How to Update or Downgrade PHP Version: Step-by-Step Guide

If your website runs on WordPress, cPanel, or XAMPP, keeping your PHP version up to date is essential for better speed, performance, and security. However, sometimes older plugins or scripts may not support the latest PHP version — that’s when downgrading helps.

Here’s a complete step-by-step guide to update or downgrade PHP version safely.

1. Check Your Current PHP Version

Before making changes, check which PHP version your site is currently using.

• In WordPress, go to: Tools → Site Health → Info → Server.
• In cPanel, click on Select PHP Version under the Software section.
• In XAMPP, open the phpinfo.php file or type php -v in the terminal.

2. How to Update PHP Version in cPanel

1. Log in to your cPanel dashboard.
2. Under Software, click Select PHP Version or MultiPHP Manager.
3. Choose the latest PHP version from the dropdown menu.
4. Click Apply or Set as current.

After updating, clear your cache and test your website.

3. How to Downgrade PHP Version in cPanel

If you face compatibility issues after updating:

1. Go to Select PHP Version again.
2. Choose an older version (e.g., PHP 7.4 or 8.0).
3. Apply the changes.
4. Recheck your site for errors.

4. How to Update PHP Version in XAMPP (Localhost)

1. Download the new PHP version from php.net/downloads.php.
2. Extract the folder and rename it (e.g., php8).
3. Replace the old PHP folder inside your XAMPP directory with the new one.
4. Update the httpd-xampp.conf and php.ini paths if required.
5. Restart Apache to apply the new version.

5. How to Downgrade PHP Version in XAMPP

Simply replace the PHP folder with an older version (like PHP 7.4) downloaded from the official PHP archives. Remember to back up your old configuration files first.

6. Update or Downgrade PHP in WordPress

If your hosting provider supports PHP management:

• Go to your hosting control panel.
• Find PHP Selector or Software → PHP Version.
• Choose the desired version and click Save.

You can also install the plugin “PHP Compatibility Checker” to ensure your theme and plugins are compatible before upgrading.

7. Benefits of Updating PHP Version

• Improved site speed and performance
• Enhanced security and bug fixes
• Better compatibility with modern themes and plugins

Final Tips

• Always backup your website before updating or downgrading.
• Test your site after every PHP change.
• Use a staging environment to avoid live-site issues.

Keeping your PHP version up to date ensures that your website runs smoothly and remains secure. However, when older scripts require it, downgrading PHP is still a safe option if done correctly.