What is PHP Extended Support?
Important: PHP version reaching end of life
If you received our email about PHP Extended Support, it means one or more of your (sub)domains are using an older PHP version. To keep your site secure and compatible, we recommend updating to an active supported PHP version. If you're not ready to update, our upcoming PHP Extended Support add-on will keep your site running, even on expired PHP versions.
PHP Extended Support is a paid add-on that keeps your website secure when using an outdated PHP version. It's added automatically if a (sub)domain is running a PHP version that has reached end-of-life and no longer receives updates from PHP.net.
The add-on ensures continued security and stability, giving you time to update the CMS and any extensions of your website installation. It remains active until your main domain and any subdomains are running on a stable version.
- What is PHP Extended Support?
- Why is it important to update PHP?
- How does it work?
- How is it billed?
- How to make your website compatible with the latest PHP version?
- How to cancel PHP Extended Support?
- Premium WP Care
What is PHP Extended Support?
PHP Extended Support is a paid add-on that applies security fixes to old PHP versions after they stop receiving official updates, also known as reaching end-of-life.
PHP is the scripting language behind WordPress and many other websites. Each version is actively supported for about four years. Once support ends, the version no longer receives security updates, which can leave your website vulnerable.
With PHP Extended Support, a trusted third-party provider continues to apply security patches to expired PHP versions. This helps keep your website secure and online and gives you the flexibility to update your website installation to be compatible with a stable PHP version.
Why is it important to update PHP?
PHP is one of the most widely used languages for websites. Keeping it up to date is essential for your website's performance and security. An updated PHP version offers:
- Better security
- Faster website
- New features and improvements
Want to learn more? Read our guide: Why do I need to update PHP?
How does it work?
Automatic activation
PHP Extended Support is automatically added if your domain or subdomain runs on a PHP version that has reached end-of-life and is marked as Expired in the PHP overview in the Control Panel. This applies whether the PHP version was already in use or manually selected.
Email notifications
We’ll let you know by email before PHP Extended Support add-on is activated. You'll receive a notification first and will be given time to update the website installation's CMS and extensions. If your (sub)domains continue to use an expired PHP version, you’ll receive a confirmation email about the activation of the add-on, along with an invoice.
The add-on remains active for as long as an expired PHP version is in use on your (sub)domain. As soon as you update to a supported version, the add-on will be automatically removed, and billing will stop.
Note: PHP Extended Support is activated per domain, regardless of how many (sub)domains use an end-of-life PHP version. You only pay for one add-on per domain.
How is it billed?
PHP Extend Support is billed monthly, starting from the date the add-on is activated. You'll receive an invoice for the upcoming month that reflects the currency and applicable taxes based on the country where your subscription is registered.
Note: Billing stops automatically when all PHP versions for (sub)domains are updated to supported versions, or when you use an eligible add-on that includes PHP Extended Support.
How to make your website compatible with the latest PHP version?
If you experience issues after updating the PHP version, such as error messages or your site stops working, it's most likely due to incompatibility between the new PHP version and your website's code, plugins and theme.
Tip: It’s best to update your site while it’s still working. This makes troubleshooting easier and allows you to switch between PHP versions if needed.
The following steps are needed to fix your site:
-
Change the PHP version
Switch back to an older PHP version to restore access to your site, if needed. You can find a detailed explanation in this guide: How do I change the PHP version. -
Update the CMS (e.g. WordPress)
Make sure the website's CMS, plugins, and themes are all updated to their latest versions. You can find a detailed explanation in this guide: How to fix your website after PHP update. -
Try the latest PHP version
Once your website is fully updated, switch back to the latest stable version. Use the detailed steps in this guide again: How do I change the PHP version, if needed. -
Check your site
Visit your site to confirm everything works as expected. If everything works correctly, your site is now compatible with the updated PHP version.
If you still experience issues, please enable PHP error messages in the Control Panel and contact our support team.
How to cancel PHP Extended Support?
You don’t need to cancel PHP Extended Support manually. The add-on is automatically removed once your main domain and all subdomains are running on a supported PHP version. From that moment, billing will stop.
Please note that cancelling your hosting subscription does not automatically stop PHP Extended Support. If your website is still using an unsupported PHP version, the add-on remains active and will continue to be billed monthly until you upgrade your PHP version or your subscription ends.
Premium WP Care
If you want complete peace of mind, we recommend Premium WP Care, where our experts handle everything for you. With this service we:
- Keep your PHP version to the latest stable version
- Keep WordPress, themes, and plugins up to date
- Monitor your site 24/7
- Respond immediately to critical issues
Learn more about what it is and how to purchase Premium WP Care.
Or fill out the Premium WP Care request form and we’ll get in touch. Go to Add-ons in your Control Panel and click under WordPress services on Learn more. Add a short description and click Send request. Our customer support team will get back to you as soon as possible.
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