PHP is the server-side scripting language used by WordPress, WooCommerce, and our plugins. If you arrived on this page from a notice in one of our plugins, your website is running an outdated PHP version that will no longer be supported by future updates of our plugins.
We are increasing the minimum required PHP version across our plugins to PHP 8.1 or higher. The exact plugin version where this change applies may differ between plugins, but the required PHP version will be the same: PHP 8.1 or higher.
This change helps us keep our plugins secure, reliable, and compatible with modern versions of WordPress and WooCommerce.
Older PHP versions, including PHP 7.4, no longer receive official security updates. Running an outdated PHP version can affect your website’s performance, compatibility, and security.
What is PHP? #
PHP is the programming language that powers WordPress, WooCommerce, themes, and plugins. Like WordPress itself, PHP is updated over time to fix security issues, improve performance, and add support for modern development practices.
Keeping PHP up to date is an important part of keeping your website healthy.
Which PHP version do I need? #
Our plugins will require PHP 8.1 or higher. However, whenever possible, we recommend using the newest stable PHP version supported by your hosting provider.
If you are currently using PHP 7.4 or older, you should contact your hosting provider and ask them to upgrade your site to PHP 8.1 or higher.
Updating your PHP version #
In many cases, you can change the PHP version from your hosting control panel. If you are not sure how to do this, your hosting provider should be able to help.
Before updating PHP, we recommend making sure your website, plugins, and theme are up to date. If possible, test the change on a staging site first or ask your host to help you check compatibility.
Here is a message you can send to your hosting provider:
Dear host,
I’m running a WordPress and WooCommerce website on one of your servers. Some of my plugins will soon require PHP 8.1 or higher.
Can you please let me know which PHP version my website is currently using, and help me upgrade it to PHP 8.1 or higher?
If possible, I would prefer to use the newest stable PHP version that is fully supported on your hosting platform.
Please also let me know if there are any compatibility issues I should be aware of before making the change.
Looking forward to your reply.
My host doesn’t support PHP 8.1 or higher #
If your hosting provider does not support PHP 8.1 or higher, we recommend moving your website to a host that does.
PHP 7.4 and older versions are no longer officially supported, which means they do not receive security updates from the PHP project. Continuing to run your website on an outdated PHP version may expose your site to security risks and compatibility problems.
Before choosing a new host, ask which PHP versions they support and whether they can help you migrate your WordPress site safely.
Will my website keep working after updating PHP? #
Most modern WordPress and WooCommerce websites should work correctly on PHP 8.1 or higher, provided that WordPress, WooCommerce, your theme, and your plugins are up to date.
If your website uses old or custom code, we recommend testing the PHP update on a staging site first. Your hosting provider or developer can help you check whether anything needs to be updated before switching the live site.
