Changing your PHP version: what to check first
Keeping your website on a supported PHP version matters for both security and speed. Old PHP versions stop receiving security fixes, and newer versions run most websites noticeably faster. This guide covers what to check before you switch, how to do it, and what to do if something breaks.
Before you change anything
- Make sure your website software supports the target version. WordPress, Joomla, and popular plugins and themes all publish their PHP requirements. If your site runs custom code, check with whoever maintains it.
- Write down your current PHP version first so you can switch straight back if needed.
- If you can, test on a staging or development copy of your site before changing the live one. A full backup also gives you an easy rollback: Jet Backup - Restore Backup
- Check for any special extensions your site needs. Some software requires extensions such as ionCube or specific database drivers. If your site used them on the old version, they need to be available on the new one.
- Be aware of the common breaking changes between major versions. Code written for PHP 5 or 7 often needs small updates to run on PHP 8, and some older plugins and themes were never updated.
How to change it
In cPanel, use the PHP version selector:
Our servers also have limits on what PHP configurations are allowed: PHP server policy and limitations
After you change it
- Load the main pages of your site, including the admin or login area.
- Test the important functions: forms, shopping cart or checkout, file uploads, and anything that sends email.
- Watch for blank pages, 500 errors, or error messages. These usually point at a plugin or theme that is not compatible.
- If something breaks, switch straight back to your previous PHP version. Your site will work again immediately, and you can then fix or replace the problem plugin at your own pace.
How we can help
Open a ticket and tell us the current version, the version you want to move to, and what your site runs (for example WordPress plus a list of plugins). We can check compatibility, review error logs, and in many cases fix the small code issues that stop old plugins working on new PHP versions. If the site is simply not ready for the newer version, we will tell you honestly and help you plan the upgrade instead.
Remember: staying on an unsupported PHP version is a security risk. If an upgrade is not possible yet, make sure the rest of your site is up to date in the meantime.
