, you can revert to your previous PHP version using the same control panel interface where you performed the upgrade, then seek professional WordPress development assistance to resolve compatibility issues before attempting the upgrade again.

Pro Tips for Managing PHP Versions in WordPress

Experienced WordPress professionals employ several strategies to maintain optimal PHP configurations across their websites. Implement these proven practices to enhance your PHP version management and minimize potential issues.

• Schedule regular PHP version audits: Create a quarterly reminder to check your PHP version and verify you are running a currently supported release. The PHP release cycle follows a predictable pattern, with new minor versions released annually and older versions reaching end-of-life on a regular schedule. Staying ahead of these transitions prevents last-minute emergency upgrades and allows time for proper testing and planning.
• Maintain a staging environment: Professional WordPress management always includes staging site capabilities for testing updates before applying them to production. Many hosting providers offer one-click staging site creation, allowing you to clone your live site for testing purposes. Use your staging site to test PHP upgrades thoroughly before implementing them on your public website, eliminating the risk of visitor-facing errors during the transition period.
• Document your PHP version and hosting details: Maintain a simple spreadsheet or documentation system tracking your WordPress sites, their current PHP versions, hosting providers, and update histories. This documentation proves invaluable when managing multiple sites or working with team members who need quick access to technical specifications. Include notes about any plugins or themes requiring specific PHP versions to streamline future update planning.
• Subscribe to PHP security announcements: The PHP development team publishes security advisories when vulnerabilities are discovered in various PHP versions. Subscribe to PHP security mailing lists or follow PHP security news sources to receive advance notice of critical vulnerabilities that may affect your websites. This proactive approach allows you to plan emergency updates before widespread exploitation occurs.
• Use modern hosting providers: Choose hosting providers that actively maintain current PHP versions and provide easy self-service upgrade paths. Budget hosting companies often run outdated software and make PHP updates difficult or impossible. Investing in quality hosting from providers who prioritize security and performance saves time and reduces technical headaches long-term.
• Implement automated monitoring: Use website monitoring services or WordPress management plugins that track your PHP version and send alerts when updates become available or when your version reaches end-of-life status. Automated monitoring ensures you never miss important PHP updates and provides visibility across multiple websites from a centralized dashboard.
• Test major plugin updates in isolation: When major plugins release updates specifically adding support for newer PHP versions, test these updates separately before combining them with PHP version changes. This isolation helps identify whether problems stem from the plugin update itself or from PHP incompatibilities, streamlining troubleshooting processes.
• Maintain communication with developers: If you use custom-developed themes or plugins, maintain relationships with your developers and ensure they stay informed about your PHP upgrade plans. Custom code often requires specific modifications to support newer PHP versions, and involving developers early prevents last-minute compatibility crises.

Frequently Asked Questions About WordPress PHP Versions

What happens if I am running an unsupported PHP version?

Running an unsupported PHP version exposes your website to security vulnerabilities that will never be patched, as the PHP development team no longer maintains unsupported versions. You may also experience compatibility issues with newer WordPress versions, themes, and plugins designed for modern PHP. Website performance suffers compared to sites running current PHP versions, potentially affecting user experience and search engine rankings. Your hosting provider may eventually force an upgrade or discontinue support for severely outdated PHP versions, potentially causing unexpected website disruptions.

Can I update my PHP version without accessing WordPress?

Yes, PHP updates occur at the server level through your hosting provider’s control panel, completely independent of WordPress access. You can update PHP even if WordPress is completely broken or inaccessible. The hosting control panel methods described in this article work regardless of WordPress functionality, making them valuable for recovery situations where WordPress dashboard access is unavailable.

Will updating PHP break my website?

PHP updates may cause website issues if your themes, plugins, or custom code contain outdated functions or syntax incompatible with newer PHP versions. However, following proper preparation procedures minimizes this risk substantially. Creating backups, updating all WordPress components, running compatibility scans, and testing in a staging environment before updating production sites prevents most common problems. The vast majority of WordPress sites running current themes and plugins update PHP smoothly without issues.

How often should I update my PHP version?

Update your PHP version whenever a new major or minor release becomes available and your hosting provider offers it, provided you have completed compatibility testing. At minimum, ensure you are running a PHP version that receives active security support, which typically means upgrading at least once every two to three years as older versions reach end-of-life status. More frequent updates provide better security and performance, making quarterly PHP version reviews a recommended practice.

Do I need to update WordPress before updating PHP?

Yes, always update WordPress core to the latest version before upgrading PHP. WordPress developers continuously improve PHP compatibility with each release, and running outdated WordPress with modern PHP creates unnecessary compatibility risks. The safest upgrade path follows this sequence: backup your site, update WordPress core, update all themes and plugins, run compatibility scans, then finally update PHP.

What is the difference between PHP 7.4 and PHP 8.3?

PHP 8.3 offers dramatically improved performance compared to PHP 7.4, with benchmarks showing execution speed improvements of thirty to fifty percent in many scenarios. PHP 8.0 introduced Just-In-Time compilation, named arguments, union types, and numerous other language improvements that benefit WordPress performance and development. Security-wise, PHP 7.4 reached end-of-life in late 2022 and receives no updates, while PHP 8.3 receives active development and security patches. Modern WordPress, themes, and plugins increasingly leverage PHP 8+ features, making the upgrade beneficial for functionality, security, and performance.