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Your host says to update PHP. Now what?

PHP is the language WordPress runs on. Old versions stop getting security fixes, so hosts retire them. The upgrade itself is a click in your hosting panel. The risk is that old plugins or themes may not work on the new version.

Which version should you be on?

WordPress recommends PHP 8.3 or newer. PHP 8.1 and older no longer get security fixes, and PHP 8.2 stops getting them at the end of 2026. You can see your version in WordPress under Tools → Site Health.

How to upgrade safely

  1. Make a backup first.Use your host’s backup tool, or a backup plugin. Check that the backup finished before you change anything.
  2. Update WordPress, plugins and themes.Recent versions usually work with newer PHP. Do this before you switch.
  3. Look for plugins that haven’t been updated in years.On each plugin’s page at wordpress.org, check “Last updated.” Those are the ones most likely to break.
  4. Try it on a copy if you can.Many hosts offer a “staging” copy of your site. Upgrade PHP there first and click around.
  5. Switch, then check your key pages.Change the PHP version in your hosting panel. Then test your home page, your contact form, and anything customers use to book or buy.

If something breaks, switch back to the old version in your hosting panel while it’s still offered. That usually brings the site back right away. After the host’s deadline, the old version may not be there to switch back to.

Already switched and seeing a critical error or a white screen? Those guides can help.

Rather have us fix it?

With Rescue, we upgrade PHP for you: we back up first, fix whatever the new version breaks, and tell you what we did. Fixed or your money back.

Get my site fixedRescue, $149 one-time. Includes your first month of Care.

Not sure what’s wrong? Run a free Site Check.