How To Update Your PHP Version In WordPress?

Join us for digital creativity inspiration on our blog!

how-to-update-your-php-version-in-wordpress

Keeping your PHP version up to date is crucial for maintaining the security, performance, and compatibility of your WordPress website. As PHP releases new versions with enhanced features and security patches, it’s essential to ensure that your WordPress site is running on the latest supported version. Here’s a step-by-step guide to updating your PHP version in WordPress.

Check Compatibility

Before updating your PHP version, it’s important to check the compatibility of your WordPress installation and plugins with the latest PHP release. Some older themes and plugins may not be compatible with newer PHP versions, which could result in compatibility issues or errors on your website. Check the documentation of your themes and plugins to verify compatibility or reach out to the developers for guidance.

Backup Your Website

Before making any changes to your website’s PHP version, it’s crucial to create a full backup of your WordPress site. This ensures that you have a copy of your website’s files and database in case anything goes wrong during the update process. You can use a WordPress backup plugin like BlogVault or your hosting provider’s backup tools to create a backup of your site.

Check Current PHP Version

To determine which PHP version your WordPress site is currently running, you can use a plugin like Display PHP Version. After installing and activating the plugin, navigate to the Tools > Display PHP Version page in your WordPress admin dashboard to view the current PHP version.

Update PHP Version in Hosting Control Panel

Most web hosting providers offer an option to update the PHP version through their hosting control panel. Log in to your hosting account and locate the PHP settings or PHP version management section. From there, you should be able to select the desired PHP version from the available options and apply the changes. Make sure to choose a PHP version that is supported by WordPress and compatible with your website’s themes and plugins.

Learn: How To Do WordPress Website Maintenance In London

Test Your Website

After updating the PHP version, it’s essential to thoroughly test your website to ensure that everything is functioning correctly. Visit different pages of your site, test any forms or interactive elements, and check for any error messages or unexpected behaviour. If you encounter any issues, revert to the previous PHP version and troubleshoot the compatibility problems before updating again.

Monitor Performance and Security

Once your website is running on the updated PHP version, continue to monitor its performance and security. Keep an eye on your website’s speed, responsiveness, and overall stability to ensure that the new PHP version is delivering the expected improvements. Additionally, stay informed about future PHP releases and plan to update your website’s PHP version regularly to maintain optimal performance and security.

Read: Optimising WordPress Performance Through Customisation

Conclusion

Updating your PHP version in WordPress is a critical maintenance task that helps ensure the security, performance, and compatibility of your website. By following these steps and taking necessary precautions, you can safely update your WordPress site to the latest supported PHP version, providing a better experience for your visitors and improving the overall health of your website.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *