How to Update PHP in WordPress Without Breaking Your Site

Have you ever clicked “Update” and hoped your WordPress site wouldn’t crash? You’re not the only one. Many people feel nervous when it’s time to update PHP, but it doesn’t have to be scary.

PHP is the main engine that runs your WordPress website. If it’s old, your site can become slow, unsafe, or even stop working with some plugins. That’s why knowing how to update PHP in WordPress is so important.

When you keep PHP updated, your website loads faster, stays safer from hackers, and works better with new WordPress features. It’s one of the best things you can do to keep your website healthy.

This guide will help you understand the easy steps to update PHP the right way. You’ll learn how to prepare, check for plugin or theme issues, and safely make the update. Plus, you’ll get simple tips to fix problems if anything goes wrong.

So don’t worry, how to update PHP in WordPress can be simple. Just follow our step-by-step tips, and your site will be running better in no time!

Why Keeping Your PHP Updated Matters

Keeping your PHP updated is very important for your WordPress website. Think of PHP like the engine of a car. If it’s old or not working well, the whole site can slow down or break.

Why it matters:

1. Your Website Runs Faster
New versions of PHP work much better. For example, PHP 8 is almost three times faster than PHP 5.6. That means your website loads quicker, which keeps your visitors happy.

2. Better Security
Old PHP versions don’t get security updates. That can leave your site open to hackers. Updating PHP helps protect your website and your customers’ data.

3. Fewer Errors
Most new plugins and themes are built to work with newer PHP versions. If you’re using old PHP, some tools may not work right or show errors.

4. Improved SEO
Google likes fast websites. A fast, secure site helps your page rank better in search results.

If you’re wondering how to update PHP in WordPress, don’t worry; we’ll walk you through the steps in a safe and simple way so your website works better than ever.

How to Check Your Current PHP Version

Knowing where you’re starting is essential. Fortunately, checking your current PHP version in WordPress is straightforward.

Option 1: Use WordPress

1. Log in to your WordPress Admin Dashboard.
2. Navigate to Tools > Site Health.
3. Under the “Info” tab, scroll down to find the PHP version listed under “Server.”

Option 2: Use Your Hosting Account

1. Log in to your hosting provider’s dashboard (such as cPanel or Plesk).
2. Look for a “PHP Manager” or server information section.
3. Locate the PHP version currently running on your site.

Preparing for the PHP Update

Before learning how to update PHP in WordPress, it’s very important to prepare your site the right way. Skipping this step could lead to problems if something goes wrong.

Step 1: Backup Your Website

Always make a full backup of your WordPress site. This includes all your files and your database. If anything breaks during the PHP update, you can go back to the saved version.

You can use simple plugins like:

• UpdraftPlus
• BackupBuddy
• VaultPress

These tools let you back up everything with just a few clicks.

Pro Tip: Save your backup in a safe place, like Google Drive or Dropbox. That way, you still have your files even if your website crashes.

Backing up your site is the safest and smartest thing you can do before making changes. Once you’ve done this step, you’re ready to move on and safely learn how to update PHP in WordPress.

How to Update PHP in WordPress (Update WordPress, Plugins, and Themes)

Outdated plugins or themes can conflict with a new PHP version, causing your site to break.

1. Go to Dashboard > Updates.
2. Update WordPress core and all plugins and themes to the latest versions.

Check Compatibility

Run a PHP compatibility check using the PHP Compatibility Checker plugin. This tool identifies any plugins or themes that may not work with a higher PHP version. Resolve flagged issues by updating or replacing problematic plugins.

Use a Staging Environment

Never test updates on your live website. A staging site is a clone of your website where you can safely test changes without impacting your visitors. Many hosting providers, such as SiteGround and WP Engine, offer one-click staging environments. Once you’re confident everything works as intended on the staging site, you can replicate the update on your live site.

How to Safely Update PHP in WordPress

Want to speed up your site without breaking it? Here’s how to update PHP in WordPress the safe way:

1. Log in to Your Hosting Account
Go to your web hosting dashboard. This could be cPanel, Plesk, or a custom panel provided by your host.

2. Find PHP Version Settings
Look for something like “PHP Manager” or “Select PHP Version.” It’s usually under Software or Tools.

3. Pick the Latest Stable PHP Version
Choose the highest version supported by your host and WordPress (like PHP 8.1 or newer).

4. Save the Changes
Click “Apply” or “Save.” Your site will now run on the new PHP version.

5. Check Your Website
Make sure everything still works. Test pages, contact forms, sliders, and any important plugins.

You can also use tools like Google PageSpeed or Pingdom to test your site’s speed and performance. Following these steps makes learning how to update PHP in WordPress safe, simple, and stress-free!

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

Even with careful steps, issues can arise. Here are solutions to some common problems:

• White Screen of Death

If your site shows a blank screen, revert to the previous PHP version in your hosting dashboard. Check compatibility issues and resolve them before trying again.

• Error Messages

These often result from incompatible plugins or themes. Use the error logs in your hosting dashboard to identify and address the issue.

• Reach Out for Help

If technical difficulties persist, contact your hosting provider’s support desk for assistance or consult WordPress Codex forums.

Maintaining Your PHP and WordPress Site

After a successful update, your goal should be to keep everything up to date to avoid repeating the same stress.

• Schedule Regular Updates

Set aside time monthly to log in and keep WordPress, plugins, and themes updated.

• Monitor Performance

Use tools like Google Analytics and PageSpeed Insights to track site load times and user behavior.

• Stay Current with PHP Releases

Subscribe to blogs or newsletters from your hosting provider to stay informed about new PHP updates.

Final Words

Updating PHP in WordPress may sound scary at first, but it doesn’t have to be. When you prepare the right way, like backing up your site and checking everything works, you can safely make the update without problems.

The benefits are worth it. Your website will load faster, stay more secure, and work better with plugins and themes. You’ll also give your visitors a smoother, safer experience.

Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Make the smart move and update your PHP now to keep your site strong and up to date.

Need help getting started? Contact MyVirtualTalent for consultation. Our friendly team can guide you step by step, making sure your website stays safe and runs at its best. Take the first step today, your future self (and your visitors) will be glad you did!