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If your WordPress website is running slowly, throwing errors or behaving strangely, we often think of the hosting provider first. However, it isn’t always the server’s fault – often it’s the version of PHP running in the background that’s causing the problem. PHP is the engine behind WordPress, and if you’re using an outdated version, your site could become vulnerable, slow or even inoperable.
In 2025, using the correct PHP version is not merely a technical detail, but a fundamental requirement in terms of performance, compatibility and security. Yet many website owners are unaware of which version they are using, or how they can update it securely. In this article, we’ll explain which PHP version is the best choice for WordPress and walk you through the update process step by step.
How do PHP and WordPress work together?
PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) is a server-side scripting language that forms the basis of WordPress. Every time a visitor opens your website, PHP code runs in the background to determine what content should be displayed. This includes loading posts, applying theme layouts, displaying comments and dynamically generating pages.
PHP is therefore like an interpreter: it translates the instructions required for the website to function into a form the server can understand. If you’re using an outdated version of PHP, it’s like trying to run a modern app on an old mobile phone – it might work, but it will be slow, unreliable and vulnerable.
How can you check your current PHP version?
Before you update or troubleshoot, it’s important to know which version of PHP your website is using. Fortunately, you can easily check this, even without any coding knowledge.
1. Using the hosting control panel
Most web hosting control panels (e.g. cPanel) display the PHP version in use. You’ll usually find this information under a menu item called ‘Select PHP Version’ or something similar.
2. Using a plugin
You can install plugins such as ‘Display PHP Version’ or ‘WP Health’, which immediately show the current PHP version.
3. WordPress’s built-in ‘Site Health’ tool
The ‘Site Health’ tool has been available since WordPress version 5.2. You can find it under the ‘Tools’ menu; click on the ‘Info’ tab and you’ll see the PHP version in the ‘Server’ section.
If your version is lower than 8.1, it’s worth updating.
Which versions of PHP does WordPress support?
WordPress is constantly being updated, and as a result, the supported PHP versions also change. Although WordPress can run on older PHP versions, these often no longer receive security updates, which leaves your website vulnerable.
| PHP version | WordPress support | PHP support | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.4 | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| 8.0 | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| 8.1 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Appropriate |
| 8.2 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| 8.3 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
For the best performance and security, we recommend using PHP version 8.2 or 8.3.
What problems might arise during the update?
Although the update offers numerous benefits, there may also be some issues that are worth being aware of in advance.
Plugin or theme incompatibility
Some older plugins or themes are not compatible with newer versions of PHP. This can cause errors, a white screen or a loss of functionality. Update your plugins and themes to the latest version and check for compatibility.
Deprecated features
New versions of PHP may remove or modify certain functions. If your website uses such outdated code, errors or warnings may appear. Use compatibility checking tools and, if necessary, consult a developer.
Outdated WordPress version
If you haven’t updated the WordPress core, it may not be compatible with the new version of PHP. Always update WordPress to the latest version before updating PHP.
Server configuration conflicts
Updating PHP may also require certain server modules or settings to be updated. Check the memory limits, the required extensions (e.g. mbstring, curl, JSON) and the opcache settings. A good web hosting provider will handle these automatically.
The benefits of updating PHP
Faster speeds and performance
Newer versions of PHP are significantly faster. For example, PHP 8.2 can handle twice as many requests per second as PHP 7.4. This results in faster page loading and a better user experience.
Enhanced security
The new versions improve security by addressing known vulnerabilities. Using outdated PHP versions increases the risk of attacks.
Better compatibility
Newer versions of PHP support modern WordPress features and plugins. Outdated versions may limit the available features.
Cleaner code and error handling
Modern versions of PHP offer better error handling and more advanced coding features, which make it easier to detect and fix errors.
Insurance for the future
WordPress is constantly evolving, and future versions will no longer support outdated PHP versions. Updating ensures that your website is ready for future changes.
How to safely update your PHP version?
1. Create a full backup
Before you update anything, make a full backup of your website, including the files and the database. You can use a plugin or your hosting provider’s control panel.
2. Update WordPress, plugins and themes
Make sure everything is running on the latest version to avoid compatibility issues.
3. Check PHP compatibility
Use tools such as the ‘PHP Compatibility Checker’ to identify potential problems.
4. Test the changes in a test environment
If your hosting provider offers a test environment, use it to test updates before deploying them to production.
5. Change the PHP version in the hosting control panel
Log in to your control panel (e.g. cPanel), look for the ‘Select PHP Version’ option or something similar, and select the version you want.
6. Test the site
Check that everything is working properly. If you notice any problems, check the error logs and, if necessary, roll back to a previous version.