Recommended PHP version for WordPress
PHP is the programming language that is used to build and maintain WordPress. Programming languages like PHP constantly evolve to be faster and more secure than their older versions. Updating to a newer version will positively affect your site's performance and safety. WordPress recommends PHP version 8.3 or higher.
Note: The PHP versions available on Managed Hosting for WordPress are 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3. It also supports versions 7.4 through extended PHP support. Before changing your PHP version, we recommend updating your current plugins and theme.
Updating your PHP version shouldn't be a problem; however, we can't guarantee it's not. To protect your site, perform all the following as part of changing your PHP version:
- Create a backup of your WordPress site.
- Update WordPress (If you have Managed Hosting for WordPress, skip this step since the WordPress version is automatically updated whenever there is a new release).
- Update your WordPress theme.
- Update your WordPress plugins.
- Change the PHP version by selecting the steps that correspond to the hosting platform your WordPress site is hosted on (What type of hosting account do I have?):
- Verify that your site is running on the correct version of PHP by using a phpinfo file.
More info
- PHP Versions supported on Managed Hosting for WordPress.
- Extended PHP support.
- WordPress.org has additional info about their PHP version recommendation.