Keeping your WordPress site up to date is crucial for its performance, security, and compatibility with the latest plugins and themes. One essential component that often gets overlooked is your PHP version. PHP is the programming language that powers WordPress, and like any software, it evolves with new updates, bringing in better security features and improved speed.
If you’re wondering how to update PHP in WordPress, we’re here to walk you through the process. Don’t worry—it’s usually a straightforward task handled at the server level, but it’s an important one to get right.
Why Updating PHP is Important for WordPress
First, let’s talk about why updating PHP is critical for your WordPress site. Here are a few key reasons:
- Improved Performance: Newer versions of PHP are faster and more efficient. In fact, upgrading from an older version (like PHP 5.x) to the latest version (PHP 8.x) can drastically improve your website’s speed.
- Security Enhancements: Older PHP versions are more vulnerable to attacks. By keeping your PHP up to date, you reduce the risk of potential security breaches.
- Compatibility with Plugins and Themes: Many modern WordPress plugins and themes require the latest PHP versions to function correctly.
- Support from Hosting Providers: Most reliable hosting providers, including Fusion Arc Hosting, recommend running the latest version of PHP for optimal site performance.
How to Update PHP in WordPress
Now that you know why it’s important, let’s get into the steps. Updating your PHP version is typically done through your web hosting provider or the control panel they provide—like cPanel.
Step 1: Check Your Current PHP Version
Before upgrading, it’s good to know what version you’re currently using. Here’s how you can do that:
- Log in to your WordPress Dashboard.
- Go to Tools > Site Health.
- Click on the Info tab and scroll down to see the PHP version running on your server.
Most WordPress installations work best with PHP 7.4 or later, and if your site is running an older version, it’s time to upgrade.
Step 2: Backup Your Website
Before making any changes, it’s essential to backup your site to avoid losing any data if something goes wrong. You can use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or take advantage of your hosting provider’s backup tools.
At Fusion Arc Hosting, we offer free backups with all of our hosting plans, so you can easily create a backup in just a few clicks.
Step 3: Update PHP via cPanel (or Server Settings)
To update the PHP version, you’ll need to access the cPanel or the hosting control panel provided by your web host. Here’s how you can do it:
- Log in to cPanel:
- Navigate to the URL provided by your host to log in to cPanel (for Fusion Arc Hosting users, this would be your hosting account dashboard).
- Locate the PHP Selector:
- Once logged in, scroll down to the Software section and click on Select PHP Version or MultiPHP Manager, depending on your setup.
- Select the Latest Version of PHP:
- In the PHP Selector, you’ll see a list of PHP versions. Choose the latest stable version (preferably PHP 8.x) and set it as your current version.
- Apply the Changes:
- After selecting the version, click Apply or Save to update your PHP settings.
Pro Tip: At Fusion Arc Hosting, we make PHP upgrades simple and hassle-free. If you’re unsure how to update PHP or feel uncomfortable making changes, our 24/7 support team is happy to help you through the process. Just reach out to us, and we’ll take care of everything!
Step 4: Test Your Website
After updating your PHP version, it’s essential to test your website to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Check for:
- Theme Compatibility: Make sure your WordPress theme is displaying correctly.
- Plugin Compatibility: Some plugins may not be fully compatible with the latest PHP versions. If an issue arises, update your plugins or reach out to the developers for support.
Fusion Arc Hosting customers can always roll back to an older PHP version via cPanel if there are any compatibility problems.
How Fusion Arc Hosting Helps with PHP Upgrades
At Fusion Arc Hosting, we prioritize our customers’ website performance and security, which is why we highly recommend using the latest PHP versions. Not only do we offer affordable premium hosting plans, but we also provide easy-to-use tools in cPanel for PHP management.
Here’s why upgrading PHP with Fusion Arc Hosting is a breeze:
- Easy cPanel Access: With our intuitive cPanel, switching PHP versions is just a few clicks away.
- 24/7 Customer Support: If you ever need assistance with your PHP upgrade, our team is here to help you day or night.
- Automated Backups: Before making any changes, you can easily create backups with our free backup service, so you never have to worry about data loss.
- Advanced Security: We ensure that your site is protected with the latest security protocols, including free SSL certificates with every hosting plan.
Our hosting plans start at just $12/year, making it one of the most affordable ways to host and maintain a WordPress site with top-notch performance. If you’re ready to update your PHP version or need help, you can always reach out to our team for expert guidance.
Conclusion: Updating PHP Is Easy with the Right Hosting Provider
Keeping your WordPress site up to date is vital, and upgrading PHP is a significant part of that process. Fortunately, it’s a straightforward task when managed through a reliable hosting provider like Fusion Arc Hosting. Whether you choose to handle the update yourself via cPanel or prefer our team to take care of it for you, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re looking for affordable, high-performance hosting that ensures your WordPress site stays fast and secure, check out our hosting plans starting at just $12/year!
