Why do I need to update PHP?

Updating to a supported PHP version is highly recommended because newer versions are faster, more efficient, and better compatible with themes and plugins.

In this guide, we explain why it is necessary to update PHP, what the benefits are, and how you can prepare your site before you update.

What is PHP?

PHP is an open-source programming language that runs on a webserver. It is one of the most popular languages for web development; for example, all WordPress sites run on PHP.

PHP is a server-side script, meaning that it is executed on the webserver, contrary to HTML, which is executed in the browser. By combining PHP with HTML, you can create dynamic websites, for example, sites built with WordPress, Joomla and Drupal.

What is the lifecycle of PHP?

Each PHP version has a lifecycle of about four years, after which it is no longer supported.

After the initial release, a PHP version receives active support for approximately two years. After that, there will be a period of 1-2 years with security support, during which only critical security fixes will be provided. By this time, the next PHP version is already available.

Once a PHP version reaches end-of-life, it stops receiving updates and is no longer considered secure. You can visit the official PHP website to check which versions are currently supported.

Note: If your site is using an expired PHP version, PHP Extended Support is automatically activated. This keeps your site protected and gives you extra time to update your code, themes and plugins before switching to a supported PHP version.

Screenshot of the PHP website.

How will my website be affected when I update PHP?

How your website is affected depends on how it was built: 

  • HTML-based sites (like Website Builder): A PHP update won’t affect your website at all. Everything will continue to work as before.
  • PHP-based sites: If your code is compatible with the new PHP version, your website will work the same or even perform better. For CMS platforms like WordPress, you may notice performance improvements, especially if you’ve updated to the latest version.
  • Websites with outdated or custom code: If your website uses code that isn’t compatible with the new PHP version, errors may appear, and parts of your website may stop working. This can happen if your CMS isn’t updated or if you have custom scripts that require adjustments. In these cases, you’ll need to update the code to ensure full compatibility.

Tip: If you’re unsure whether your site contains outdated code, it’s a good idea to check and update it before switching PHP versions. With PHP Extended Support, expired versions remain secure for a while, giving you extra time to fix compatibility issues. This makes it easier to test updates while your site is still functioning, and lets you switch back to older versions if needed.

What are the benefits of updating?

  • Better security - The most obvious reason to update is security. Newer versions are better at countering hackers, for example, because deprecated (outdated) code is no longer supported.
  • Better performance - Each new PHP version includes performance improvements, with faster execution times and less memory usage. This means your website can load faster and handle more visitors. Especially WordPress sites will benefit.
  • New features and improvements - As with all updates, a newer version includes new features and improvements on how to do things, for example, preloading.

How can I prepare my site before updating PHP?

PHP versions are no longer automatically updated. It is therefore a good idea to prepare your site before switching to a newer version.

  • Update your website and CMS: Make sure your website, including WordPress or other platforms, is updated to the latest version. This helps prevent compatibility issues.
  • Clean up unused plugins, themes, or old installations: Removing unnecessary elements reduces the chance of errors and keeps your site running efficiently.
  • Test updates at your convenience: Change the PHP version from the one.com Control Panel, when it’s convenient for you. Check your site to make sure everything works as expected.
  • Fix any issues promptly: If you encounter errors, you can either resolve them yourself or get help from a developer.

How to change the PHP version?

You can easily change your PHP version in the one.com Control Panel.

  1. Log in to your one.com Control Panel.
  2. Scroll down to Advanced settings and select PHP (& subdomains).
  3. Locate the (sub)domain for which you want to change the PHP version and click Edit.
  4. In the pop-up window, select the PHP version you want to switch to. Next to the version, you'll see a label indicating the support status: Latest stable, Stable, Expiring soon or Expired.    
  5. Click Update and then Got it.
This GIF is a graphical representation of the steps in this article.

Which PHP version should I choose?

Although the latest PHP version offers the best speed and performance, it may not yet be fully compatible with all of your website's applications, themes, or plugins. Choosing the right PHP version depends on your website. We created a brief overview about PHP versions for you:

  • PHP 8.5 - Best performance
    Best choice for an up-to-date WordPress site with regularly updated plugins and themes. Offers the fastest speed and the latest features.
  • PHP 8.3 or PHP 8.4 - Best compatibility
    Recommended if you use WordPress with many plugins or customised themes that aren’t updated as often. These versions provide broad compatibility and high stability.
  • PHP 8.2 - Legacy compatibility (temporary)
    Suitable if your site depends on older plugins or custom code that is no longer maintained. Note, PHP 8.2 will reach end-of-life at the end of 2026. We recommend that you plan updates over the coming months.
  • PHP 8.1 or older - Extended support (paid)
    If upgrading isn’t possible, you can continue to use an expired version to keep your website running temporarily. The PHP Extended Support add-on will be automatically activated to provide you with extra time to update or migrate your website.

Tip: If your site stops working after updating to the latest PHP version, try the next newest version until it works again. If your site works but shows warnings, it means that some functions will be deprecated in future PHP releases. Updating plugins, themes, or code is recommended.

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