Overview
This article walks you through the steps to upgrade the version of PHP on a DreamPress site.
If you installed WordPress using the panel installer or manually installed WordPress, see this article instead.
Background
PHP is the programming language that powers your DreamPress site. DreamHost highly recommends using the latest version of PHP to ensure optimal performance and security.
See this article for an overview of everything you need to consider before upgrading the PHP version of your WordPress site.
Upgrading the PHP version
The following steps guide you through testing a new version of PHP before upgrading.
View the PHP version
Confirm which version of PHP is currently running on your website.
Navigate to the Manage Websites page and click the Manage button to open the Domain Settings page, which allows you to adjust various settings for your site.
- If in Grid view, click the Manage button at the bottom of the website box.
- If in List view, click the Manage button at the far right of your domain name.
Your site's PHP version is listed under the PHP section on the Settings tab.
Prepare your site
These steps are highly recommended to maintain the security and functionality of your site in preparation for the upgrade:
Plugins and Themes
- Identify and review older plugins or themes that haven't been updated by the developer in over a year. Consider finding an alternative or contacting the developer for updates.
- Verify if you have any paid themes or plugins with expired licensing for updates. Renew the licenses or explore alternative options.
PHP customizations
If you have customizations written in PHP, have a developer review them for compatibility with the new PHP version.
Test the upgrade using a staging site
A safe way to test the new PHP version is to create a staging website. This staging site will duplicate your existing live website, allowing you to run tests to see how it reacts to the new PHP version. If nothing unusual happens, you can upgrade your live website.
If a DreamPress staging website is already in use, make sure to publish any changes you wish to keep before using the staging site to test a PHP upgrade.
Upgrade the PHP version
You can now change the PHP version of your DreamPress site in your panel.
If you need help changing the PHP version, please contact support.