Please see our main PHP update FAQs here.
PHP is a scripting language for web development and WordPress is a PHP-powered content management system. Processing PHP code ultimately renders your WordPress page or post. Your WordPress core system files, themes, and plugins all include PHP code.
Every year, a new version of PHP is released with improvements and additional features. Every new version of PHP is fully supported for two years from its initial stable release. During this period, bugs and security issues that have been reported are fixed and are released in regular point releases.
Once those two years pass, the version is then supported for an additional year for critical security issues only. Releases during this period are made on an as-needed basis, and once that year is up, the version is no longer supported and is considered End of Life (EOL).
PHP 7.4 reached EOL and no longer received security updates as of November 28, 2022. The WordPress community still had some work to do to support PHP 8+ broadly, so our parent company, Automattic, committed resources to help maintain security updates for PHP 7.4 for almost an additional two years. This has allowed time for the community to catch up and continue supporting websites on PHP 7.4 while more themes and plugins worked to provide support for PHP 8+.
Important Dates for Pressable Customers
- June 3, 2024: PHP version 7.4 will be removed as an option for new sites. The default for all new sites will become PHP 8.1. Sites can still be downgraded to 7.4 after creation, as needed.
- July 1, 2024: All sites on PHP version 7.4 in a
Disabledstate will be updated to PHP version 8.1. - August 8, 2024: All sites on the Pressable platform that are currently running PHP version 7.4 will be automatically updated to PHP version 8.1.
Top Questions About Updating PHP 7.4 to PHP 8+
How can I find a list of my sites using PHP 7.4?
You can download a Site Listing Report for your account, which will include all sites using PHP 7.4
How do I upgrade the PHP version on my Pressable sites?
Here’s how to check your current version of PHP and the steps to follow when upgrading to the latest version. On Pressable, your sites are running the most recent version of WordPress. We always offer the newest version of PHP that’s compatible with WordPress.
- Check Your Current Version
You can easily check the PHP versions you’re running on all your sites within the MyPressable Control Panel
You can also see your PHP version from your WordPress admin by clicking “Tools” and clicking “Site Health.” - Create a Site Backup
Before you switch PHP versions, make a backup of your site. Before making major changes like upgrading your PHP and all the subsequent updates to your plugins and themes, it’s best to have a fallback version in case something goes wrong. - Switch Your PHP Version
Changing the PHP version on your Pressable site is very quick and simple. You can use these instructions for updating the PHP version in WordPress. When possible, upgrade your PHP version on a staging site first to ensure everything works as expected before making this change on your live site. - Check For Errors
Review your site to see if the PHP upgrade broke anything by checking the PHP error logs. After a PHP upgrade, the most likely culprits of issues are your theme files or plugins.
Update Plugins and Themes – Check to see if your themes or plugins have any updates. Install them, and then check your site and PHP error logs again for issues.
Try switching to a default theme and deactivating all your plugins. Then switch your theme to see if that’s the issue. If the theme isn’t the problem, try activating your plugins one at a time until you identify the troublemaker.
You may need to reach out to the plugin/theme developers for an update to ensure the code is compatible with the newer PHP versions. - Custom code is another source of bugs. You’ll need to check to ensure your customizations are compatible with the latest PHP version. You can also hire a developer to take a look at your site files to make necessary code updates and ensure PHP compatibility.
- Finalize Your Update
Again, you’ll ideally be doing this update on a staging site. Once things look good, you can make the same changes on your live site and then switch to the newer PHP version.
You can also see your PHP version from your WordPress admin by clicking “Tools” and clicking “Site Health.”
You can now manage your WordPress plugins and themes directly within the MyPressable Control Panel (MPCP). This functionality gives you the ability to refresh the list, update/activate/deactivate plugins and themes.
What notifications were sent to customers regarding this update?
We sent an email on July 20, 2022, to inform all customers that PHP 7.4 would no longer be an available option for new sites at some point in the future. We originally noted that all sites will be upgraded to PHP 8+ in November of 2022, but extended that deadline for almost two years to August 8, 2024.
Since we postponed the November 2022 removal of PHP 7.4, customers have had ample time and warning to ensure their sites work with PHP 8+ moving forward.
At the end of 2022, we also included the following banner notification for all sites set to PHP 7.4:
On May 14th, 2024, we sent additional emails notifying customers with sites running PHP 7.4 that they have until August 8, 2024, to update their sites to PHP 8+. In addition to the two-year extension From November 2024, this gives almost three months to test and complete the update on sites before the required update deadline.
What will happen to my sites that are running on PHP 7.4 when it is removed as an option for new sites on June 3rd, 2024?
Any sites you have that are running PHP 7.4 will continue to use that version, and any clones (or staging sites) that you create of that site will carry over your use of PHP 7.4 as well.
All sites running PHP 7.4 will be automatically upgraded to PHP 8.1 on August 8, 2024, so we recommend all customers begin testing and updating their sites as soon as possible.
What are the differences between PHP 7.4 and PHP 8+?
We have published an article here that details the new features and enhancements that come with the update to PHP 8+. Beyond the technical details, it’s important to note the upgrade comes with performance improvements as well. For example, PHP 8.1 can handle 18.4% more requests per second than PHP 7.4. That can make a noticeable difference for a busy site or store!
How do I check to see if my site will work on PHP 8+?
We published a blog post here that discusses more about what PHP is and how to safely upgrade the version on your site. Don’t forget to take advantage of the free staging environment that comes with your plan!
My site is showing an error, what can be done to fix it?
If the PHP update triggered an error on your site, most likely an outdated plugin or theme is the cause. The error logs for your site might indicate where the problem is originating from. We have a guide on how to access these logs here.
You can deactivate a plugin that is triggering the error directly from within the Pressable Dashboard even if you are having trouble logging into the site. You can check out the guide on how to view and perform actions on your site theme and plugins here.
Additionally, you can reach out to our customer success team for assistance, either through live chat or via email at help@pressable.com. What we can help with is limited (more information here) but we would be more than happy to point you in the right direction for a fix!
When will the next required PHP version upgrade occur?
PHP.net maintains a timeline showing the various PHP versions and their lifecycles. It’s a great resource for anyone wondering when the next version will reach EOL. We will be managing the security patches for all Pressable customers between that date and the automatic update.