How to Update PHP Version in WordPress Site Easily? (2 Methods)

Q: Benefits WordPress PHP Update

Improves the security of the websites Improves the SEO Increases the loading speed of the websites Compatibility

Q: What is PHP on a WordPress site?

PHP is one of the popular programming languages to build a dynamic website. Programming codes are hidden behind the design. It performs as the neuron system of the website providing essential functions to the site. With PHP, many other programming languages have evolved recently. The primary language in WordPress is PHP that offers dynamic functions for the site. Other programming languages are used in the construction of the site that provides structure to the site, which includes the following.

This is for all the website building maniacs and WordPress lovers, solely to uncover the myth of how to update PHP in WordPress, and before knowing how we should also know the why behind it. But before diving deep, let’s explain the terms to the newbie. PHP is a hypertext processor; it is a widely used computer language that is supposed to be the best for web development and create super exciting web pages. And WordPress, of course, is a content management system, which is itself written in PHP and is useful for creating interactive websites, blogs, and apps as well.

Now WordPress comes with different versions for PHP; almost every two years from the official server of PHP, a new version arrives, and along with it is required to update the PHP version for your WordPress sites. So how to upgrade the PHP version in WordPress exactly? There are many methods present, but you will get the best for yourself here. So now, to clear the query of why we need to update the WordPress PHP, it is simple, it is just because of two sole reasons: security and another is the speed of the WordPress websites. If you do not have the recent versions of PHP, then your website might have a security leakage and may run slow, giving the visitors a hard time viewing your content. And loading time, as well as security measures, is one of those critical factors which any web browsers decide where to place your content on the search page! That is why it is so important to have an idea of how to do it.

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What Is PHP on a WordPress Site?

PHP is one of the popular programming languages for building a dynamic website. Programming codes are hidden behind the design. It performs as the neuron system of the website providing essential functions to the site. With PHP, many other programming languages have evolved recently.
The primary language in WordPress is PHP, which offers dynamic functions for the site. Other programming languages are used in the site’s construction that provides structure to the site, which includes the following.

HTML and CSS

Html and CSS are known as declarative languages executed in web browsers. A combination of both HTML and CSS works on the aesthetic and overall appearance of the site. It includes website layout, colors, text, images, and any other multimedia integration on site.

JavaScript and PHP

These are programming languages run on web servers. It is used to run dynamic functions of a site such as a click function, moving elements, dynamically changing page layout, animated buttons, navigation menus, etc.
WordPress is fully developing using PHP language. Everything you find on WordPress, including core functions, themes, plugins, and CMS, is programmed using PHP language. PHP is the engine of the WordPress content management system powering the entire system.

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Pre-Requirements Before Updating the PHP

There is a few thing to do before knowing how to upgrade WordPress PHP version:

1- Backing Up Of The Website

Dynamic websites such as WordPress are built using inter-connected code. Minor changes to a single file could result in the malfunction of the entire website. Thus, it is advisable to take a backup of your site before performing any significant changes. Especially when performing PHP version upgrade procedures, backup is necessary to avoid unexpected errors.

Top 2 reasons why you should take a backup before updating the latest version of PHP:

Themes and plugins are coded by third-party developers or agencies who might have missed some essential functions of WordPress required during an upgrade. When you perform a WordPress upgrade, the core gets updated, but the relationship between themes and plugins is not matched with the latest version. As a result, the WordPress site will malfunction, and it will not be accessible to the users until the problem is resolved. These kinds of errors are generally considered as compatibility issues with themes and plugins.
A minor issue can lead to various problems on site. Unforeseen events such as disconnection from the internet facility could make the script stop during an update. It will have a profound consequence on the overall site structure. You will lose control over your site, and now you have to go through long hours of error fixing process.

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2- Check Your WordPress Site for Visible Errors

After you finishing with the PHP version update, inspect the website to ensure everything is working fine. Compatibility issues could be easily visible on-site, making a site layout fails to perform a standard task. Additionally, functional errors on the contact us forms should be checked.

3- Revert To an Earlier PHP Version If Necessary

Visible errors on-site are a sign of possible compatibility issues between the latest PHP version and plugins. You might have to disable the plugin to gain access to your site again. Replace it with another plugin compatible with the latest PHP version.

If you need an older plugin active on-site, you may have to go back to an older version suitable for a plugin.

revert to an earlier php version if necessary

Follow this step to go back to an older version of the PHP:
Step 1: Log in to the cPanel section of your server.
Step 2: Visit the software section.
Step 3: Find “Select PHP Version” in the section. Click the tab and go to the setting.
Step 4: On the PHP setting page, you can select the required version and update the script.
Step 5: You are done with the PHP version changes. Go to the website again and see if the error disappears. Clean cache after update and refresh site to see latest changes implemented on site.

Now you know how to upgrade PHP version in WordPress safely and perform error checking.

4- Choose a Host That Stays Current with PHP Versions

Hosting providers are offering various kinds of services to the WordPress site. A new version of PHP is released after it is made available to the general public. Many hosts provide quick service than others.
Hosting providers such as GoDaddy have come up with an entirely new WordPress hosting plan for users. Select a hosting service provider who is quick in upgrading the PHP version.

5- Update the Themes and Plugins

The themes and plugins for your website in WordPress are all written in PHP, so these might not function well after updating your WordPress PHP. So it is advised first to update these themes and plugins to their latest versions themselves, or else any issue might arise later. You can easily update the plugins by logging in to your WordPress dashboard and then clicking on updates, where you will be able to update all the themes and plugins used for your website.

6- PHP Compatibility Checking

After updating your themes and plugins, you can test their compatibility with the new PHP version. This can be done using the “PHP Compatibility Checker.” One can go to plugins, add New, and search PHP Compatibility Checker. Then install and activate this compatibility plugin. Then the next task for you would be to go to tools, then to PHP Compatibility, select the latest version of PHP, and then click on “scan site.” The plugin does all the work; it checks the compatibility of the new PHP version with your updated themes and other plugins. With this plugin, you can check the compatibility of selected plugins/themes or scan all of them. If any problems are found, it will be notified straight away.

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How to Update PHP Version on WordPress Website?

Now we have arrived at the stage of how to update WordPress PHP, well this can be done using three ways:

Directly updating the PHP version from the cPanel of your hosting server
Building a staging site
Contacting your hosting provider

Method #1: cPanel

Login to your cPanel or any other control panel which your hosting server provides
Next, go to the search bar and type PHP version
Then click on the “Select PHP version”
Click on the drop-down button, scroll down to the bottom, and select the latest version available there.
Then click on “set as current”.

This is easy and happens smoothly after you have done all your pre-requirements stated above. And if anyhow the latest PHP version is not present, then it might have happened that your website hosting provider is not yet offering the newest version to you.

Suggest you read our article about what is cpanel and why do i need it

Method #2: Building a Staging Site

There are certain hosting providers which help you to build a staging website where you can test your new PHP version.
In your hosting provider’s dashboard check in the “sites” section where you might get the option of “Staging environment” then you can select the create staging environment button.
Then you update/modify the PHP version of your WordPress with your staging environment being selected.
This will help in a way that all the themes and plugins of your live website will not be affected as the PHP version gets modified being in the staging environment. If anyhow any compatibility issue arises then you can easily deselect and select your older PHP version.
Now test your website and all its pages carefully.
If no issues are found then you can push the website to live again.

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Method #3: Contacting Your Hosting Provider

Any problems might arise while you perform any of the above-said tasks, and you might not be able to figure out the source of the problem. So it is always an option to contact your hosting provider.
They will either do the update for you or they will surely instruct you how to do what.

Benefits WordPress PHP Update

1- Improves the Security of the Websites

WordPress is a far more advanced script that went through several upgrades. Every new update to the script brings added security to the system. New problems are addressed in the latest WordPress update. An update is necessary to prevent security threats to your data.

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2- Improves the SEO

Google favors sites that are fully updated with the latest version of the CMS script. Search engine encourages people to stay updated to avoid malpractice. Users’ data will be at risk due to the backdoor on site. Update restricts unethical practices and protects users from personal data loss. Thus, an updated WordPress site receives benefits from SEO in organic ranking. Hence, you should update the PHP version in WordPress regularly.

3- Increases the Loading Speed of the Websites

The Latest WordPress update would have a content and code optimization arrangement that increases the site’s loading speed. WordPress is trying to run the system with minimalist code so the website will load faster.
The responsive site reduces bounce rate and helps businesses to retain their customers. In today’s rapidly changing world, speed is vital for growth.

4- Compatibility

Every new WordPress update also comes with a compatibility upgrade. These days various devices are used to access a website on the web. A compatible webpage provides easy access and a comfortable browsing experience.

New WordPress update will include programming code that senses the device and adapt screen size with necessary functionalities to offer a mesmerizing experience.

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How To Check PHP Version In WordPress?

Before you decide to upgrade PHP on WordPress, it is essential to know which version of WordPress you have active on your server. Updating the latest version without analyzing the compatibility of necessary plugins or themes may result in malfunction. Your site will stop working until you regain access to the older files.

Use the below methods to check the current PHP version of your site and change the PHP version in WordPress.

1- Using cPanel

Step 1: Visit the hosting account using cPanel credentials.
Step 2: Next, find the section named “Software.” This is where all the software relates features are placed.
Step 3: Now, see the “Select PHP Version” icon.
Step 4: Click on the icon. Upon clicking, the page will get redirected to the next page to find the current PHP version.

If the information is not available, or you cannot find the Php version tab, move to the next suggestion to check the PHP version using custom build plugins.
If you are a beginner, read about how to use cpanel to upload website

2- Using a WordPress Plugin

Step 1: Go to the plugin section in your WordPress dashboard panel. Add a new plugin called “Display PHP Version.” It is a simple plugin that shows the current WordPress version.
Step 2: After you install and activate the plugin. Visit dashboard > Home > At a glance.
Step 3: This page would have PHP version details.
Once you learn how to update the WordPress PHP version, take a backup before performing the upgrade.

We will have quick look at the pre-requirements before updating the PHP, these are the things you are required to do before knowing how to update PHP in WordPress, and these are basically.

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Conclusion

Now you very well know how to update PHP in WordPress; by getting knowledge about all the know-how, you are all set to go straight to your control panel and grab the latest PHP version for your WordPress websites. For more information, check this post out!