Is your PHP version safe to keep running?
Just drop in your website. We read your live PHP version and tell you if it's end-of-life, what tends to break on upgrade, and the safe path to update — or we do the whole upgrade for you.
WordPress: Tools → Site Health → Info → Server. cPanel: Select PHP Version.
How to update your PHP version
The mechanics are quick; the risk is old code breaking on new PHP. Here's the safe order.
1. Check compatibility
Find your current version and what breaks on the target (use the checker above). On WordPress, review Site Health warnings.
2. Copy to staging
Clone the site to a staging environment. Never test an upgrade on the live site.
3. Upgrade & fix
Switch PHP on staging, then fix or replace whatever errors — outdated plugins, removed functions, deprecations.
4. Go live with rollback
Flip the live site to the new version with a tested rollback ready. Confirm forms, checkout and logins still work.
Supported PHP versions (October 2026)
| Version | Status | Security support until |
|---|---|---|
8.4 / 8.5 | Full support | Dec 2028 |
8.3 | Security fixes | Dec 2027 |
8.2 | Security fixes | Dec 2026 |
8.1 and older | End of life | No fixes — incl. PHP2Shell |
End-of-life PHP gets no security patches, so new vulnerabilities like PHP2Shell (CVE-2026-109618) stay open forever on those branches.
Done-for-you PHP upgrade
We handle the whole thing: staging copy, PHP upgrade, fixing every breakage, then a clean go-live with rollback. Fixed price, no white-screen surprises.
Start my PHP upgrade →Prefer a quote first? Drop your details:
PHP update FAQ
How do I update my PHP version?
On shared hosting, change it in your hosting panel (cPanel: "Select PHP Version"). On your own server, install the new PHP packages and point your web server at them. Test on a staging copy first — old code can break on newer PHP.
What PHP version should I use?
Use PHP 8.3 or 8.4 for full support, or 8.2 at minimum (security support ends December 2026). Avoid 8.1 and older — they're end-of-life.
Will updating PHP break my WordPress site?
It can, if a theme or plugin uses code removed in newer PHP. Upgrade on staging first, fix or replace what breaks, then go live. Well-maintained sites usually upgrade smoothly.
Is PHP 7.4 still safe?
No. PHP 7.4 reached end of life in November 2022 and gets no security fixes, including no PHP2Shell fix. Upgrade to a supported version.
My site went white after a PHP update — what happened?
Usually a plugin or theme that isn't compatible with the new PHP version triggered a fatal error. Roll back the PHP version to restore the site, then upgrade on staging and fix the offending code before trying again.