When your WordPress website starts slowing down, you instinctively look at the hosting provider. However, not every disruption of your website can be traced down to the server. Sometimes, when your WordPress is acting out and feels buggy, the culprit may be your PHP version.

PHP is the scripting language behind WordPress, and running an outdated version can leave your site vulnerable, sluggish, or downright broken. In 2025, knowing the best PHP version for WordPress isn’t just a technical detail. It’s a must for performance, compatibility, and security. Yet many site owners have no idea which version they’re using. Even worse – they have no idea how to update it safely.

So whether that sounds familiar or not, it’s wise to learn what the best PHP version for WordPress is, which one corresponds to your WordPress release, and how to update your PHP safely to the recommended version.

But before we get into the details, let’s discuss the basics.

How Do PHP and WordPress Work Together?

To understand why your PHP version matters, you first need to know how PHP and WordPress are connected. Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) is the server-side scripting language that powers the core of WordPress. Every time a visitor lands on your site, PHP code runs behind the scenes to tell the server what to do and what content to display.

The PHP is much like a translator. Whenever you want to change something on your page, the PHP translates your intent to the server so the machine can execute precisely what you want.

So, if a visitor opens a blog post, the PHP will pull the post content from your WordPress database, send it through the theme’s layout, load comments, and then build a complete HTML page on the fly. All that happens in just several milliseconds.

Even simple things like:

• Logging in to your WordPress dashboard
• Loading a plugin like YOAST SEO
• Changing your site settings

Everything relies on PHP to do its job smoothly.

The problem? PHP versions get outdated. Using an old one is like running modern apps on a 10-year-old phone — it still turns on, but it’s slow, insecure, and prone to breaking.

As of 2025, WordPress recommends using PHP 8.2 or higher. It’s faster, safer, and supports all the modern WordPress features you expect. If your site is still on something like PHP 7.4, it’s past its end of life — and so is your site’s performance.

How to Find out Which PHP Version You’re Using

Before updating or troubleshooting anything, you need to know which PHP version your WordPress site is currently running. Thankfully, checking your PHP version is easy, and you don’t need to touch a single line of code.

Option 1: Use Your Hosting Control Panel

Most hosting providers will display your PHP version in the control panel (like cPanel or Site Tools).

Though there might be some variations from host to host, here’s generally how to do it:

1. Log into your hosting account
2. Go to your PHP features (the name may vary)
3. Find the one that allows you to manage your PHP. If you are a HostArmada user, you need to go to “Select PHP Version.”

Option 2: Use a Plugin

Usually, when it comes to WordPress, most problems can be solved with a plugin. This one is no different. Just install Display PHP Version or WP Health. These tools will instantly tell you which PHP version you currently have.

Option 3: Use the WordPress Integrated Site Health Tool

This is probably the easiest option. Just go to your integrated Site Health Tool and find it there.

1. Click on Tools (in the sidebar)
2. Go to Site Health
3. Click on the “Info” tab above
4. Under “server,” you will see your current PHP version

If you’re not comfortable browsing within your server control panel, this is the safest way to get the information

Before Updating

If it shows anything below PHP 8.1 (like in the first image), you’re due for an upgrade.

However, you might be using an older PHP version due to a specific WordPress setup. You may use legacy plugins or other features that may break if you update your PHP. However, if you’re not sure, don’t worry. You always have the option to downgrade WordPress temporarily until you find a solution.

If you want to see more of your PHP settings, we have a guide on how to check the PHP settings your website is currently using.

Once you know your current version, it’s time to find out whether it’s compatible with your WordPress version. More importantly, you must learn what to do if that’s not the case.

Which PHP Versions Does Your WordPress Support?

With each new release WordPress updates the PHP version it supports. So, for example, if you’re still way behind running on WordPress 5.0, you can use it with a PHP version as early as 5.6.20. Still, the recommended version is PHP 7.0+.

In the same manner, if you have the most current WordPress version (6.8.1, as of the time of this blog post), you can still run it on PHP 7.4. However, this PHP version is already marked as End of Life (EOL), meaning PHP no longer provides security updates.

Thus, WordPress recommends updating to at least 8.1. But if you want everything to run smoothly, it is best to go to v.8.3 directly, as long as all your plugins support it.

If you discover that your current WordPress setup doesn’t play nicely with the latest PHP version, don’t worry. We will walk you through how to test and update safely.

But before that, let’s talk about the issues you may encounter.

Issues You May Experience When Updating to the Recommended PHP Version

Updating to the best PHP version for WordPress (which we already revealed to be 8.2 and 8.3) should be your go. There’s no doubt about that. However, before you rush into the process, take a minute to consider what can go wrong. This way, you will be ready to address the issues as they appear rather than panic and revert everything back.

Plugin or Theme Incompatibility

We have already discussed this one, as it will most likely occur. However, let’s make it clear. Some older, unsupported plugins most likely won’t support the newer PHP versions.

So, after upgrading, you may witness:

• White screen of death (no visible content)
• Fatal error messages
• Broken layouts or missing functionality

For example, if you’re using a legacy contact form plugin built for PHP 7.4, it may fail entirely on PHP 8.2.

So, make sure to update your plugins and themes before you update your PHP. And if your plugin is no longer supported, find a new one.

Deprecated Functions

New PHP often removes old functions or changes how specific code behaves. If your site uses deprecated code, it can show warnings or errors. This is especially common with custom-coded features or older premium themes.

To mitigate this, enable WP_DEBUG mode to spot warnings. Use tools like PHP Compatibility Checker or work with a developer to refactor custom code. We won’t lie; this is way too complicated to solve alone if you’re not tech-savvy.

Outdated WordPress Core

Now this one occurse is fairly rare, as people usually update their PHP because it is no longer the best PHP version for WordPress. However, if you’re updating your website, you may update your PHP before your WordPress. The old version of WP may not support the more modern PHP, so you will once again see the White Screen of Death.

So, this is simple enough to mitigate. Just update your WordPress before your PHP.

Server Configuration Conflicts

Upgrading PHP might also require updates to certain server modules or settings. Now, if you use HostArmada, this won’t happen, as we make sure all our customers have enough space and RAM. However, if you’re using other hosting services, you may be approaching your memory limits. This will result in unexpected slowdowns or even crashes.

So, if you have any doubts, ask your hosting provider to check memory limits, required extensions (like mbstring, curl, JSON), and opcache settings. A good managed hosting provider will handle this for you.

Most importantly

Always make a complete backup of your site before upgrading PHP. If something goes wrong, you’ll have a clean restore point.

The Advantages of Update PHP Version

Updating to the best PHP version for WordPress isn’t just about keeping WordPress happy. It’s not a trend or a fashion. It comes with serious benefits that improve nearly every aspect of your website.

Better Speed and Performance

The latest PHP version is significantly faster than older ones. That’s usually why they are released in the first place.

So, for example, PHP 8.2 can handle more than double the requests per second compared to PHP 7.4. This translates into faster page loading, better user experience, and improved SEO rankings. Well, that last one is more of an afterthought, as Google doesn’t really care which PHP version you use. Still, the latest PHP version will always offer better UX than one that’s already EOL.

As a bonus, your WordPress dashboard will also feel more responsive.

Stronger Security

Updates always patch known vulnerabilities and tighten security. Running outdated PHP (like 7.4) is like leaving your site’s front door unlocked. Updating reduces your exposure to attacks, especially those targeting known exploits in older versions.

Improved Compatibility

Stacking with old PHP versions will prevent you from using powerful new features and plugins. That’s not the worst thing that could happen, though. Incompatibilities can lead to serious security and performance issues.

Updating, on the other hand, ensures your site stays in sync with modern WordPress standards.

Cleaner Code and Error Handling

Modern PHP versions offer better debugging tools, stricter error reporting, and support for more efficient coding practices. This makes troubleshooting easier and helps developers create more stable websites.

Future-Proofing

WordPress is moving forward — fast. Some upcoming releases may stop supporting older PHP versions entirely. Updating now keeps your site ready for what’s next.

In short, updating your PHP version makes your site faster, safer, and more reliable, with zero downside… if done properly.

A Guide to Updating the Best Update PHP Version for WordPress

Now that we know what to expect and what to hope for, it’s time to switch to the best PHP version for WordPress. So, let’s begin.

Step 1: The Mandatory Backup

Before you even go near your PHP, you must create a full backup of your WordPress website. This includes files and database. You can use a plugin to do it, or if you’re a HostArmada user, you can check how to create a backup of your website from the cPanel.

This way, if something goes wrong, you will have a restore point.

Step 2: Update WordPress, Plugins & Themes

If the Update tab in the Dashboard has a glowing red number next to it, you’re not ready to update your PHP. First, you need to get to the most current WordPress version and update all plugins and themes. This will prevent conflicts with the newest PHP version.

Step 3: Check PHP Compatibility

Use a plugin like PHP Compatibility Checker or WP Health. These tools scan your themes and plugins to identify potential issues with higher PHP versions like 8.2 or 8.3.

Step 4: Test The Changes in Staging

If your host offers a staging feature, use it to create a test version of your site. This lets you switch PHP versions safely and preview the results before making changes live.

Step 5: Change PHP Version in The Hosting Control Panel

Log into your hosting control panel (like cPanel or Site Tools).

1. Go to “Select PHP Version” or “PHP Manager”
2. Choose PHP 8.2 or 8.3
3. Save the changes and clear your cache

If you’re using HostArmada:

1. Log into your HostArmada account.
2. Click on “My Services”
3. Access Your cPanel through the icon
4. Under the Software section, you will find Select PHP Version (you can also type it in the search bar)
5. Choose the Latest PHP Version
6. Click “Set as Current”
7. Check Extensions (Optional)
8. Save and Exit

Your PHP is now updated

Step 6: Test Everything

Before you close your website, you must take your time testing if everything is working properly. Log into the Dashboard and check your error logs if anything seems off.

That’s it. You’re ready.

What More Do You Need?

Now you know that choosing the best PHP version for WordPress is more than just a technical detail. It’s a performance booster, a security upgrade, and a future-proofing strategy – all rolled into one.

However, even if you have the know-how, having a solid hosting partner behind your back will make the entire process much easier.

It’s hard enough to mitigate all the potential issues. It’s even harder to ensure all your plugins and themes will work after the update. So, the least your hosting provider should do is give you quick and easy access to your PHP settings and help you with the backups.

That’s why you need HostArmada.

We make PHP version management simple. Every WordPress hosting plan includes a user-friendly control panel, built-in staging environments, and one-click PHP upgrades. You don’t need to be a developer to keep your site running on the best PHP version for WordPress.

Furthermore, we offer lightning-fast speed, state-of-the-art security, and a 99.9% uptime guarantee. But that’s not all. All our users have access to our extensive knowledge database, where you can find anything, from how to get started with WordPress to next-level skills like how to execute PHP code inside HTML files.

So, if you’re just getting started, don’t wait to update your PHP to find out how important your Hosting partner is. Choose the best right from the start. Check out our dedicated WordPress hosting options and choose the one that will best fit your needs.