Before you start
Access to your hosting account and website administration.
The names of your website software, plugins and theme.
Help from your developer if the site contains custom code.
Steps
1. Note the website’s current PHP version in your hosting settings.
2. Choose a supported target version listed as compatible by your software developers.
3. Create a backup of the website files and database.
4. Check that the backup completed.
5. Check how the backup would be restored if needed.
6. Review the updates available for your website software.
7. Install the updates needed for the target PHP version, following the developer’s update instructions.
8. Test the website before changing PHP so you can spot any problems caused by those updates.
9. Test the PHP change on a staging copy if your hosting includes one.
10. Choose a quiet time for the live change when you can test the site straight away.
Example
For an online shop, preparation includes checking the shop software and payment plugins, backing up the order database, and planning how to test checkout without charging a customer.
Questions and troubleshooting
I do not know what the website uses. Check its administration area or ask the person who built it. A hosting PHP setting cannot tell you whether all the site’s code is compatible.
An update requires a newer PHP version first. Follow the software developer’s upgrade sequence. Older sites may need several smaller upgrades rather than one jump.
I do not have staging. You can still update the live site after completing the backup and compatibility checks. Allow time to test it immediately.
Related guides
Next steps
When the backup and compatibility checks are complete, use the PHP-change guide for your hosting platform.
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