Changing the PHP and WordPress Versions

Changing the PHP and WordPress versions is essential for maintaining a secure, efficient, and high-performing website. Updating to the latest versions ensures that your site benefits from the newest security patches, performance enhancements, and features. This not only protects your site from vulnerabilities and potential attacks but also improves user experience by enhancing load times and compatibility with modern plugins and themes.

• Changing PHP Version
• Changing WordPress Version
• Summary

Changing PHP Version

You have access to change between PHP versions in real time via your Bluehost Account Manager.

1. Login to your Bluehost Account Manager.
2. In your Account Manager, select Websites on the left navigation menu. Click SETTINGS below the website you wish to modify.
   
    
3. The PHP Version will be displayed under the OVERVIEW tab. If you wish to change your PHP Version, you will need to navigate into the SETTINGS tab.
   
    
4. Under the SETTINGS tab, find the PHP Version section. You will see a CHANGE PHP VERSION button.
   
    
5. Click the CHANGE WORDPRESS VERSION button to make the dropdown option appear. You can choose the WordPress version you wish to use here. Click APPLY after choosing.
   
   
   

The current PHP Version will immediately reflect after the changes.

Changing WordPress Version

We also provide you with the option to manage the WordPress Version you plan to use.

Available Versions

• latest – the current WordPress release
• previous – the previous WordPress release available on WP Cloud
• beta – The latest Beta / Release Candidate version

Follow the steps below to change your WordPress version.

1. Login to your Bluehost Account Manager.
2. In your Account Manager, select Websites on the left navigation menu. Click SETTINGS below the website you wish to modify.
   
3. The WordPress Version will be displayed under the OVERVIEW tab. If you wish to change your WordPress Version, you will need to navigate into the SETTINGS tab.
   
    
4. Under the SETTINGS tab, find the WordPress Version section. You will see a CHANGE WORDPRESS VERSION button.
   
    
5. Click the CHANGE WORDPRESS VERSION button for the dropdown option to appear. You can choose the WordPress version you wish to use here. Click APPLY after choosing.
   
   
   You will be notified immediately that the changes have been made successfully.

Summary

Making sure to update your versions of PHP and WordPress helps keep your website secure, efficient, and high performing. You keep your site protected from vulnerabilities, improve its performance, and enjoy compatibility with the latest plugins and themes. With deprecated versions of PHP 7.3, 7.4, and 8.0, it is wise to update to supported versions that include PHP 8.1 and above for optimal functionality. Following the steps for updating PHP and WordPress versions through your Bluehost Account Manager will really help you manage such updates without any hassle so that your website runs smoothly and securely.