WordPress PHP Version Requirements Explained

WordPress currently recommends PHP 8.3 or later, but its minimum supported PHP version is 7.4. For a new site, choose a PHP version that is actively supported by PHP and compatible with your WordPress themes and plugins; meeting WordPress’s minimum alone does not guarantee that every part of a site will work well.

What version does WordPress require?

There are two different answers because “required” can mean the lowest version WordPress can run on or the version its maintainers recommend. WordPress.org lists PHP 7.4 as the minimum and PHP 8.3 or greater as recommended. It also recommends MySQL 8.0 or MariaDB 10.6 or greater for the database, and HTTPS support.

• Minimum: PHP 7.4. This is the stated minimum for current WordPress software, but PHP 7.4 is no longer receiving normal security support from the PHP project.
• Recommended: PHP 8.3 or later, provided your site’s other software supports the version you select.

These requirements can change as WordPress releases evolve. Check the current requirements at WordPress.org before setting up or upgrading a site, especially if you are reading older guidance. A hosting company may also offer a different set of PHP versions than the WordPress recommendation.

Why the minimum and recommendation differ

The minimum is a compatibility floor: it describes the oldest PHP version the current WordPress release is intended to support. The recommended version is a more suitable target for a typical installation, taking account of performance, security maintenance, and the direction of PHP development.

PHP is the server-side programming language that runs WordPress. WordPress core, themes, and plugins contain PHP code, which the web server executes to create pages and handle tasks such as publishing posts or processing forms. Newer PHP releases can bring improvements, but code written for an older release may rely on behavior that has changed or been removed. That is why compatibility testing matters.

There is also a security distinction: a WordPress installation can technically run on a PHP version that no longer receives security fixes, but that does not make the server environment a good choice. WordPress’s minimum should not be mistaken for a recommendation to keep an old PHP release indefinitely.

Choosing a PHP version for a site

For a new WordPress site, use the newest PHP version that your host offers and that your themes and plugins explicitly support. Do not assume that “newest” is always compatible with every extension. For an existing site, first check what it uses, then test before changing the production server.

1. Check WordPress Site Health. In the dashboard, open Tools → Site Health → Info and expand the server details. The PHP version is shown there. Menu wording can vary slightly by WordPress release or hosting setup.
2. Review themes and plugins. Look at their current documentation and release notes for PHP compatibility. Pay particular attention to plugins that handle essential features such as ecommerce, forms, memberships, or backups.
3. Make a complete backup. Save both the site files and its database. Confirm that you know how to restore them before changing the server’s PHP setting.
4. Test on staging if possible. A staging copy lets you switch PHP versions and check pages, administration screens, forms, and other important functions without disrupting visitors.
5. Ask your host to change the version, or use its control panel. Hosting interfaces differ; follow the host’s instructions rather than changing server configuration files unless you manage the server yourself.
6. Check the site after the change. Test the front end and dashboard, review logs for PHP errors, and confirm that scheduled tasks and key integrations still work.

If a compatibility issue appears, restore the previous PHP version if your host allows it, then update or replace the incompatible extension. Do not leave a site on an unsupported PHP release as a permanent workaround.

PHP compatibility is not the same as WordPress compatibility

WordPress core is only one part of a site. A theme or plugin can impose a higher PHP requirement than WordPress itself, and an old extension may fail on a newer PHP release even when WordPress core works correctly. Conversely, a plugin may claim compatibility with a PHP version but still have a bug in a particular combination of software.

For example, a site could run WordPress on PHP 8.3 while relying on a plugin that has not been updated for PHP 8.3. The core software may load, yet the plugin could produce errors or stop a feature from working. Check the complete stack, not just the WordPress requirement.

WordPress’s Site Health screen can flag an outdated PHP version, but it does not certify every theme and plugin. A successful dashboard login is also not proof that everything works: visitors may encounter a broken checkout, form, or page that you did not test.

Common problems when changing PHP

• “The site has experienced a critical error.” Incompatible PHP code in a theme or plugin is one possible cause. Use the host’s error logs or recovery tools to identify the source; avoid guessing by disabling essential components on a live site.
• A blank page or PHP warning. Check server error logs and plugin or theme compatibility. Warnings may not always stop a page from loading, but they can reveal code that needs attention.
• The dashboard and public site behave differently. Test both, including logged-out pages and important user journeys. Caching can also make changes appear inconsistent until caches are cleared.
• The host offers no recommended version. Contact the provider to ask which supported PHP versions are available and whether the account can be moved to a current server environment.

Keep WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated, and remove extensions that are no longer maintained or needed. Updates reduce compatibility surprises, but they do not replace a backup and test plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can WordPress run on PHP 7.4?
PHP 7.4 is the stated minimum for current WordPress software. However, it is an old PHP release without normal security support, so it is not a good long-term target. Check the current WordPress requirements and your host’s supported versions.

Is PHP 8.3 required for WordPress?
No. WordPress lists PHP 8.3 or later as recommended, while PHP 7.4 is the minimum. A theme or plugin may set a higher requirement for a particular site.

Does upgrading PHP update WordPress?
No. PHP is configured on the web server; WordPress core is separate software. Changing PHP does not automatically update WordPress, themes, or plugins.

How do I find my site’s PHP version?
In the WordPress dashboard, go to Tools → Site Health → Info and inspect the server section. Your hosting control panel may also display the active version.

Can I change PHP without breaking my site?
There is no guarantee, because themes and plugins may not be compatible. Back up the site, test the new version on staging where possible, and check essential features and error logs after the change.

Should I choose the newest PHP version available?
Choose a version that is currently supported by PHP and compatible with your WordPress installation, host, theme, and plugins. If compatibility is unclear, test first or ask the relevant developers and hosting provider.

Bottom line

WordPress’s stated minimum is PHP 7.4, while PHP 8.3 or later is recommended. For a dependable site, use a maintained PHP release that your full set of WordPress software supports, and verify compatibility before switching versions. The official requirements page and your hosting provider are the best places to confirm what is current for your installation.

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