How to fix your website after a PHP update

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 paid PHP Extended Support add-on will keep your site running, even on expired PHP versions.

If your website stopped working after a PHP version update, don’t worry, this is usually caused by an outdated plugin or theme that isn’t compatible with the new PHP version.

This guide walks you through the process of restoring your site and safely updating everything, so you can continue using the latest PHP version.

• Step 1 - Change the PHP version
• Step 2 - Update your CMS (e.g. WordPress)
• Step 3 - Try the latest PHP version
• Step 4 - Check your site
• Need help keeping WordPress up to date?

Step 1 - Change the PHP version

If your site is down, you can temporarily switch back to an older PHP version to regain access. If this is an expired version, our PHP Extended Support add-on will be activated eventually.

1. Log in to your one.com Control Panel.
2. Scroll down to the Advanced settings tile 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.

Step 2 - Update your CMS (e.g. WordPress)

Once your website is visible again, the most important next step is to update your CMS and all related components. The core installation, as well as 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've included the elaborated steps for WordPress below.

If your website is made with Joomla or another 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.

• How do I update a CMS like WordPress and Joomla?
  
   

Update WordPress

1. Log in to your WP Admin.
   Can't access your backend? First, check what to do in case of different error messages: Troubleshooting WordPress errors: Regain access to your WP Admin
2. Click Updates in the menu to the left.
3. A red dot with a number indicates that updates are available and shows the number of updates.

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 unused plugins and themes. Find an alternative and replace outdated ones with actively maintained alternatives.

Tip: Need help keeping your WordPress site up to date? With our Premium WP Care service, our experts take care of it: updating your PHP version, WordPress core, themes, and plugins. We also monitor your site 24/7 and respond to issues immediately.

Step 3 - Try the latest PHP version

Once the core and all plugins, themes, extensions and other additions of your CMS are completely updated, switch back to the latest stable PHP version. 

Follow the steps "Change the PHP version" of step 1 in this guide once more. Then continue with step 4.

Step 4 - Check your site

After switching back, visit your site to confirm everything works.
 

• Yes, my site works

  Great! Your CMS is now compatible with the latest PHP version.

  We recommend keeping an eye on future updates to make sure your website remains secure and 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 support team is happy to help. To assist you best, please enable PHP error messages before contacting us. An error message helps us investigate the issue quickly and accurately.

  1. Log in to the one.com Control Panel.
  2. Under Advanced settings, click PHP (& subdomains).
  3. Find the (sub)domain for which you want to turn PHP error messages on and click Edit.
  4.  Toggle PHP error messages to on.
  5. Click Update and then Got it.
  6. Contact our support via chat or email. 

  

  Tip: Once your website is fixed, don't forget to switch the toggle off again. Ask our supporter if you're unsure when to do this.

Need help keeping WordPress up to date?

Consider our Premium WP Care for complete peace of mind. Our experts will:

• Update 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 includes and how to get started here: Premium WP Care.

Related articles:

• Why do I need to update PHP?
• How do I change the PHP version?