Upgrading PHP in WordPress: A Step-by-Step Guide

WordPress offers a user-friendly platform for creating websites without extensive code knowledge, but it is crucial to use an updated version of PHP to avoid potential hacking attacks, as hackers are increasingly exploiting previous versions to break into websites.

a) Back-up your WordPress site

Before updating a website, it is crucial to create a backup to ensure that if any issues arise, you can easily go back to the previous version of the website. You can go to the WordPress backup page to learn more about it.

b) Update your WordPress to the latest version

To ensure compatibility with PHP updates, ensure the WordPress Core installation is the latest version, and update to the latest PHP version if using an older version, as this may cause inconsistencies and render the site unusable. You can go to the update WordPress page to learn more about it.

c) Update all your WordPress themes and plugins

Third-party WordPress themes and plugins may not be compatible with every PHP version, but using a common theme or plugin that is updated frequently can reduce major compatibility issues. To minimize compatibility issues, make sure all themes and plugins have the latest updates. You can go to the update WordPress themes and plugins page to learn more about it.

d) Check your WordPress PHP compatibility

1. Log in to WordPress and select Plugins on the menu on the left side of the dashboard, then click the “Add New” button.

2. Then, search for the PHP Compatibility Checker plugin in the search bar in the upper-right corner. After searching for and selecting it, click the “Install Now” and “Activate” buttons to install and activate it.

3. After that, select Tools on the menu on the left side of the dashboard, then click the “PHP Compatibility” button.

4. Next, select the PHP latest version that you want to upgrade, which will usually be the latest version.

5. Then, you have to choose one selection from the following options: “Only scan active plugins and themes” or “Scan all plugins and themes“.

5. Finally, click the “Scan Site” button, and it will scan and report issues related to compatibility issues with plugins and themes.

e) How to check your PHP version in WordPress

1. Log in to WordPress and select Plugins on the menu on the left side of the dashboard, then click the “Add New” button.

2. Then, search for Display PHP plugin in the search bar in the upper-right corner. After searching for and selecting the plugin, click the “Install Now” and “Activate” buttons to install and activate it.

3. Finally, select the Home page on the menu on the left side of the dashboard, then click the “At a glance” button, and you can see your current status using the PHP version of the website.