How to Update PHP on WordPress 2026

If your WordPress dashboard is showing a “PHP Update Required” warning, or your site feels slower than it should, it’s time to act. Knowing how to update PHP on WordPress is one of the most impactful things you can do for your site’s speed, security, and long-term stability. This guide walks you through the entire process — from checking your current version to safely upgrading through your hosting control panel — without breaking your site.

Why You Should Update PHP on WordPress

PHP is the programming language that powers WordPress. Every page load, form submission, and database query runs through PHP. When you’re on an outdated version, the consequences are real:

• Slower performance — Each new PHP version is meaningfully faster than the last. PHP 8.3 can deliver significant speed improvements over older versions like 7.4.
• Security vulnerabilities — Outdated PHP versions stop receiving security patches. Hackers actively target known vulnerabilities in unsupported versions.
• Plugin and theme conflicts — Modern plugins and themes are built for current PHP versions. Running old PHP can break features or prevent updates entirely.
• WordPress compatibility — WordPress itself requires at least PHP 7.4 to function, but officially recommends PHP 8.3 or higher as of 2025.

What PHP Version Should WordPress Use in 2025?

As of 2025, WordPress officially recommends PHP 8.3 or higher. Here’s a quick reference for where the major versions stand:

• PHP 8.3 — Current recommended version. Actively supported with the latest security patches and performance improvements.
• PHP 8.2 — Still supported but reaching end-of-life in late 2026. A safe choice if 8.3 causes compatibility issues.
• PHP 8.1 — Reached end-of-life in late 2025. No longer receiving security updates — upgrade as soon as possible.
• PHP 7.4 and below — Completely unsupported and a serious security risk. Immediate update required.

Step 1: Check Your Current PHP Version in WordPress

Before making any changes, find out which PHP version your site is currently running. You can do this directly from your WordPress dashboard:

1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
2. Go to Tools → Site Health.
3. Click the “Info” tab at the top.
4. Scroll down and expand the “Server” section.
5. Your current PHP version is listed there.

If your version is 8.3 or higher, you’re in great shape. If it shows 8.1 or lower, it’s time to upgrade. Anything below 8.0 needs immediate attention.

Step 2: Prepare Your Site Before Updating PHP

Updating PHP is generally safe, but skipping these preparation steps is how sites break. Take 10–15 minutes to do this correctly:

Back Up Your Website

Create a full backup of your WordPress site — including files and the database — before touching anything. Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus, Duplicator, or BlogVault. If something goes wrong, your backup is your safety net.

Update WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins

Go to Dashboard → Updates and apply every available update. Plugin and theme developers regularly release updates to ensure compatibility with newer PHP versions. Running outdated plugins alongside a new PHP version is a common cause of post-update issues.

Run a PHP Compatibility Check

Install the free PHP Compatibility Checker plugin (by WP Engine) from the WordPress plugin directory. Once activated, go to Tools → PHP Compatibility, select the PHP version you plan to upgrade to, and run the scan. It will flag any plugins or themes that may have compatibility problems with the new version.

If issues are found, update those plugins first, look for alternatives, or contact the developer before proceeding.

Test on a Staging Site (Recommended)

If your hosting provider offers a staging environment, clone your live site and test the PHP update there first. This way, any errors stay invisible to your visitors and you can troubleshoot without pressure.

Step 3: Update PHP via cPanel (Most Common Method)

Most shared hosting providers — including Bluehost, HostGator, Namecheap, and SiteGround — use cPanel. Here’s how to update PHP from there:

1. Log in to your hosting account and open cPanel.
2. Scroll to the “Software” section and click “Select PHP Version” (sometimes labeled “PHP Selector” or “MultiPHP Manager”).
3. A dropdown or list of PHP versions will appear. Select PHP 8.3 (or the latest available version).
4. Click “Apply” or “Save Changes.”
5. Go back to your WordPress site and check that everything is working correctly.

The change takes effect immediately. Open your site, browse a few pages, check your admin dashboard, and test any forms or checkout processes.

Step 4: Update PHP via Plesk

If your hosting uses Plesk instead of cPanel, the process is slightly different:

1. Log in to your Plesk dashboard.
2. Click on “Domains” and select the domain you want to update.
3. Click on “PHP Settings.”
4. Use the PHP version dropdown to select your desired version.
5. Click “OK” or “Apply” to save.

Step 5: Update PHP via Popular Hosting Dashboards

Some hosting providers have their own custom dashboards. Here’s where to find PHP settings on the most popular ones:

• Bluehost — Log in → Websites → select your site → Settings → PHP Version
• SiteGround — Site Tools → Devs → PHP Manager → select version
• Hostinger — hPanel → Hosting → Manage → PHP Configuration
• WP Engine — User Portal → select your install → PHP Version dropdown
• Kinsta — MyKinsta → Sites → Tools → PHP Engine → Modify

If you can’t find the PHP settings in your hosting panel, contact your host’s support team — they can update it for you in minutes.

What to Do If Your Site Breaks After Updating PHP

Don’t panic. If something goes wrong after the update, here’s what to do:

• Roll back PHP — Go back to your hosting panel and switch to your previous PHP version. Your site will return to normal instantly.
• Identify the problem plugin or theme — Deactivate all plugins, then reactivate them one by one to find the one causing the issue.
• Restore your backup — If things are badly broken, restore the full site backup you made before the update.
• Contact your host — Most hosting support teams deal with PHP update issues regularly and can help troubleshoot quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions