Is Your WordPress PHP Outdated? Fix It Now!

The Vital Role of PHP in WordPress Websites and Why Updating It Matters

Every webpage you visit is powered by programming code, quietly working behind the scenes to deliver the experience you see. While front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript bring websites to life in your browser, there’s a whole other layer at play before a page even loads: server-side programming. For WordPress sites—used by over 40% of the web—this layer is dominated by PHP, a versatile and essential language. In this article, we’ll explore PHP’s critical role in WordPress, why keeping it updated is non-negotiable, and how to safely upgrade your site’s PHP version for optimal performance.

What Is PHP and How Does It Power WordPress?

PHP, or Hypertext Preprocessor, is a server-side scripting language designed to generate dynamic web content. Unlike HTML, which structures content, or CSS, which styles it, PHP runs on the server to process requests, interact with databases, and deliver customized pages to users. For WordPress, PHP is the backbone. It powers everything from your site’s page templates and themes to the plugins you rely on and even the WordPress dashboard itself. Without PHP, your WordPress site simply wouldn’t function.

This language’s flexibility allows developers to create the vast ecosystem of themes and plugins that make WordPress so popular. Whether it’s rendering a blog post, processing a contact form, or managing user logins, PHP is at work, executing the logic that keeps your site running smoothly.

Why Updating PHP Is Essential for Your WordPress Site

While PHP is indispensable, it’s not static. The PHP community regularly releases new versions, each bringing performance improvements, security patches, and modern features. However, many WordPress users overlook updating their site’s PHP version, often sticking with outdated releases like PHP 5.6 or 7.0—both long past their support lifecycles as of 2025. Running an old PHP version can expose your site to vulnerabilities, slow load times, and compatibility issues with newer themes and plugins.

For instance, PHP 8.0 and later versions offer significant speed boosts thanks to features like the JIT (Just-In-Time) compiler, alongside enhanced security measures. Search engines like Google also prioritize fast, secure sites, making PHP updates a subtle yet powerful SEO advantage. If your site lags or crashes due to an outdated PHP version, you risk losing visitors—and rankings.

How to Check Your WordPress Site’s PHP Version

Ready to see where your site stands? Checking your PHP version is straightforward. Log into your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Tools > Site Health, and click the “Info” tab. Scroll to the “Server” section—your PHP version will be listed there. Alternatively, contact your hosting provider, as they manage the server environment running PHP.

Steps to Safely Update Your PHP Version

Upgrading PHP isn’t complex, but it requires caution. Follow these steps:

1. Check Current Version: Log into your WordPress dashboard, go to Tools > Site Health > Info > Server, and note your PHP version (e.g., 7.4). Alternatively, check via your hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel).
2. Verify Compatibility: Review your theme and plugin documentation for PHP requirements. Install the PHP Compatibility Checker plugin to scan for issues with a newer version (e.g., 8.1 or 8.2).
3. Backup Your Site: Use a plugin like UpdraftPlus to save your files and database, or manually download via FTP and export the database with phpMyAdmin. Store backups securely.
4. Set Up Staging (Optional): Create a staging site via your host (e.g., SiteGround) to test the update without affecting your live site.
5. Update PHP: Access your hosting panel. In cPanel, find “Select PHP Version”, choose a supported version (e.g., 8.2), and save. In Plesk, go to “PHP Settings” and apply the change.
6. Test Thoroughly: Visit your site, check key pages, and test forms, logins, and plugins for errors (e.g., 500 errors or blank screens).
7. Fix Issues: Revert to the old version if needed, enable WP_DEBUG in wp-config.php to diagnose, and update incompatible plugins/themes.
8. Go Live: Push changes from staging (if used) and monitor performance.

Final Thoughts

PHP is the unsung hero of WordPress, driving its flexibility and power. Keeping it updated ensures your site stays secure, fast, and SEO-friendly—key factors in 2025’s competitive digital landscape. Take a moment to check your PHP version today, and don’t hesitate to upgrade. Your website’s performance and rankings will thank you!