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How to Fix PHP Version Incompatibility – Update PHP via Hosting Panel (Complete Guide)

How to Fix PHP Version Incompatibility – Update PHP via Hosting Panel (Complete Guide)

dezignerkhanEducation & Learning1 month ago

Are you facing PHP version incompatibility issues on your website? Whether your WordPress dashboard shows a “Your PHP version is outdated” message or your site breaks after an update — this guide will help you fix it easily.

In this post, we’ll explain what PHP version incompatibility means, why it happens, and how to safely update your PHP version via your hosting control panel. We’ll also share a few pro tips to make sure your website stays secure and optimized after the update.

👉 Brought to you by Next Level Design Agency — experts in WordPress, web design, and performance optimization.

What is PHP Version Incompatibility?

PHP is the core scripting language that powers most websites, especially WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, and many other CMS platforms. Each PHP version introduces new features, security fixes, and performance improvements.

However, not all plugins, themes, or scripts support the latest PHP version. When your website’s code is written for an older version of PHP, upgrading to a newer one can sometimes cause errors, crashes, or broken layouts. This is called PHP version incompatibility.

Common Signs of PHP Version Incompatibility:

“Deprecated function” or “Fatal error” messages appear.
Your WordPress admin panel becomes inaccessible.
Website speed decreases or layout breaks.
Plugins stop working after PHP upgrade.

Why You Should Keep PHP Updated

Many website owners ignore PHP updates out of fear that something might break. But the truth is — keeping PHP up to date is one of the most important steps for website health, SEO, and security.

Benefits of Updating PHP:

Speed Boost: Newer PHP versions are 2–3x faster than older ones.
Better Security: Outdated PHP versions are more vulnerable to attacks.
Compatibility: Modern plugins and WordPress versions require PHP 8.0+.
Improved SEO: Faster load times can increase your Google rankings.

So, let’s fix that incompatibility issue and get your website running smoothly again.

Step-by-Step Guide to Update PHP via Hosting Panel

Most web hosting companies like Hostinger, Namecheap, GoDaddy, and Bluehost allow you to update PHP versions easily through their control panel (cPanel, hPanel, or Plesk). Follow the steps below carefully.

Step 1: Log in to Your Hosting Account

Go to your hosting provider’s website and log in to your account dashboard. From there, open the control panel (for example, cPanel or hPanel).

Step 2: Find PHP Settings or PHP Manager

In the search bar, type “PHP” or navigate to the section labeled Software → “Select PHP Version” or “PHP Configuration”.

Step 3: Check Current PHP Version

Before changing anything, note your current PHP version. This helps in case you need to revert later. Usually, you’ll see something like PHP 7.4 or PHP 8.1.

Step 4: Select a Newer PHP Version

From the dropdown menu, choose the latest stable PHP version available (for example, PHP 8.2). Avoid “beta” or “RC” versions.

Step 5: Save Changes

Click the “Save” or “Apply” button. The change will apply to your domain, and your website will start using the new PHP version.

Step 6: Test Your Website

Now open your website in a new browser tab. Check if all pages are loading correctly. Log in to your WordPress admin and verify that plugins and themes are working properly.

Step 7: Troubleshoot Errors (If Any)

If your site shows an error or blank screen after updating PHP, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:

Switch back to the older PHP version temporarily.
Update all plugins, themes, and WordPress core files.
Deactivate incompatible plugins one by one to find the culprit.
Contact your web developer or Next Level Design Agency for professional help.

How to Check PHP Compatibility Before Updating

To avoid downtime or broken websites, it’s smart to test compatibility before upgrading PHP. You can use the PHP Compatibility Checker plugin (available in WordPress Plugin Directory) to scan your site for potential issues.

This plugin analyzes your themes and plugins, showing which parts may break with newer PHP versions. Once everything looks fine, you can safely update your PHP.

Pro Tips for Safe PHP Updates

Backup your website: Always take a full backup before changing PHP versions.
Test on staging site: Use a test environment to experiment safely.
Update everything first: Make sure WordPress, plugins, and themes are up-to-date.
Choose stable versions: Stick to long-term supported PHP versions (like 8.1 or 8.2).
Enable error logs: This helps diagnose any compatibility issues quickly.

Common PHP Compatibility Errors and Fixes

1. Deprecated Function Warnings

Some plugins or themes may use old PHP functions that are no longer supported. Update the plugin or replace it with a newer one.

2. White Screen of Death

If your website shows a blank page, enable debugging in WordPress by editing the wp-config.php file and setting define('WP_DEBUG', true);

3. 500 Internal Server Error

This error usually appears if your hosting server doesn’t fully support the selected PHP version. Revert to an older version or contact hosting support.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your website’s PHP version updated is not just about fixing errors — it’s about improving security, speed, and performance. With just a few clicks in your hosting panel, you can make your website run smoother and safer than ever.

If you’re unsure or want professional assistance, reach out to Next Level Design Agency. Our experts can help you upgrade PHP safely, optimize your website, and enhance performance for better SEO results.