> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kb.hosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Updating PHP version for WordPress using cPanel

> Update your WordPress site's PHP version using cPanel's Select PHP Version tool to enhance speed and security.

Keeping PHP versions up to date is essential for a secure and faster [WordPress](https://hosting.com/hosting/platforms/wordpress-hosting/managed-wordpress-hosting/) site. An increase in site speed is good for SEO, and better security keeps hackers away from your website. The update also gives a better user experience and confidence when they visit your site. This article shows you how to update PHP for [WordPress](https://hosting.com/hosting/platforms/wordpress-hosting/managed-wordpress-hosting/) sites in a hosting environment using PHP Selector in cPanel.

## Things to do before updating PHP version

Although it is vital to keep the PHP version updated for your website, it is crucial to check on the PHP compatibility with the current theme and configuration of the website. Following is a list of important steps to do before updating the PHP version:

* Always backup the [WordPress](https://hosting.com/hosting/platforms/wordpress-hosting/managed-wordpress-hosting/) site before updating the PHP version, to revert if anything happens during the upgrade.

* Check if the current themes or plugins installed are compatible with the new PHP version. Use PHP compatibility checker plugins like PHP Compatibility Checker or any other WordPress plugins to check compatibility.

* Fix all errors or compatibility issues highlighted in the compatibility issues list.

After resolving compatibility issues and checking all other settings, contact the hosting provider to understand the update options available for your hosting account. This article shows you how to update the PHP version for Shared hosting, Reseller hosting, and [Managed WordPress](https://hosting.com/hosting/platforms/wordpress-hosting/managed-wordpress-hosting/) accounts with cPanel access.

**Checking the PHP Version in WordPress**

To update the current version of PHP in WordPress, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your WordPress site with an administrator account.

2. On the **Dashboard** in the left sidebar, click **Tools**, and then click on **Site Health** to check the current PHP settings:\
   ![](https://static.hosting.com/kb/kb-wordpress-updatePHP-1.png)

3. On the **Site Health** page switch to info tab to view the current WordPress site settings:\
   ![](https://static.hosting.com/kb/kb-wordpress-updatePHP-6.png)

4. Scroll the list of **Site Health** Info and click on the **Server** to view the PHP version:\
   ![](https://static.hosting.com/kb/kb-wordpress-updatePHP-3.png)

**Updating PHP Version in WordPress using Select PHP Version software**

1. Login to cPanel account:
   > 📘 Note
   >
   > If you do not know how to log in to your cPanel account, please see this\
   > [article.](/docs/accessing-cpanel)

2. Scroll to the **SOFTWARE** section of the cPanel home screen, click **Select PHP Version**:\
   ![](https://static.hosting.com/kb/kb-wordpress-updatePHP-2.png)

3. Select the PHP version from the drop down list:\
   ![](https://static.hosting.com/kb/kb-wordpress-updatePHP-4.png)

4. Click **Set as current** to update the PHP version:\
   ![](https://static.hosting.com/kb/kb-wordpress-updatePHP-7.png)

5. The PHP version is now updated to the latest version or selected version:\
   ![](https://static.hosting.com/kb/kb-wordpress-updatePHP-5.png)

6. Return to WordPress. On the **Dashboard** in the left sidebar, click **Tools**, and then click **Site Health** to check the updated PHP settings:\
   ![](https://static.hosting.com/kb/kb-wordpress-updatephp-8.png)

## Related articles

* [Common issues after PHP upgrade](/docs/common-issues-after-php-upgrade)

* [Changing PHP settings and versions](/docs/changing-php-settings-and-versions)

* [Changing PHP versions and settings using PHP Selector](/docs/changing-php-versions-and-settings-in-cpanel)

* [Changing PHP versions and settings using MultiPHP](/docs/changing-php-versions-and-settings-using-multiphp)