How to Update PHP Version in WordPress Using cPanel
Unlock the full speed, security, and stability of your WordPress website by updating your PHP version using cPanel – step by step, even if you’re a beginner.
In this video, I’ll walk you through the entire process of changing the PHP version for your WordPress site inside your hosting control panel, so you can keep your site fast, secure, and compatible with modern themes and plugins.
You’ll learn exactly where to find the PHP settings in cPanel, how to select the right PHP version, such as PHP 8.x, and what to check before and after making the switch.
Whether you’re seeing a warning in your WordPress dashboard, getting messages from your host, or just want better performance, this tutorial will help you safely update PHP without breaking your site.
What you’ll learn in this video:
How to log in to cPanel from your hosting account.
Where to find the “Select PHP Version” or “MultiPHP Manager” tool in cPanel.
How to check your current PHP version for your WordPress domain.
How to switch from older versions like PHP 7.x to newer, faster versions like PHP 8.x with just a few clicks.
Best practices before updating PHP (backups and compatibility checks).
What to do if you see errors after the update, and how to quickly roll back.
Why updating PHP is important for WordPress:
Running your WordPress site on an outdated PHP version can hurt performance, reduce security, and cause incompatibility with modern plugins and themes.
Newer PHP versions handle code more efficiently, which means faster page load times and a smoother experience for your visitors. Hosting providers and WordPress itself strongly recommend staying on a supported PHP version to protect your site from vulnerabilities and to take advantage of the latest features.
If you’ve seen notices like “Your PHP version is outdated” or “We recommend updating your PHP,” this tutorial is for you.
By the end of the video, you’ll know how to safely upgrade PHP inside cPanel and verify that your WordPress site is working correctly after the change.
Who this video is for:
This video is perfect for WordPress beginners, non‑technical website owners, bloggers, and small business owners who want to manage their own hosting settings without hiring a developer. If you’re using a shared hosting provider that gives you access to cPanel, you’ll be able to follow along and update your PHP version in just a few minutes.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Why you should update PHP in WordPress
00:41 – Log in to your hosting account and open cPanel
00:57 – Find the PHP selector (Select PHP Version / MultiPHP Manager)
1:10 – Selecting Domains: How to choose specific or all hosted domains for the update
1:26 – Applying the New PHP Version: Selecting the latest version and saving changes
1:45 – Verifying the Update (Frontend): Refreshing your website to check for notification removal
2:09 – Verifying via WordPress Site Health: Step-by-step guide to checking the server version within WordPress (Tools - Site Health - Info - Server)
2:36 – Conclusion and Next Steps
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If this tutorial helps you update your PHP version in WordPress using cPanel, don’t forget to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications for more WordPress and hosting tutorials. Have questions or run into issues after updating PHP? Leave a comment below, and I’ll do my best to help.