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Update Hostgator PHP Version

Update Hostgator PHP Version Tutorial

If you have a website hosted on Hostgator, keep your PHP version up-to-date to ensure it’s secure and performing well.

In this post, I’ll show you how to update your PHP version on Hostgator, step by step.

I’ll also look at why it’s crucial to use a supported PHP version, how to check your current version, and what to do if upgrading causes issues on your site.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced WordPress user, this guide has something for you.

Step One – Log In To Your Hostgator Cpanel

The first step to updating your Hostgator PHP version is to log in to your Hostgator account.

Hostgator Cpanel log in page

Here is Hostgator’s Cpanel.

Hostgator Cpanel dashboard

Step Two – Select Software

Once logged into your Hostgator Cpanel account, navigate to the software section.

Software link

Step Three – Select PHP Selector

From the Software section of your Hostgator Cpanel, find and click on the option labeled “PHP Selector.”

This option will take you to a page where you can view and manage the PHP versions for your hosting account.

Select 'PHP selector'

Step Four – Check Your Hostgator Hosting PHP Version

Open the root directory of your website. Your website root directory is in the public_html folder.

Public_HTML folder

The current PHP version for your site is in the window. On this website, the current PHP version is 7.0.

Current PHP version

Step Five – Update PHP Version On Hostgator

To upgrade your PHP version on Hostgator, select the menu icon and choose the PHP version you want to upgrade to from the drop-down menu.

Select PHP version

Click the Update button to complete the process.

Once the upgrade is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation message.

PHP preference updated

It’s important to note that upgrading to a new PHP version release can sometimes cause issues with your website’s functionality.

Therefore, I recommend you backup your website before making any changes

Step Six – Check Your Website

Once you have updated the PHP version on your Hostgator account, check your website to ensure everything is working correctly.

Visit your website and browse its pages to check all functionalities are working as expected.

If you encounter any issues, such as broken links or error messages, you can go back to the PHP Selector in your Hostgator Cpanel and switch back to the previous version of PHP until the issues are resolved.

Remember that sometimes it takes a few minutes for the changes to take effect, so be patient and give it some time.

It’s also worth noting that after a new PHP version is released, plugins and themes may need some time to be updated, so it’s best to wait a bit before upgrading to the latest version.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your website remains secure and up to date.

How To Upgrade PHP Version On Hostgator Video Tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions

Does PHP update automatically?

PHP updates do not usually happen automatically. It is the responsibility of the user or the organization running the PHP-powered application to ensure it is up to date.

Regular PHP updates often include security updates and language improvements, so I recommend you use the latest version of PHP.

Should I upgrade to PHP 8.0 for WordPress?

Using the latest PHP version with WordPress is recommended, as it can provide performance improvements and security updates.

PHP 8.0 is the latest version of PHP, so if you are using an older version with WordPress, it is worth upgrading to PHP 8.0.

Will updating PHP version break my site?

In most cases, upgrading to a new PHP version will not break your site.

However, it is always a good idea to back up your site before making any changes, just in case something goes wrong. It is better to delay updating to the latest PHP version until your theme and plugins release an update, as it takes time for them to upgrade after a PHP version release.

Conclusion

In conclusion, updating the PHP version of your Hostgator-hosted website is an important task that can help keep your site secure.

However, ensure you’re using a supported version and test before deploying to your live site.

Additionally, give developers time to update their themes and plugins before upgrading to the latest PHP version.

Creating a WordPress website has many steps. Visit my How To Make A WordPress Website article to learn each step.

Bing is another popular search engine driving traffic to your website. Visit my Bing Keyword Rank Checker article to find ranking keywords.

I hope you found my article informative. If you have questions, please leave them below.

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John Ridley

Comments

8 responses to “Update Hostgator PHP Version Tutorial”

  1. Cheryl avatar
    Cheryl

    Hi John,
    Thank you! That was helpful. When I updated from the default 5.6 on Hostgator this morning, I didn’t see an option for 7.3 — looks like I’ll be on the phone to them today to follow up.

    Reply
    1. newblogr avatar
      newblogr

      Thank you, Cheryl, for your kind comment.
      I used to have a site hosted on Hostgator and they did not offer me an option to upgrade to the latest PHP version. I don’t know if it is a Hostgator thing or if they only offer it on their best Hosting plans. After you speak to Hostgator, would you kindly drop a comment here so others can get an answer to this? Good luck!

      Reply
      1. James avatar
        James

        I can confirm, Hostgator is not offering anything above 7.1 at the moment. Some say it is because they don’t want the support tickets of breaking everyone’s out-of-date websites. However, they can designate a default for the server (like 5.6 or 7.0), forcing the user to manually have to choose a newer version. Why they don’t….I don’t know. But 7.1 is going to be kicked to the curb soon with everything pushing for 7.3.

        Reply
        1. newblogr avatar
          newblogr

          Hi James, thank you so much for writing this. I stopped using Hostgator last year so I lost access to my Cpanel. That fact that PHP versions are only supported for two years, makes Hostgator’s choice to go with older versions, not very customer friendly.

          Reply
          1. James avatar
            James

            I agree. They also have some of the slowest SQL db speeds when it comes to making anything useful with PHP (ie, WordPress). Both of these issues combined make Hostgator a poor option for modern websites with any kind of traffic. Been looking around for a better option myself.

          2. newblogr avatar
            newblogr

            I think Hostgator is an OK option for new bloggers price-wise, but as a site grows, it needs better resources.

  2. Devid avatar
    Devid

    I am searching on google how to update the PHP version on Hostgator and I find your post. And after reading your content, hopefully, now we can update. Thank you!

    Reply
    1. newblogr avatar
      newblogr

      Hello, Devid. Thank you for your comment. I stopped using Hostgator a few years ago. I hope my post can help you update your PHP version.

      Reply

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