This document explains how to update the PHP version your WooCommerce store runs on. Running a current, supported version of PHP improves your store’s performance, security, and compatibility with WooCommerce and WordPress.
If you arrived at this page from a notice in your WooCommerce store, your store is running an outdated and unmaintained version of PHP. An outdated PHP version can reduce your site’s performance, cause unexpected behavior, and expose your store to security vulnerabilities.
What is PHP?
↑ Back to topPHP is a server-side scripting language that powers most WordPress and WooCommerce sites. Like all software, PHP receives updates over time to patch security issues and improve features. Keeping your PHP version up to date helps ensure your store remains secure and performs well.
Check your current PHP version
↑ Back to topBefore requesting a PHP upgrade, confirm which version your site currently runs. WordPress and WooCommerce provide two ways to check:
- WooCommerce System Status: Go to WooCommerce > Status. In the Server environment section, look for the PHP version row.
- WordPress Site Health: Go to Tools > Site Health and select the Info tab. Expand the Server section to find the PHP version value.
Compare the version displayed against the WordPress requirements page to determine whether you need to upgrade.
Update your PHP version
↑ Back to topBefore upgrading PHP, create a full backup of your site, including your database and files. If something goes wrong during the upgrade, a backup allows you to restore your store quickly. Many hosting providers offer built-in backup tools, or you can use a WordPress backup extension.
Contact your host
↑ Back to topIn most cases, you cannot update the PHP version yourself and need to contact your hosting provider. The upgrade process is straightforward, and your host should be able to complete it without affecting your website or charging a fee. You can use the following template to contact your hosting company:
Dear hosting support,
I’m running a WooCommerce store on one of your servers, and WooCommerce recommends using a current, supported version of PHP. WordPress lists its recommended PHP version on the requirements page: https://wordpress.org/about/requirements/
Can you please let me know which PHP version my hosting currently uses and how I can upgrade to a supported version?
Looking forward to your reply.
VPS server
↑ Back to topIf you manage your own VPS server, you can update PHP directly. The exact steps depend on your operating system and web server software. Consult the official PHP installation and upgrade documentation for instructions that match your server environment. On Ubuntu-based systems, the OndÅ™ej Surý PPA is a widely used repository for installing current PHP versions.
Your host does not support a current PHP version
↑ Back to topIf your hosting provider does not support a current, maintained version of PHP, consider switching to a host that does. WooCommerce maintains a list of recommended WordPress hosting solutions, all of which support current PHP versions. If you contact a different host, ask which PHP version your site will run on before purchasing a plan.
Additional resources
↑ Back to topThe following resources provide more details about PHP versions and end-of-life dates:
- PHP end-of-life version list — lists unsupported PHP versions and their end-of-life dates.
- PHP supported versions — shows currently supported PHP versions and their support timelines.
Questions and support
↑ Back to topDo you still have questions and need assistance?
This documentation is about the free, core WooCommerce plugin, for which support is provided in our community forums on WordPress.org. By searching this forum, you’ll often find that your question has been asked and answered before.
If you haven’t created a WordPress.org account to use the forums, here’s how.
- If you’re looking to extend the core functionality shown here, we recommend reviewing available extensions in the WooCommerce Marketplace.
- Need ongoing advanced support or a customization built for WooCommerce? Hire a Woo Agency Partner.
- Are you a developer building your own WooCommerce integration or extension? Check our Developer Resources.
If you weren’t able to find the information you need, please use the feedback thumbs below to let us know.