Updating the PHP version for WordPress

Valid for all IONOS WordPress plans.

PHP is a programming language that is used to create dynamic website content. WordPress is based on PHP and uses it as the basis for its functions, which are provided by the core files, plugins and themes. As PHP is constantly being further developed, it is also highly recommended to keep the PHP installation of your IONOS environment up to date. This article explains what you need to bear in mind.

Note

With Managed Hosting for WordPress, IONOS takes care of the PHP updates for you.

Why updates are important

An up-to-date PHP version for WordPress is important to ensure the security and performance of your website. New PHP versions often fix security holes and close vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. By using an up-to-date PHP version, your website will be faster, more efficient, and compatible with the latest WordPress plugins and themes.

When does a version change make sense?

Like WordPress, PHP is constantly being developed and improved. For operators of a WordPress website, one of the following situations may therefore occur, making it necessary to change the PHP version:

A WordPress update requires a newer PHP version.
A certain version of PHP is outdated and should therefore no longer be used.
A new version of PHP has been released that contains performance improvements that you would like to take advantage of.

Which version should be used?

At IONOS you can choose between different PHP versions. The PHP version required or recommended for WordPress can be found in the official WordPress requirements overview.

Prepare and perform PHP version change

The Help Center article "Displaying or changing the active PHP version" describes how to change the PHP version you are using.

However, it is possible that the WordPress version used, individual plugins, or the theme are not yet fully compatible with the new PHP version. To avoid any resulting malfunctions, it is advisable to prepare the website for the PHP version change first, and only then change the PHP version:

Create a backup
Create a backup of your WordPress website (files and database). This way you are prepared for any issues, and can restore your website to its previous state at any time.
Update WordPress installation
The older your WordPress version is, the more likely it is that the PHP code used is no longer compatible with the new PHP version. Please check whether updates are available for your WordPress version, the plugins,and the theme. Unless you are dependent on an older WordPress version for specific reasons, you should always keep your WordPress and all components up to date for security reasons.
Check the compatibility of the theme and plugins
If you use third-party plugins, such as a photo album, you can check in advance whether it is compatible with the future PHP version. One option is to open the official WordPress plugin page, search for the plugins used there, and then look in the detailed information for information on the supported PHP versions.
Switch PHP version
Once you have made all the preparations, you can switch your domain to the desired PHP version. Activating the new PHP version only takes a few minutes.
Check website for errors
After the changeover, check all pages and functions of your website that your visitors see, e.g. forms and galleries. Then log in to your WordPress administration and check all functions there as well.

Problems after PHP version change

If problems occur with the new PHP version, it is advisable to check that all plugins are up-to-date and compatible. It may be necessary to uninstall incompatible plugins or replace them with other plugins.

In order to restore the accessibility of the website – or the backend – as quickly as possible in the event of a problem, you can switch the domain back to the previous PHP version. Please note that it may take a few minutes after the changeover until this PHP version is active again. If errors still occur with the old version, we recommend restoring the website from the backup and using a local copy of your WordPress website for further compatibility tests.