Choosing the right PHP version for WordPress

Newer PHP versions are faster and receive security fixes; old ones don’t. WordPress runs on the current PHP versions Traxio offers — PHP 7.4, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3.

Check what you’re running

In WordPress, Tools → Site Health → Info → Server shows the PHP version. Site Health → Status warns if it’s outdated.

Before switching

1. Update WordPress, themes and plugins first. Old plugin versions are the usual cause of incompatibility.
2. Take a backup. How to back up WordPress
3. Ideally, test on a staging copy. Using a subdomain as a staging site

Switch

Change the domain’s PHP version in DirectAdmin. How to change the PHP version in DirectAdmin

Move one version at a time if you’re far behind — say 7.4 to 8.1, test, then 8.3.

Test after switching

• Load the home page and a few inner pages
• Log in to admin
• Submit a contact form
• Complete a test checkout on shops

If something breaks

Switch back to the previous version immediately — it takes effect straight away — then find the culprit in the error log. How to find PHP errors (error logs and display_errors) Usually one plugin or theme needs updating or replacing.