First, What the Heck Is PHP?
If you built your website using WordPress, there's a good chance you've spent more time choosing fonts and uploading pictures than thinking about PHP.
Completely understandable.
PHP is a programming language running on the server hosting your WordPress website. It helps WordPress handle requests, generate pages, and power much of the functionality visitors use.
Think of it as part of the machinery operating behind the storefront.
Your visitors may never see it, but your website depends on it. Like other software, PHP releases have support lifecycles. Eventually, older versions stop receiving security updates. Separately, newer WordPress releases, themes or plugins may expect features of a more recent PHP version.
Your homepage can appear normal even when the software underneath it needs attention.
Why Can't I Just Update It?
Sometimes you can. Other times, your plugins, theme, custom code or hosting configuration may rely on behavior that changed between PHP releases.
Imagine updating your computer's operating system and discovering that the one application you rely on every day hasn't been updated in years.
Same general problem.
Before switching versions, find out which parts of your website depend on the current environment. If your site accepts payments, reservations or important inquiries, preparation matters even more.
How to Check Your Current PHP Version
- Sign in to the WordPress administration dashboard.
- Open Tools, then Site Health.
- Select the Info tab.
- Expand Server and look for PHP version.
These labels can vary between installed WordPress versions or hosting platforms. Your hosting provider can also tell you the PHP version assigned to the website.
Compare what you found against the WordPress server requirements and the PHP project support schedule.
If the version is outdated, plan an update rather than experimenting on a busy live website.
Before You Update: The Checklist That Matters
1. Back up the complete site
A WordPress backup generally needs both files and database. Ideally, test a restore in a safe environment. A backup you've never tested is a little like a spare key you've never tried in the lock.
2. Review the plugins, theme and custom features
Confirm compatibility with the PHP version you intend to use. Check bookings, payment flows, form submissions, account features and custom code if your site relies on them.
3. Try a staging environment
A staging site is a separate copy where you can test changes before customers see them. Some hosting platforms provide staging directly; others may require a developer or provider's help.
4. Know your rollback options
Learn how to restore the earlier working environment and complete backup if an update fails. Reverting PHP settings alone might not repair everything if other changes were made.
5. Test what real visitors do
Visit key pages on desktop and mobile, submit a test inquiry, and verify the important integrations. A homepage that loads does not prove every other workflow still works.
What If You Don't Manage Your Hosting?
Ask your provider:
- What PHP version is my site currently using?
- Is that version still supported with security updates?
- Can you help verify plugin compatibility?
- Do you offer staging, backups, restoration and rollback?
- When would a change affect the live site?
You don't need to become a developer to ask informed questions about the technology your business depends on.
The Bottom Line
Your website is part of your business infrastructure. It's worth knowing what's happening underneath it.
You don't have to chase every new software release the minute it appears. You do need a reasonable process for keeping important components supported, compatible and secure.
Checking your PHP version is a useful place to begin.
Website Design & Development
Ready for a Different Kind of Website?
If maintaining your WordPress installation has become more complicated than running your actual business, it may be time to explore another approach.
Many informational and service-business websites can be developed using modern static-site technology, offering fast loading, fewer moving parts and straightforward hosting requirements. Sites with complex editing, ecommerce or application needs may be better served by other architectures.
Drive Digital Traffic designs custom websites around your content, audience and functionality. Whether you're ready to replace an aging site or want to understand your options, we'd be happy to discuss what fits.