Updating the PHP version of your WordPress site can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re not particularly a tech-savvy suuuper nerd. It’s a common scenario that many website owners face at least once every few month’s month – I then receive that slightly panicked phone call or email from that client worried about the need to update their PHP version. The term “PHP” itself can sound intimidating, conjuring images of complex coding and technical hurdles. But fear not, because with this guide from TWDA Creative Services, you’ll find that updating PHP is not only essential for the smooth running of your website but also simpler than you might think.
Before diving into the update process, let’s briefly touch on what PHP is and why it’s crucial for your WordPress website. PHP is a scripting language that runs on your web hosting server. Think of your web host as the parking space for your website, where it resides 24/7. PHP has several responsibilities, but one of its primary roles is to ensure that your website runs efficiently and smoothly. An outdated PHP version can slow down your site, expose it to security vulnerabilities, and even cause compatibility issues with the latest WordPress updates or plugins.
You might realize the need to update your PHP version when you log into your WordPress dashboard and are greeted by a dreaded red icon or notification alerting you to a recommended PHP update. For instance, it might indicate that you’re currently using PHP version 7.2.34 but recommend upgrading to at least 7.4.
Here’s how you can update the PHP version for your WordPress site without breaking a sweat:
First off, you need to access your web hosting account. This is where your website “lives.” Prepare your hosting account login details because you’ll need them to access your hosting control panel
Once logged in to your hosting account, navigate to your control panel, often referred to as cPanel. Here, you’ll find numerous options, most of which may never be used by the average website owner. However, your focus should be on locating the PHP options. (It might also be worth creating a full backup at this point, see if there’s a support chat on your host, the techie team will be able to guide you and how it’s done).
In your control panel, use the search function to look for “PHP.” You’re looking for an option typically labeled as “MultiPHP Manager” or something along those lines, often represented with a PHP-related icon. Click on this option.
Within the PHP manager, you’ll see your website listed along with its current PHP version. You will also see a dropdown menu or a list of available PHP versions. Select your domain by ticking its checkbox, then choose the latest PHP version (as of January 2024, PHP 8.1 is a common choice) from the dropdown menu or list and click “Apply” or the equivalent button to update.
After applying the change, you should see a confirmation message indicating the successful update of your PHP version. Return to your WordPress dashboard and refresh the page. If everything went smoothly, the warning sign regarding the PHP update should now be gone.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully updated the PHP version of your WordPress site. This quick and essential maintenance task can significantly impact your website’s performance, security, and compatibility. Remember, staying on top of such updates is crucial for the health of your website. If you encounter any issues during this process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your hosting provider’s support team for assistance.
We hope this guide from TWDA Creative Services has demystified the PHP update process for you.
Happy updating!
Why not drop us a line and we’ll have a none geeky chat about how we can help you.
Possibly with a nice cuppa and a cheeky Jaffa Cake.
Hi there, I’m Terence Walsh, the lead designer and creative mind behind TWDA Creative Services. With over 20 years in the design industry, my journey has been nothing short of a dream come true. Every day, I find myself amazed that my lifelong hobby has meshed with my profession, allowing me to share my passion for design with others.
At TWDA, we believe in crafting designs that speak volumes and create lasting impressions. My approach is all about blending creativity with functionality, ensuring that every project we undertake not only looks fantastic but also serves its purpose effectively.
When I’m not busy being all arty and the like, you’ll find me being a Dad, jumping in muddy puddles and giggling at silly reels on Instagram. Join me as I delve into the ever-evolving world of design, sharing tips, trends, and personal reflections that I’ve gathered along this “lush” journey.
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