How to Change the PHP Version of Your Hosting Plan

Changing the PHP version on a WeWP hosting plan involves accessing the hosting control panel provided by WeWP. The exact steps might vary slightly depending on the specific tools and interface they provide. Here's a general guide on how to change the PHP version for your WeWP hosting plan:

Step-by-Step Guide to Change PHP Version on WeWP Hosting

Log in to Your WeWP Hosting Account:

• Open your web browser and go to the WeWP hosting login page.

• Enter your login credentials (username and password) to access your hosting account dashboard.

Access the Control Panel:

• Once logged in, navigate to the control panel or dashboard area. This is where you can manage various aspects of your hosting account.

Locate PHP Management or Settings:

• In the control panel, look for an option related to PHP settings or PHP version management. This might be found under sections like "PHP" section settings.

Select the Desired PHP Version:

• In the PHP management section, you should see a dropdown menu or list of available PHP versions.

• Choose the PHP version you want to use for your website.

• Save the changes. The control panel have a button labeled "Save"

Adjust PHP Settings (Optional):

• If you need to customize PHP settings such as memory limit, upload max filesize, or max execution time, look for an option like "PHP Configuration" or "PHP Options" within the same section.

• Make the necessary adjustments and save the settings.

Verify the Change:

• To ensure the changes have taken effect, create a phpinfo.php file in your website’s root directory. The file should contain the following code:

<?php phpinfo(); ?>

• Upload this file to your website's root directory (For Composer based wordpress it is (web) and Native based Wordpress it is within the root directory).

• Access this file in your browser by navigating to yourdomain.com/phpinfo.php. Check the PHP version displayed to confirm the change.

What Happens When You Use an Unsupported PHP Version

1. Security Risks:

• Vulnerabilities: Unsupported PHP versions don’t get security updates. This makes your website vulnerable to hackers who can exploit known weaknesses to steal data or harm your site.

• Compliance Issues: Some regulations require you to use secure software. Using unsupported PHP could put you at risk of penalties or fines for not following these rules.

2. Performance Problems:

• Slow Speed: Older PHP versions may make your website slower because they don’t have the latest improvements that make things run faster.

• More Resources Needed: Your website might use more of your server’s power, which could slow down other sites on the same server.

3. Compatibility Concerns:

• Things Break: Newer themes and plugins may not work right with old PHP. This could cause parts of your website to stop working like they should.

• No Help: It’s harder to get help fixing problems with old PHP because most people use newer versions.

4. Missed Features:

• Less Cool Stuff: Newer PHP versions have cool new features that make building websites easier and more fun. Using old PHP means missing out on these cool things.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, changing the PHP version on your WeWP hosting plan is a straightforward process that involves accessing your hosting account, navigating to the PHP settings section, and selecting a supported PHP version. This update is crucial to enhance your website's security, performance, and compatibility with modern web technologies.

By following the step-by-step guide provided:

1. Log in and Access Control Panel: Enter your WeWP hosting account, locate the control panel, and access the PHP settings.

2. Select Supported PHP Version: Choose a PHP version that is currently supported and recommended for optimal performance and security.

3. Verify Compatibility: Check that your website's themes, plugins, and custom code are compatible with the new PHP version to avoid functionality issues.

4. Backup and Test: Before applying changes, backup your website files and databases. Test your website thoroughly after updating PHP to ensure everything functions correctly.

5. Seek Support if Needed: If you encounter any challenges during the process or need assistance, contact WeWP support for guidance and troubleshooting.

By maintaining an updated PHP environment, you ensure your website remains secure, performs efficiently, and stays compatible with evolving web standards. Regularly monitoring and updating your PHP version will help safeguard your online presence and provide a seamless user experience for visitors to your site.