If your website is running an outdated PHP version, you may experience slow performance, plugin errors, and security risks. That’s why it’s important to update server default PHP version for WordPress to the recommended version.
According to the official WordPress requirements, modern installations should run on PHP 8.1 or higher for better performance and security.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to update server default PHP version for WordPress using SSH or hosting control panels.
For a complete guide on setting up your WordPress server, see our WordPress Installation & Server Setup Guide.
Table of Contents
- Why You Should Update Server Default PHP Version for WordPress
- Recommended PHP Version for WordPress
- Check Your Current PHP Version
- Method 1 – Update PHP via SSH (Linux Server)
- Method 2 – Update PHP via cPanel
- Method 3 – Update PHP via Hosting Control Panel
- Restart Your Web Server
- Verify the PHP Version
- WordPress Compatibility Best Practices
- Conclusion
Why You Should Update Server Default PHP Version for WordPress
Updating the server default PHP version for WordPress improves several aspects of your website:
1. Better Website Performance
New PHP versions execute scripts faster, improving page load speed.
2. Stronger Security
Older PHP versions stop receiving security updates.
3. Plugin Compatibility
Many plugins require modern PHP versions.
4. Improved Server Efficiency
Newer PHP engines use fewer server resources.
You can read the official requirements on the WordPress Foundation documentation.
Recommended PHP Version for WordPress
The recommended PHP version for WordPress is currently:
- PHP 8.1
- PHP 8.2
- PHP 8.3 (latest supported versions)
Running an outdated version like PHP 7.x can expose your site to security vulnerabilities.
Official PHP documentation:
https://www.php.net
Check Your Current PHP Version
Before you update server default PHP version for WordPress, check your current version.
Method 1 – Using SSH
php -v
Method 2 – Using WordPress Dashboard
Go to:
Tools → Site Health → Info → Server
Here you will see the active PHP version running your WordPress installation.
Method 1 – Update Server Default PHP Version for WordPress via SSH
This method is common on Ubuntu or Debian servers.
Step 1 – Update System Packages
sudo apt update
Step 2 – Install the Recommended PHP Version
Example installing PHP 8.2:
sudo apt install php8.2
Step 3 – Install Required PHP Extensions
WordPress needs several extensions to function properly.
sudo apt install php8.2-mysql php8.2-xml php8.2-curl php8.2-gd php8.2-mbstring
Step 4 – Set the New Default PHP Version
Use the following command:
sudo update-alternatives --set php /usr/bin/php8.2
This command will update server default PHP version for WordPress.
Method 2 – Update PHP Version via cPanel
If your hosting provider uses cPanel, updating PHP is easy.
Steps:
- Log into cPanel
- Open MultiPHP Manager
- Select your domain
- Choose the recommended PHP version
- Click Apply
Your server will now run the updated PHP version.
Method 3 – Update PHP via Hosting Control Panels
Many hosting dashboards offer simple PHP switching tools.
Popular hosting control panels include:
- Plesk
- CyberPanel
Look for settings labeled:
PHP Selector
PHP Version Manager
Runtime Configuration
Restart Your Web Server
After updating the PHP version, restart your web server.
Apache
sudo systemctl restart apache2
Nginx
sudo systemctl restart nginx
Restarting ensures the new server default PHP version is applied.
Verify the PHP Version
Once the update is complete, confirm the change.
Run:
php -v
Or check your WordPress dashboard again under Site Health.
If done correctly, your WordPress installation will now run on the updated PHP version.
WordPress Compatibility Best Practices
After updating the server PHP version, follow these best practices.
1. Update WordPress Core
Always run the latest version of WordPress.
2. Update Plugins and Themes
Outdated plugins may cause compatibility issues with new PHP versions.
3. Install an SEO Plugin
A plugin like:
Rank Math
helps manage:
- schema markup
- meta tags
- sitemaps
- internal linking
4. Improve Page Experience
Use performance tools such as:
Google PageSpeed Insights
to measure loading speed and Core Web Vitals.
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Alt Text:
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Image ideas:
- terminal updating PHP version
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Conclusion
Knowing how to update server default PHP version for WordPress is an essential skill for developers, administrators, and website owners.
By upgrading to the recommended PHP version, you ensure:
- better website performance
- stronger security
- improved plugin compatibility
Keeping your server updated is one of the most important maintenance tasks for any WordPress website.