How to Check and Update PHP Version for WordPress: A Complete Guide

WordPress is one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) in the world. To ensure that your WordPress site runs smoothly and securely, it’s crucial to keep its underlying technologies up to date, especially PHP. PHP is the scripting language that powers WordPress, and using an outdated PHP version can expose your site to security vulnerabilities, performance issues, and incompatibility with plugins and themes. This guide will walk you through the steps to check your current PHP version and update it to the latest version, ensuring your WordPress site remains secure and efficient.

Why PHP Version Matters for WordPress

Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand why updating PHP is essential:

Security: Newer PHP versions include patches for security vulnerabilities found in older versions.
Performance: Each new PHP release comes with performance improvements. Upgrading can significantly speed up your WordPress site.
Compatibility: Some themes and plugins require the latest PHP versions to function correctly.
Support: Older PHP versions eventually reach end-of-life and are no longer supported, meaning they won’t receive updates or security patches.

How to Check Your PHP Version

Method 1: Using the WordPress Dashboard

Log in to your WordPress Admin Dashboard: Go to your WordPress login page (usually yourdomain.com/wp-admin) and enter your credentials.
Navigate to ‘Site Health’: From the dashboard, go to Tools > Site Health.
Check Info Tab: Click on the ‘Info’ tab at the top of the Site Health page.
Expand the Server Section: Scroll down to the ‘Server’ section and click to expand it. Here, you will see the ‘PHP version’ information.

Method 2: Using a PHP File

If you cannot access the WordPress dashboard, you can create a PHP file to check the version:

Create a PHP File: Open a text editor and create a new file named phpinfo.php.
Add the PHP Code: Add the following code to the file: phpCopy code<?php phpinfo(); ?>
Upload the File to Your Server: Use an FTP client or your hosting provider’s file manager to upload phpinfo.php to the root directory of your WordPress installation.
Access the File via Browser: Go to yourdomain.com/phpinfo.php in your browser. This will display detailed information about your PHP configuration, including the PHP version.
Delete the File After Checking: For security reasons, delete the phpinfo.php file from your server once you have checked the PHP version.

How to Update PHP Version for WordPress

Step 1: Check WordPress and Plugin Compatibility

Before updating PHP, ensure that your WordPress version, themes, and plugins are compatible with the new PHP version:

Update WordPress Core: Go to Dashboard > Updates and update to the latest version of WordPress.
Update Themes and Plugins: Similarly, update all your themes and plugins to their latest versions.
Check Compatibility: Some plugins and themes may have specific PHP version requirements. Check their documentation or use the PHP Compatibility Checker plugin to identify potential issues.

Step 2: Backup Your WordPress Site

It’s crucial to back up your site before making any changes. This ensures that you can restore your site if anything goes wrong during the PHP update:

Use a Backup Plugin: Plugins like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, or Duplicator can help you create a complete backup of your site.
Manual Backup: Alternatively, you can manually back up your WordPress files and database. Use an FTP client to download your WordPress files and phpMyAdmin to export your database.

Step 3: Update PHP Version via Hosting Control Panel

Most hosting providers offer an easy way to update PHP through their control panel. Here’s a general guide on how to do it:

Log in to Your Hosting Control Panel: This could be cPanel, Plesk, or a custom control panel provided by your host.
Find the PHP Settings: Look for sections like ‘Software’, ‘Programming’, or ‘PHP Management’.
Select PHP Version: You’ll see an option to select your desired PHP version from a dropdown menu. Choose the latest stable version (e.g., PHP 8.0 or PHP 8.1).
Save Changes: Apply the changes and wait for your server to update the PHP version. This process might take a few minutes.

Step 4: Test Your WordPress Site

After updating PHP, it’s essential to test your site thoroughly to ensure everything is functioning correctly:

Clear Cache: Clear your browser cache and any caching plugins you use.
Check Frontend and Backend: Visit various pages on your site and log in to the WordPress dashboard to ensure there are no errors.
Monitor for Issues: Pay attention to any error messages or unusual behavior on your site. If you encounter problems, check plugin and theme compatibility, and consult your hosting support if needed.

Step 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, updating PHP can cause issues due to compatibility problems. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

500 Internal Server Error: This is often due to incompatible plugins or themes. Disable all plugins and re-enable them one by one to identify the culprit.
White Screen of Death: This can also be caused by compatibility issues. Enable WordPress debug mode by adding define('WP_DEBUG', true); to your wp-config.php file to identify the error.
Deprecated Functions: Newer PHP versions might deprecate certain functions. Check the error logs for any deprecated function warnings and update the affected plugins or themes.

Conclusion

Keeping your PHP version up to date is essential for maintaining a secure, fast, and compatible WordPress site. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can check your current PHP version and update it with confidence. Regularly updating your PHP version, along with WordPress, themes, and plugins, will help ensure that your website remains in optimal condition, providing a seamless experience for your visitors.