Show
Updating PHP versions is one of the easiest ways to make your website load faster. To update PHP versions in WordPress, login to your hosting account and find the PHP version manager (or similar). Upgrade to the highest version (e.g. PHP 7.4) and test your site for errors. In fact, Kinsta’s PHP benchmarks showed PHP 7.4 was almost 3x faster than PHP 5.6. When upgrading PHP versions is as simple as logging into your hosting account and clicking a couple buttons, there’s no reason to run an outdated PHP version like many WordPress users do. Why You Should Upgrade PHP Versions
WordPress statistics show nearly 50% of WordPress users still run PHP 7.0 or lower: 1. Check Your Current PHP VersionThe easiest way to check your current PHP version is in your hosting account. Find the PHP version manager (or similar) and check which version you’re using. You can also use the Display PHP Version plugin: Or Query Monitor: Or WP Health: Plugins To Check Your Current PHP Version
2. Update WordPress Core, Themes, PluginsBefore upgrading PHP versions, update everything in WordPress to reduce chance of errors. You may also want to backup your site and take a look at WordPress’ PHP recommendations. 3. Run PHP Compatibility CheckerPHP Compatibility Checker scans your plugins to make sure they’re compatible with newer PHP versions. However, the plugin doesn’t have great reviews and there has been multiple reports of crashed websites and the scan “stalling out” and not finishing. Use at your own risk. 4. Update PHP Versions In Your Hosting AccountUpgrading PHP versions can be slightly different depending on which host you’re using. But for most hosts, you will login to your hosting account, find the Software or Programming section, find the PHP version manager, then upgrade to the most recent PHP version (now PHP 7.4). How To Upgrade PHP Versions On SiteGround
SiteGround PHP Upgrade Instructions How To Upgrade PHP Versions On Cloudways
Cloudways PHP Upgrade Instructions How To Upgrade PHP Versions On Bluehost
Bluehost PHP Upgrade Instructions How To Upgrade PHP Versions On HostGator
HostGator PHP Upgrade Instructions How To Upgrade PHP Versions On WP Engine
WP Engine PHP Upgrade Instructions How To Upgrade PHP Versions On GoDaddy
GoDaddy PHP Upgrade Instructions How To Upgrade PHP Versions On A2 Hosting
A2 Hosting PHP Upgrade Instructions How To Upgrade PHP Versions On Namecheap
Namecheap PHP Upgrade Instructions How To Upgrade PHP Versions On Dreamhost
DreamHost PHP Upgrade Instructions 5. Check Your WordPress Site For Visible ErrorsAfter upgrading PHP versions, check a few pages on your WordPress site for visible errors. If you don’t see errors, stay on the newest PHP version. Otherwise, you have to find the problem. 6. Revert To An Earlier PHP Version If NecessaryIf you see errors when updating PHP versions, it’s probably because you’re using incompatible plugins. You need to find that plugin and delete it, or replace it with a plugin that is compatible. If you wish to keep the incompatible plugin, you will need to revert to an earlier PHP version. To do this, simply follow the same instructions to upgrade PHP, only choose an earlier version. 7. Choose A Host That Stays Current With PHP VersionsSome hosts are quicker to release newer PHP versions than others. For example, GoDaddy and Bluehost were slow to release PHP 7.2 and their customers weren’t happy about it. In fact, GoDaddy made some customers pay for an entirely new plan just so they could upgrade PHP versions. Choose a host that is quick to release newer PHP versions! Most hosts are much better now at releasing new PHP versions, but it wasn’t always that way. 8. Keep Your PHP Version UpdatedHosting companies will usually publish a Facebook post, blog post, or will even send out a newsletter when they release a new PHP version (and they will usually run a Facebook ad). This is the best way to stay updated since different hosts release new PHP versions at different times. Some hosts also create a reminder in their dashboard. Otherwise, keep an eye on your PHP version using a plugins from step 1. Display PHP Version is probably the easiest. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do I update PHP versions?Login to your hosting account and find the area to update your PHP version, then upgrade. A quick Google search should lead to instructions for your specific hosting provider. Is PHP 7.4 faster than previous versions?Yes, newer PHP versions are faster than previous versions. PHP 7.0 was the most significant (recent) improvement in speed. See Kinsta's PHP benchmarks to see a speed comparison of different PHP versions. Should I backup my website beforehand?It's a good idea, but you can usually revert to an earlier version without a problem. Are my plugins compatible with PHP 7.4?You will likely see visible errors on your website if plugins aren't compatible with a newer PHP version, but it's best to check the plugin's page to make sure they are compatible. What if my hosting doesn't support PHP 7.4?Some hosting companies are quicker to release newer PHP versions than others. Hosts like GoDaddy and Bluehost tend to be slower at releases, while SiteGround, Cloudways, and WP Engine are faster at releasing newer versions. If your host is slow to release new PHP versions, look into a host that does a better job of keeping their technology updated. Make Your WordPress Site Load Even FasterI have a fantastic guide on how to fix a slow WordPress site which covers the same tips I used to get 100% GTmetrix scores. It shows you everything from how to configure the best cache plugins, to optimizing images, external scripts, and reducing server response times. Upgrading PHP versions in WordPress is a good start, but there are obviously many other speed factors. Cheers, How do I update PHP on my server?php file.. Log in to cPanel.. Select MultiPHP Manager in the Software section.. Select the domain you want to upgrade by checking the box on its left side.. Choose 7.4 or select the newest PHP version from the dropdown, then click Apply.. What is the latest version of PHP 2022?W3Techs reports that, as of January 2022, "PHP is used by 78.1% of all the websites whose server-side programming language we know." PHP version 7.4 is the most used version.
...
PHP.. How do you update PHP on a website?Log into the control panel of your hosting provider. Under, the “Software” tab, click on Select PHP Version. On the next page, you will see the PHP version your web server is using. Now, click on the current PHP version and then select the latest version from the drop-down.
Should I update my PHP version?One of the most important reasons to update PHP is to ensure you are running on a version that is fully supported and patched regularly for security vulnerabilities. PHP 5.4 has not been patched since 2015. And PHP 5.5 has not been patched since 2016.
|