Updating your PHP version is crucial for maintaining your WordPress site’s speed, security, and compatibility with plugins like Duplicator. Many web hosts support the latest PHP versions, but you might need to update manually. If you’re seeing warnings about an outdated PHP version, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

Updating PHP ensures better performance, security, and compatibility with modern themes and plugins. However, updating improperly can cause site issues. That’s why backing up your site before making changes is highly recommended—Duplicator makes this easy!

Why Update Your PHP Version?

Updating PHP in WordPress has several benefits:

1. Improved Security – Older PHP versions no longer receive security updates, making your site vulnerable.
2. Better Performance – Newer PHP versions run faster, helping your WordPress site load quicker.
3. Plugin and Theme Compatibility – Many modern plugins and themes (including Duplicator) require newer PHP versions to work properly.
4. SEO Benefits – Faster websites rank better on Google.

How to Check Your Current PHP Version

Before updating, it’s important to check which PHP version your site is currently running.

Using WordPress
1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Tools → Site Health.
2. Click on the Info tab.
3. Expand the Server section to see the PHP version.

Using cPanel
1. Log into your cPanel.
2. Click on Select PHP Version or PHP Info.
3. Your current PHP version will be displayed at the top.

Backing Up Your WordPress Site (Recommended)

Before updating PHP, create a full site backup in case anything breaks.

Using Duplicator

1. Install and activate the Duplicator plugin.
2. Navigate to Duplicator → Backups.
3. Click Create New and follow the steps to generate a full backup.
4. Download the backup package for safekeeping.

This ensures you can restore your site if the update causes issues.

Updating PHP in cPanel

Most web hosts use cPanel, making it easy to update PHP.

1. Log into cPanel from your hosting account.
2. Find and click on Select PHP Version under the Software section.
3. Choose the latest stable PHP version from the dropdown menu.
4. Click Set as Current to apply the update.
   

Your PHP version is now updated!

Updating PHP in Other Hosting Panels

If your host doesn’t use cPanel, here’s how to update PHP on popular platforms.

Verifying the PHP Update

1. Go to WordPress Dashboard → Tools → Site Health.
2. Under the Server section, check the PHP version.
3. If it shows the new version, the update was successful!

Alternatively, you can check via cPanel → PHP Info.

Keeping PHP up to date is essential for WordPress security, speed, and functionality. Most hosting providers make it easy to update PHP, and backing up your site beforehand prevents major issues.