Keep your website secure, compatible and running smoothly by checking your PHP version and applying the appropriate security updates.
PHP helps power your website behind the scenes. Knowing how to check and update your PHP version with 1-grid for better website security helps protect your website, improve performance, and maintain compatibility with your applications.
Critical PHP security vulnerabilities highlight why regular updates matter. We recommend using PHP 8.3 or higher, where compatible, as PHP 8.2 reaches end of life on 31 December 2026.
This guide explains what to check, how to prepare your website for an update, and where to find help if you need it.
Before You Begin
Before changing your PHP version, make sure you have:
- Access to your 1-grid Customer Zone or hosting control panel.
- Checked which PHP versions your website, themes and plugins support.
- A recent backup of your website and database.
- Access to your developer or technical team if your website uses custom code and was not designed by 1-grid.
Important: Updating PHP without checking compatibility can affect how your website works. Prepare first, then make the change.
Follow These Steps
Step 1: Check Your Current PHP Version
Your hosting control panel allows you to view and manage the PHP version assigned to your website.
Where compatible, we recommend PHP 8.3 or higher. PHP 8.2 is still within its security-support period but reaches end of life on 31 December 2026. Planning an upgrade now can help you avoid relying on an older version for longer than necessary.
Knowing which PHP version your relevant hosting platform supports will help you make the right decision for your website.
Important: Always ensure that the relevant security fixes have been applied to your PHP version.
Step 2: Check Your Website’s Compatibility
Before upgrading, confirm that your website can run on the PHP version you intend to use.
If you use WordPress, check that:
- WordPress is up to date.
- Your active theme and plugins support the intended PHP version.
- Any custom code or integrations are compatible.
For further guidance, see How to Secure Your WordPress Website.
If you’re unsure about compatibility, ask your website developer for assistance before making changes.
Step 3: Back Up Your Website
Create or confirm a recent backup of your website files and database before upgrading.
A backup gives you a recovery option if something goes wrong during the update. It doesn’t prevent a security vulnerability from being exploited, so it should always complement security updates, and not replace them.
Don’t have backups but need to have them in the future to protect your website data?
Step 4: Update PHP and Test Your Website
Once you’ve confirmed compatibility and have a backup, follow the appropriate instructions for your hosting control panel to update PHP.
After the change, check that:
- Your website loads correctly.
- Forms, logins and important features work as expected.
- Your WordPress themes and plugins continue to function.
- No unexpected errors appear.
If your website stops working or displays errors, contact your developer or 1-grid Support for guidance rather than making further changes you’re unsure about.
What Happens Next?
Once you’ve confirmed your website is on a suitable, patched PHP version and that its components work correctly, regularly check and keep your website software updated.
Regular maintenance helps reduce avoidable security risks and keeps your website better prepared for future updates.
Important Things to Know
- PHP 8.3 or higher is recommended, where compatible. The best version depends on your hosting environment and website requirements.
- A version number alone doesn’t guarantee security. The appropriate security updates must also be applied.
- PHP updates and WordPress updates are different. Both the hosting environment and your website software need attention.
- Backups support recovery, not prevention. They are important but do not replace security updates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Changing PHP versions without checking compatibility.
- Forgetting to back up your website before making changes.
- Assuming that updating WordPress or a plugin also updates PHP.
- Ignoring website errors after an upgrade.
- Assuming a newer PHP version alone means that all security vulnerabilities have been addressed.
If This Didn’t Work
If your website stops working after changing PHP versions, or you’re unsure which version is suitable, gather the following information before contacting Support:
- Your domain name and hosting package.
- Your current PHP version, if known.
- Any error messages displayed.
- What changed and when the issue started.
This will help us understand your situation and guide you towards the appropriate next step.
You’re Ready!
Keeping PHP and your website software up to date is an important part of maintaining a safer, more reliable online presence.
Learn more by visiting our Blog:
Related Articles
- What PHP Versions Does cPanel with 1-grid Support?
- How to Manage PHP Extensions in cPanel
- WordPress Security Tips
- Learn How to Improve the Security of Your WordPress Website
- Learn How to Improve the Security of Your Joomla Website
Need Help?
Still not sure which PHP version your website needs or how to check and update your PHP version safely?
Provide your domain name and hosting package, and let us know what assistance you need. We’ll help you understand the appropriate next steps to help keep your website and business online.