PHP is the scripting language that runs WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and most other popular web applications. When you visit a WordPress site, PHP is what takes the request, talks to the database, and assembles the page you see. The version of PHP running on your server matters more than most people realize.
Why PHP Version Matters
Security: Older PHP versions stop receiving security updates after a certain point. PHP 7.4, for example, reached end-of-life in November 2022, which means it no longer receives security patches. Running an unsupported PHP version leaves your site exposed to known vulnerabilities.
Performance: Each major PHP release brings significant speed improvements. PHP 8.x is substantially faster than PHP 7.x for most workloads, which means faster page loads for your visitors.
Compatibility: Modern WordPress plugins and themes are developed and tested against current PHP versions. Occasionally, a very old PHP version will cause errors or broken functionality with newer software.
How to Find Your Current PHP Version
Before making any changes, it helps to know what version you are currently running.
- Log into your cPanel account.
- Scroll to the Software section and click MultiPHP Manager.
- You will see a list of your domains with their current PHP version displayed next to each one.
Alternatively, you can install the Display PHP Version plugin in WordPress, or check under Tools → Site Health → Info → Server within WordPress itself.
How to Change Your PHP Version Using MultiPHP Manager
- In cPanel, go to Software → MultiPHP Manager.
- Check the box next to the domain or subdomain you want to update.
- In the PHP Version dropdown at the top, select the version you want to switch to.
- Click Apply.
The change takes effect immediately. No server restart is required.
If you want to change the PHP version for a specific directory rather than the entire domain, you can also use the MultiPHP INI Editor to adjust PHP settings at a more granular level.
What PHP Version Should You Use for WordPress?
The WordPress team publishes recommended PHP versions on their official requirements page. As of 2025, WordPress recommends PHP 8.2 or 8.3 for best performance and compatibility. PHP 8.1 is still supported but approaching its end-of-life.
Check wordpress.org/about/requirements/ for the current recommendation, as it is updated regularly.
What to Do If Something Breaks After Switching
Occasionally, switching PHP versions can cause issues - usually because a plugin or theme uses code that was deprecated or removed in newer PHP versions. Here is how to handle it:
Step 1: Check your WordPress error logs. In cPanel, go to Metrics → Errors to see PHP errors being generated.
Step 2: Deactivate your plugins one by one (you can do this via the WordPress admin, or by renaming the plugins folder via the File Manager in cPanel if you are locked out). This helps identify which plugin is causing the issue.
Step 3: Search for an updated version of the offending plugin. Most well-maintained plugins are compatible with current PHP versions - if a plugin is not, that is a sign it may be abandoned.
Step 4: If needed, temporarily revert to your previous PHP version in MultiPHP Manager while you resolve the compatibility issue.
Keeping PHP Up to Date
Make it a habit to review your PHP version at least once a year. A reasonable schedule is:
- When a new major PHP version is released, wait a few months for the plugin ecosystem to catch up, then upgrade
- Keep an eye on end-of-life dates at php.net/supported-versions.php
- Test on a staging environment before changing PHP on a production site, if possible
At dotCanada, our support team can help you navigate PHP version changes and troubleshoot any compatibility issues that arise. Keeping your PHP version current is one of the most impactful maintenance tasks you can perform for the security and speed of your site.
