In this article, we show you step-by-step how to fix issues on your website caused by the latest PHP update. They are most likely due to an incompatible plugin and theme.
Important! On 28 November 2022, PHP 7.4 will permanently be removed from our servers. After that date, you can’t change back to version 7.4. Make sure to fix any issues before then.
- Step 1 - Revert the PHP update
- Step 2 - Update your CMS (f.ex. WordPress)
- Step 3 - Change the PHP version back to 8.0
- Step 4 - Check your site
Step 1 - Revert the PHP update
First, we recommend you manually change the PHP version back to 7.4, following these steps:
- Log into your one.com control panel.
- Scroll down to the Advanced settings tile and select PHP and database settings.
- Scroll down to Update PHP version.
- Select version PHP 7.4 and click Update.
Note: It takes 20 minutes before the update is in effect. If you have a website with a lot of visitors it can take even longer.
Step 2 - Update your CMS (f.ex. WordPress)
When your website is visible again, the most important next step is that your CMS is up-to-date.
The core installation and all plugins, themes, extensions and additions must be set to the latest version.
Your website is likely made with WordPress, the most used CMS in the world. That's why we have elaborated the steps for WordPress here below.
Check our specified guide if your website is made with Joomla or other commonly used CMS such as Drupal or Prestashop. Please keep in mind that we cannot fix (custom) code for you. You must either do this yourself or find a developer familiar with PHP who can help you.
Update WordPress
- Log into your WP Admin.
Can't access your backend? Then first take a look at our guide where we explain what to do in case of different error messages: Troubleshooting WordPress errors: Regain access to your WP Admin - When you are logged in, click Updates in the menu to the left.
- A red dot with a number indicates that updates are available and how many.
That red dot has to go. To get this done, you need to make sure that:
- You have the latest version of WordPress.
- Your Plugins use the newest version.
- Your Themes use the newest version.
Important! Remove plugins and themes that you don't use. Find an alternative and replace those that haven't been updated in a while or where there's no update available.
Tip: If you don't want to be bothered next time by manually updating and maintaining your WordPress site, you can add update plugins, or check out our add-on Managed WordPress where our Update Manager will take over everything for you.
Step 3 - Change the PHP version back to 8.0
Now that the core and all plugins, themes, extensions and other additions of your CMS are up-to-date, we try PHP version 8.0 again.
Follow once more the steps of step 1 of this guide.
Step 4 - Check your site
When your PHP version is set to 8.0, wait again for 20 minutes and check if your site still works.
Yes, my site works
Great, your CMS is successfully updated and compatible with PHP version 8.0.
We recommend that you keep an eye on new updates and act proactively when they appear so that your website is ready for the next PHP update.
Wonder why updating is so important? Read more in these two articles: Why do I need to update PHP? and Why you should always update WordPress.
No, I still experience issues
If you're still experiencing issues with your website, our supporters are happy to help you further from here on.
To assist you best, we'd appreciate you completing the following steps that enable PHP error messages before contacting support. An error message helps us with further investigation since it shows a filename, line number and a message describing the error.
- Log into the one.com control panel.
- Click PHP and database settings on the Advanced settings tile.
- Scroll down to PHP error messages.
- Select On.
- Click Update.
- Contact our support via chat or email.
Note: It also takes twenty minutes for the PHP errors to be active and visible on your website.
Tip: Once your website is fixed, don't forget to turn this function off again. If you are not sure when exactly to do this, feel free to ask the supporter about it.
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