In most cases, yes, your website should use a supported PHP version. PHP updates can improve security, compatibility, and performance. The part to avoid is updating blindly on a live website without a backup or testing plan.
For WordPress sites, PHP affects WordPress core, themes, plugins, forms, ecommerce, page builders, and many behind-the-scenes features.
Why Updating PHP Helps
PHP versions receive updates for a limited period. During support, reported bugs and security issues can be fixed. After a branch reaches end of life, it no longer receives standard PHP project support.
Using a supported PHP version helps reduce risk and keeps your site closer to the versions expected by modern WordPress tools.
Newer PHP versions may also process code more efficiently, which can help site performance depending on the site and hosting setup.
Current PHP Support Snapshot
As of May 12, 2026, PHP lists the currently supported branches as PHP 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, and 8.5.
PHP 8.1 reached end of life on December 31, 2025. PHP 8.2 is in security support until December 31, 2026. PHP 8.3, 8.4, and 8.5 have later security support dates.
This changes over time. Before planning an update, check the current PHP support schedule and the PHP versions available in your hosting account.
Why You Should Not Update Blindly
An older site may rely on plugins, themes, or custom code that do not work with newer PHP versions.
Possible problems include:
- 500 errors
- Blank screens
- Plugin failures
- Broken forms
- Checkout issues
- Dashboard errors
- Deprecated function warnings
- Theme layout problems
The risk is higher when a site has not been maintained for a long time.
Check the Site First
Before changing PHP, review:
- WordPress version
- Active theme and version
- Active plugins and versions
- Plugin update history
- PHP compatibility notes from key plugins
- Custom code or custom theme work
- Ecommerce, booking, or membership features
- Current PHP version
- Available PHP versions in hosting
If a plugin has not been updated in years, check it carefully before moving to a newer PHP version.
Take a Backup
Take a full backup before changing PHP.
For WordPress, that means files and database. If the site breaks after the PHP change, you may need to restore files, database content, or both.
Also write down the current PHP version so you know what to return to if the new version fails.
Test on Staging When Possible
A staging site is a copy of your website used for testing.
If you have staging available, test the PHP update there first.
Check:
- Homepage
- Key pages
- Contact forms
- Checkout
- Booking
- Login
- Search
- Dashboard
- Plugin settings
- Mobile layout
- Error logs
If staging breaks, fix the issue there before touching the live site.
Update in Steps for Older Sites
If a site is far behind, jumping several major PHP versions can reveal many compatibility problems at once.
A safer path may involve:
- Updating WordPress
- Updating plugins and themes
- Removing abandoned plugins
- Testing a newer PHP version
- Reviewing error logs
- Fixing compatibility issues
- Moving to the next supported PHP version
Do this with care. Some very old sites may need developer help before they can run on current PHP.
How PHP Is Usually Changed
PHP is changed through hosting tools, not normal page editing.
Depending on the hosting setup, the option may be in:
- cPanel MultiPHP Manager
- Managed WordPress settings
- VPS server tools
- Hosting control panel
- Hosting support request
If your site is hosted through Tech Help Canada Hosting, use the Tech Help Canada Hosting portal to open the related hosting product area. The exact PHP options depend on the product.
After Updating PHP
Test immediately.
Check:
- Public pages
- WordPress dashboard
- Forms
- Checkout or bookings
- Login
- Search
- Menus
- Images
- Scheduled tasks
- Error logs
If something breaks, switch back to the previous PHP version if available, then investigate the plugin, theme, or code that caused the issue.
The Practical Answer
You should update PHP, but do it with a backup, compatibility check, testing plan, and rollback path.
If your site is business-critical, avoid making the change during a busy period. Schedule it when someone can test the site and respond if anything breaks.
If you want hosting with cPanel tools for managing PHP versions, you can explore cPanel hosting through Tech Help Canada Hosting.
I can suggest related Tech Help Canada articles based on the topic you’re reading now.
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