If your WordPress website feels slow, shows frequent errors, or certain plugins refuse to work, chances are your site is running on an outdated PHP version. That’s exactly why learning how to update PHP in WordPress can be a game-changer for your site’s performance, security, and even SEO rankings.
Many beginners hesitate to update PHP because they fear it might break their website. But here’s the truth: when done correctly, updating PHP is one of the safest, simplest, and most essential maintenance tasks every WordPress site owner should perform.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to update PHP in WordPress step by step—in a clean, simple, and beginner-friendly way—so you can upgrade with confidence and keep your site running smoothly.
What Does It Mean to Update PHP in WordPress?
Before we move ahead, let’s break it down in simple words.
PHP is the programming language WordPress is built on — just like an engine that runs your website. When you update PHP in WordPress, you upgrade that engine to a faster, safer, more powerful version.
Think of it like updating your phone or laptop:
New features, better performance, fewer bugs.
Why Updating PHP in WordPress Is So Important
Updating PHP is not just optional — it’s essential. Here’s why:
1. Faster Website Speed
New PHP versions run significantly faster.
A faster site means:
-
Better SEO ranking
-
Higher user engagement
-
Lower bounce rates
2. Stronger Security
Old PHP versions are vulnerable to malware, injections, and hacking attempts.
Updating PHP protects your website from modern threats.
3. Better Plugin & Theme Compatibility
Many plugins stop working on old PHP versions.
Updating PHP ensures smooth functionality.
4. Higher SEO Performance
Google rewards fast, secure websites.
A PHP update directly boosts core web vitals.
5. Recommended by WordPress
WordPress strongly encourages users to stay on the latest stable PHP version.
Before You Update PHP in WordPress (Do This First)
Before making a major update, always prepare properly:
✔ 1. Backup Your WordPress Website
Use plugins like:
-
UpdraftPlus
-
Jetpack Backup
-
Duplicator
This ensures full protection if something goes wrong.
✔ 2. Update Themes & Plugins
Outdated plugins may conflict with the new PHP version.
✔ 3. Check PHP Compatibility
Use the plugin:
PHP Compatibility Checker
It will scan your website and highlight any issues.
Learn WordPress Skills Free on WP Minner
If you want to manage your WordPress site more confidently — including PHP updates, optimization, speed improvement, SEO, plugin configuration, security, and more — then you MUST check out:
👉 WP Minner — The Best Free Skill Learning Platform
WP Minner offers 100% free, beginner-friendly, step-by-step WordPress learning, covering everything from basic setup to advanced techniques.
Whether you’re a blogger, freelancer, or business owner, WP Minner gives you the practical skills you need — without paying a single rupee.
🎓 Free Course Available Now
You also get access to our completely FREE WordPress Mastery Course, where you’ll learn:
-
How WordPress works
-
How to manage hosting, plugins, themes
-
How to update PHP safely
-
Full site optimization
-
SEO basics
-
And much more
Perfect for beginners and even intermediate learners!
Exclusive Hostinger Black Friday Offer (LIMITED TIME)
If you’re planning to update PHP, improve speed, or start a brand-new website — this is the best time of the year.
Hostinger Black Friday Sale 2025 – Get up to 80% OFF + Extra 20% Discount
Hostinger offers:
-
Latest PHP versions
-
Blazing fast hosting
-
Free domain
-
Free SSL
-
Cloud-powered speed
-
Easy WordPress management
👉 This Black Friday, grab the offer before it expires!
It’s the perfect moment to upgrade your hosting and boost your WordPress performance instantly.
——————————————————————————————-
How to Update PHP in WordPress (Step-by-Step Guide)
Updating PHP is done from your hosting control panel, not from WordPress dashboard.
Here are the exact steps:
Step 1: Log in to Your Hosting Control Panel
Depending on your hosting provider, go to:
-
cPanel
-
SiteGround Site Tools
-
Bluehost Control Panel
If you’re using Hostinger, it’s even easier — they have a simple PHP manager.
Step 2: Find the PHP Version Settings
Every hosting has this option in different places:
Look for:
-
PHP Version
-
PHP Configuration
-
PHP Manager
-
Software → MultiPHP Manager (for cPanel users)
Step 3: Choose a New PHP Version
Recommended PHP versions:
-
PHP 8.1 (Stable + fast)
-
PHP 8.2 (Latest & recommended)
Avoid versions older than PHP 8.0.
Step 4: Apply the Changes
Click Save, Update, or Apply based on your hosting panel.
Your website will now switch to the new PHP version.
Step 5: Test Your Website
After updating:
✔ Visit your homepage
✔ Check inner pages
✔ Confirm that contact forms, sliders, and plugins work
Everything should be smooth. If you face issues, simply switch back to the previous version temporarily and fix conflicts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Updating PHP in WordPress
Avoid these mistakes to stay safe:
❌ Not taking a backup before updating
Always take a backup. No excuses.
❌ Updating PHP without checking plugin compatibility
Some outdated plugins may cause errors.
❌ Ignoring outdated themes and plugins
Update them before switching PHP versions.
❌ Using unsupported PHP versions
Never use versions lower than PHP 7.4.
Benefits of Updating PHP (Real-World Example)
A client of mine had a WordPress store that loaded in 6 seconds.
After updating PHP (from 7.2 to 8.2) — without changing hosting or plugins — loading time dropped to 2.8 seconds.
Sales increased by 30% in the same month.
That’s the power of updating PHP.
FAQs – Update PHP in WordPress (Quick & Clear Answers)
1. Can updating PHP break my website?
It’s possible, but extremely rare if you take a backup and check compatibility beforehand.
2. Do I need developer skills to update PHP?
No — the process is simple and beginner-friendly.
3. What is the best PHP version for WordPress?
PHP 8.1 or 8.2 for maximum speed and security.
4. Can I update PHP directly from WordPress?
No. You must update it from your hosting control panel.
5. What if my website crashes after updating PHP?
Just switch back to the previous version from hosting or restore your backup.
Conclusion:
Learning how to update PHP in WordPress is one of the simplest yet most powerful steps you can take to improve your website’s overall performance. A newer PHP version helps your site load faster, strengthens security, ensures better plugin and theme compatibility, and delivers a smoother user experience.
More importantly, updating PHP keeps your WordPress site stable, future-ready, and aligned with the latest web standards—so you’re not caught off guard by errors or outdated features.
If you’ve been postponing this update, now is the perfect time to act. Understanding how to update PHP in WordPress safely can protect your site, boost performance, and set a strong foundation for long-term growth.
