PHP is the most popular server-side scripting language, powering millions of websites, including WordPress sites. Keeping it updated is very important for site security and performance. See now how to update the PHP version.
If you arrived at this page from the notice on your WordPress site, your blog is running an outdated and unmaintained version of PHP. Not only is your website’s performance (a lot) lower than it should be, you may find that things do not work as you expect and be open to security vulnerabilities!
How To Update PHP?
What is PHP?
PHP is a scripting language that most likely powers your WordPress webpage. PHP. So, like all software, gets updated over time to patch security issues and improve its features. And like other software. In addition, keeping your PHP version up is essential. The latest versions of PHP can make your site 3x faster and more secure to ensure you’re on PHP 7+.
Updating your PHP version
Contact your host
In most cases, you cannot update the PHP version and need to contact your host about this. The upgrade process is easy and should be something your host can do for you without impacting your website or charging you a fee. Finally, here’s a letter you can send to your hosting company:
Dear host,
I’m running a WordPress website on one of your servers, and WordPress has recommended using at least PHP 7. WordPress, the content management system that we use has listed PHP 7 as the recommended version on n their requirements page: https://wordpress.org/about/requirements/
Please let me know if my hosting supports PHP version 7 or higher and how I can upgrade.
Looking forward to your reply.
VPS Server
If you have a VPS server, see How to upgrade and update from PHP 5 version.
My host doesn’t support PHP 7
If your host doesn’t support PHP 7 or higher, we recommend you find a host that does. Moreover, we have a list of WordPress hosting solutions we recommend, and all support PHP 7 or higher. If you contact another host, ask them which PHP version your website will run on before purchasing.
More information To Update Your PHP Version
PHP has a list of unsupported versions, including dates, on its website. So, If you develop WordPress plugins, you might want to check out the PHP library WPupdatePHP.
