{"id":29633,"date":"2021-03-18T22:15:15","date_gmt":"2021-03-18T16:30:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/?p=29633"},"modified":"2021-12-31T10:13:32","modified_gmt":"2021-12-31T04:28:32","slug":"update-php-version-wordpress-website","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/update-php-version-wordpress-website\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Update the PHP Version for the WordPress Website?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Running a website with an outdated PHP version makes your site slower. The loading time increases while the performance decreases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pingdom.com\/blog\/page-load-time-really-affect-bounce-rate\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Studies<\/a> have shown that any site that takes seven seconds to load results in a 53% bounce rate in the number of visitors. The bounce rate rises with more time your site takes to load. You surely don\u2019t want your hard-earned visitors to skip your site, do you?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That is why it is essential to update the PHP version for the WordPress website. Updating the PHP version not only makes your site load faster, but it also makes your site more secure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, you will learn how to update the PHP version for WordPress website in no time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/update-php-version-wordpress-website\/#Why_Should_You_Update_the_PHP_Version\" >Why Should You Update the PHP Version?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/update-php-version-wordpress-website\/#1_Improved_Loading_Speed\" >1. Improved Loading Speed<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/update-php-version-wordpress-website\/#2_Improved_Security\" >2. Improved Security<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/update-php-version-wordpress-website\/#3_Improved_SEO\" >3. Improved SEO&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/update-php-version-wordpress-website\/#What_Should_You_Do_Before_Updating_the_PHP_Version\" >What Should You Do Before Updating the PHP Version?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/update-php-version-wordpress-website\/#1_Backup_Your_Site\" >1. Backup Your Site.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/update-php-version-wordpress-website\/#2_Update_Your_Theme_and_Plugins\" >2. Update Your Theme and Plugins.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/update-php-version-wordpress-website\/#3_Check_the_PHP_compatibility\" >3. Check the PHP compatibility.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/update-php-version-wordpress-website\/#How_to_Update_the_PHP_Version_for_WordPress_Website\" >How to Update the PHP Version for WordPress Website?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/update-php-version-wordpress-website\/#Method_1_Updating_the_PHP_Version_Using_cPanel\" >Method 1. Updating the PHP Version Using cPanel<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/update-php-version-wordpress-website\/#Method_2_Contacting_Your_Hosting_Provider\" >Method 2: Contacting Your Hosting Provider<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/update-php-version-wordpress-website\/#Check_Your_Website\" >Check Your Website&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/update-php-version-wordpress-website\/#1_Check_your_site_for_visible_errors\" >1. Check your site for visible errors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/update-php-version-wordpress-website\/#2_Revert_to_the_previous_PHP_version_if_necessary\" >2. Revert to the previous PHP version if necessary<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/update-php-version-wordpress-website\/#FAQs_Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/update-php-version-wordpress-website\/#Q_How_do_I_update_the_PHP_version_in_WordPress\" >Q. How do I update the PHP version in WordPress?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/update-php-version-wordpress-website\/#Q_Which_PHP_version_is_my_WordPress_using\" >Q. Which PHP version is my WordPress using?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/update-php-version-wordpress-website\/#Final_Words\" >Final Words<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Should_You_Update_the_PHP_Version\"><\/span>Why Should You Update the PHP Version?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The main benefit of upgrading your PHP version is improved site loading speed, improved security, and improved SEO.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Improved_Loading_Speed\"><\/span>1. Improved Loading Speed<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many ways to improve your site\u2019s loading speed. Updating the PHP version is one of them. It is a guaranteed method to boost speed by almost three times. So, if you want a fast site, updating the PHP version is your ticket.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Improved_Security\"><\/span>2. Improved Security<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>PHP is a programming language with an open-source nature. This makes PHP a potential target for malware and hackers. All the PHP updates come with an improved security measure to ensure that does not happen. Thus, updating the PHP version ensures <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wordpress-security\/\">better security for your website.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Improved_SEO\"><\/span>3. Improved SEO&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The site\u2019s speed plays a significant role in Google\u2019s ranking factor. Speed is crucial for on-page SEO. A better speed means more improved user experience, more visitor retention, higher ranking on search engines, thus, more sales. There are other <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/on-page-seo-techniques\/\">on-page SEO techniques<\/a> as well, but speed is a sure shot approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Should_You_Do_Before_Updating_the_PHP_Version\"><\/span>What Should You Do Before Updating the PHP Version?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We believe that now you are in line with the idea of updating the PHP version and are eager to do it. But wait a minute. Here are a few things you should do before updating the PHP version:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Backup_Your_Site\"><\/span>1. Backup Your Site.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before tweaking around with WordPress, we recommend backing up your site as the first step. The same thing applies when updating the PHP version as well. Here are the reasons to backup your WordPress site:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>WordPress themes and plugins are also in PHP format. If any theme or plugin has a bad script, compatibility issues may arise after you update.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You may make mistakes or may face technical issues such as internet failure, power cut, and so on. If this happens when you are updating the PHP, it may take down your entire site.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Thus, backing up your site is a reverse ticket if something goes wrong when updating the PHP. If you are not sure about the backing up process, here is our guide on <a href=\"https:\/\/blossomthemes.com\/back-up-wordpress\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\" rel=\"noopener\">how to backup your WordPress website<\/a>. Check it out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Update_Your_Theme_and_Plugins\"><\/span>2. Update Your Theme and Plugins.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The theme and plugin version you are currently using may not support the PHP version after updating it. It may crash your site due to an incompatibility issue. Thus, updating your <a href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/wordpress-themes\/\">WordPress theme<\/a> and plugins before updating the PHP is a good idea.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Log in to your WordPress dashboard.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Click on the Dashboard option from the left sidebar. It is located at the top of your page.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Click on the \u2018Updates\u2019 option.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"730\" height=\"340\" src=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/updating-the-theme-and-plugins-on-WP-dashboard.png\" alt=\"updating the theme and plugins on WP dashboard\" class=\"wp-image-29635\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/updating-the-theme-and-plugins-on-WP-dashboard.png 730w, https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/updating-the-theme-and-plugins-on-WP-dashboard-300x140.png 300w, https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/updating-the-theme-and-plugins-on-WP-dashboard-129x60.png 129w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 730px) 100vw, 730px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Install all the available updates from here.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Check_the_PHP_compatibility\"><\/span>3. Check the PHP compatibility.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After updating the theme and plugins, you need to test whether they are compatible with the new PHP version. For this, you can use the PHP Compatibility Checker plugin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Log in to your WordPress dashboard.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Scroll down to the \u2018Plugins\u2019 option on the left sidebar.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Click on the \u2018Add New\u2019 option.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"665\" height=\"269\" src=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/add-new-plugin-from-dashboard.png\" alt=\"add new plugin from dashboard\" class=\"wp-image-31787\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/add-new-plugin-from-dashboard.png 665w, https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/add-new-plugin-from-dashboard-300x121.png 300w, https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/add-new-plugin-from-dashboard-148x60.png 148w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 665px) 100vw, 665px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Search for and install the \u2018PHP Compatibility Checker\u2019 plugin.<\/li><li>Activate the plugin.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"729\" height=\"264\" src=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/install-and-activate-the-PHP-compatibility-checker-plugin.png\" alt=\"install and activate the PHP compatibility checker plugin\" class=\"wp-image-29637\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/install-and-activate-the-PHP-compatibility-checker-plugin.png 729w, https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/install-and-activate-the-PHP-compatibility-checker-plugin-300x109.png 300w, https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/install-and-activate-the-PHP-compatibility-checker-plugin-166x60.png 166w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 729px) 100vw, 729px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Scroll down to the \u2018Tools\u2019 option on the dashboard.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Click on the \u2018PHP Compatibility\u2019 option.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"730\" height=\"416\" src=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Go-to-the-PHP-compatibility-option-on-dashboard.png\" alt=\"Go to the PHP compatibility option on dashboard\" class=\"wp-image-29638\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Go-to-the-PHP-compatibility-option-on-dashboard.png 730w, https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Go-to-the-PHP-compatibility-option-on-dashboard-300x171.png 300w, https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Go-to-the-PHP-compatibility-option-on-dashboard-105x60.png 105w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 730px) 100vw, 730px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Select the latest version of PHP on the list.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You can choose to scan all the plugins and themes or only the active ones.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Now, click on the \u2018Scan Site\u2019 button at the bottom.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"729\" height=\"246\" src=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Scan-the-site-for-PHP-compatibility.png\" alt=\"Scan the site for PHP compatibility\" class=\"wp-image-29639\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Scan-the-site-for-PHP-compatibility.png 729w, https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Scan-the-site-for-PHP-compatibility-300x101.png 300w, https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Scan-the-site-for-PHP-compatibility-178x60.png 178w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 729px) 100vw, 729px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The plugin scans and shows whether the theme and plugins are compatible with the newest PHP version. If it displays an error, you can remove the theme or plugin, causing it, and try again. You can always find an alternative option for any plugin and theme.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Update_the_PHP_Version_for_WordPress_Website\"><\/span>How to Update the PHP Version for WordPress Website?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you have backed up your site, updated the theme\/plugin, and checked for PHP compatibility, you can now proceed with the PHP updating process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two ways to update the PHP version.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Method 1: Updating the PHP Version Using cPanel.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Method 2: Contacting Your Hosting Provider<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Method_1_Updating_the_PHP_Version_Using_cPanel\"><\/span>Method 1. Updating the PHP Version Using cPanel<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every hosting provider has a varying method of updating the PHP. The cPanel dashboard differs according to your hosting provider. However, the main gist remains the same as follows:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Log into your control panel.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Locate and click on the \u2018Select PHP Version\u2019 tab.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"730\" height=\"293\" src=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/selecting-the-PHP-version-on-cPanel.png\" alt=\"selecting the PHP version on cPanel\" class=\"wp-image-29640\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/selecting-the-PHP-version-on-cPanel.png 730w, https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/selecting-the-PHP-version-on-cPanel-300x120.png 300w, https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/selecting-the-PHP-version-on-cPanel-149x60.png 149w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 730px) 100vw, 730px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>You will see your current PHP version on the next page.&nbsp;<\/li><li>From the drop-down menu, select the latest PHP version.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Click on the \u2018Select as current\u2019 button at the side.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"730\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Select-the-latest-version-of-PHP-on-cPanel.png\" alt=\"Select the latest version of PHP on cPanel\" class=\"wp-image-29641\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Select-the-latest-version-of-PHP-on-cPanel.png 730w, https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Select-the-latest-version-of-PHP-on-cPanel-300x148.png 300w, https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Select-the-latest-version-of-PHP-on-cPanel-122x60.png 122w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 730px) 100vw, 730px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s it. You have successfully updated the PHP version of your website using cPanel.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Method_2_Contacting_Your_Hosting_Provider\"><\/span>Method 2: Contacting Your Hosting Provider<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you didn\u2019t find the updating PHP option on your cPanel dashboard, contact your hosting provider. They may provide you instructions or update the PHP for you as a part of their customer support.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Check_Your_Website\"><\/span>Check Your Website&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter whichever method you followed to update PHP version for your WordPress site, carry out these two steps in the end:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Check_your_site_for_visible_errors\"><\/span>1. Check your site for visible errors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Updating the PHP version may induce some errors on your site. All the plugins, themes, and content may not keep up with the update and may show errors. It is a good idea to check all the pages and content on your website. See if you notice any error in the way your website should normally behave.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If there is no error, then great. You can stay on your new PHP version and enjoy its perks. However, if you do notice any faulty signs, you have to find it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Revert_to_the_previous_PHP_version_if_necessary\"><\/span>2. Revert to the previous PHP version if necessary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you find an error on your site after updating the PHP version, chances are any plugin is incompatible with the new version. You need to locate that plugin and replace it with the similar plugin that is compatible with the new PHP version.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Inactivate all the plugins on your WordPress.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Now activate the plugins one-by-one. After activating each plugin, check if your site is working.&nbsp;<\/li><li>When your site shows error, the last plugin you activated is the culprit.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Delete it and install another plugin that does the similar job. Also make sure that it is compatible with your updated PHP version.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t want to delete the plugin causing the error, you need to revert your PHP to its earlier version. You can do it by choosing the earlier PHP version on your cPanel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1613363308097\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_How_do_I_update_the_PHP_version_in_WordPress\"><\/span>Q. How do I update the PHP version in WordPress?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You can update the PHP version either by using cPanel or by contacting your hosting provider.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1613363337971\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Which_PHP_version_is_my_WordPress_using\"><\/span>Q. Which PHP version is my WordPress using?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You can check your WordPress PHP version as follows:\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Log into your control panel.\u00a0<br \/>\u2022 Locate and click on the \u2018Select PHP Version\u2019 tab.<br \/>\u2022 You will see your current PHP version on the next page.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Words\"><\/span>Final Words<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>WordPress and PHP keep receiving frequent updates for something. Those updates may bring significant changes to the website or fix some minor bugs. Either way, we recommend keeping your PHP and WordPress up-to-date.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can use any of the two easy methods we have mentioned above to update the PHP. Check your website after updating the PHP version. See if everything on the site is working as it should. It usually takes about 20 minutes for all the changes to come into effect. If your site gets a lot of traffic, it may even take a few hours.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We recommend keeping an on your site for the next 24 hours after updating the PHP version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, check out our articles on <a href=\"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/resolve-wordpress-memory-limit-error\/\">How to Resolve the WordPress Memory Limit Error<\/a>?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Running a website with an outdated PHP version makes your site slower. The loading time increases while the performance decreases. Studies have shown that any site that takes seven seconds &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":29643,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_be_single_description":"","_be_image_uploader":0,"_be_meta_button_label":"","_be_meta_button_url":"","_be_meta_button_newtab":false,"_be_meta_rel_attribute":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[16,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-29633","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-advanced-tutorials","category-tutorials","latest_post"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29633","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29633"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29633\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29643"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29633"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29633"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rarathemes.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29633"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}