If you’ve heard the term “PHP update” and immediately tuned out, you’re not alone.
Unless you’re a developer, PHP probably isn’t something you’ve thought about since… well, ever. And that’s fair—it’s not meant to be something you manage. But here’s the thing:
At some point, every modern website needs to deal with a PHP update.
And it’s not just a little back-end tweak. If your site isn’t ready, a PHP update can cause serious issues—from small bugs to complete downtime.
First off: what is PHP?
Whether your site runs on WordPress, Magento, Drupal, or something custom, PHP is the engine behind it. It’s one of the core programming languages that powers most modern websites.
When someone clicks on a page, fills out a form, or loads your homepage, PHP makes it all work behind the scenes. You never see it, but it’s doing a lot of heavy lifting.
And like any core system, it needs regular updates to keep things running smoothly.
What happens when PHP gets updated?
New versions of PHP are released every few years, typically with performance and security improvements. You can check the official PHP release calendar to see when each version hits end-of-life.
They usually include:
- Faster performance
- Better security
- Compatibility with modern tools and hosting platforms
But here’s the catch: older versions of PHP eventually stop being supported.
That means:
- No more security patches
- No more bug fixes
- And hosting companies will eventually force an upgrade
When that happens, websites still running on old code can suddenly crash, glitch, or go offline altogether.
What if I don’t do anything?
If your PHP version is outdated, it’s only a matter of time before your site starts showing problems—or gets taken down by your host during a forced upgrade.
We’ve seen it happen:
- Contact forms stop working
- Admin dashboards lock up
- Entire sites go offline with scary error messages
It’s not about fear—it’s just how modern platforms work. PHP isn’t optional. And when it breaks, it breaks big. Some hosting providers will even force PHP upgrades, which can take your site offline if it’s not ready. Kinsta’s PHP upgrade policy is a good example of how this works.
Can’t it just be updated like everything else?
Sometimes, yes.
If your site is current and built using best practices, we can usually upgrade PHP in the background without any issues. That’s the ideal scenario.
But if your site is older—say, 5+ years—or hasn’t been actively maintained, things get trickier.
A recent client had a custom-built site that looked great but was running on an ancient version of PHP. When we attempted an update, the whole thing broke—because the code wasn’t compatible with modern PHP. Fixing it would’ve taken more time (and budget) than simply rebuilding the site with current tools. So that’s what we did: kept the design they loved, rebuilt it properly under the hood, and got them back online fast.
How do I avoid getting stuck?
That’s where long-term support makes all the difference.
If you’ve got a maintenance partner like GruffyGoat, you don’t need to stress about PHP. We:
- Track PHP version timelines
- Test your site for compatibility
- Reach out proactively before anything breaks
- Handle upgrades or guide you through a rebuild if needed
Most clients never have to think about PHP—and honestly, that’s the goal.
But if a rebuild is necessary, we’ll explain why, talk through your options, and give you time to plan. No surprises. No tech panic.
FAQ: Quick Answers About PHP
What is PHP, and why does my website need it?
It’s the coding language that powers your site. Without it, nothing works—not your forms, not your pages, not your CMS.
Does PHP really matter if my site looks fine?
Yes. Your site might look okay, but outdated PHP can cause slow speeds, bugs, and security issues behind the scenes.
What happens if I don’t update PHP?
Eventually, your site could crash or be taken offline by your host. It’s not a question of if—it’s when.
Can’t you just update it without rebuilding the site?
If your site’s code is up to date, yes. But older sites may rely on plugins or code that aren’t compatible with modern PHP. In those cases, an update can break things—and a rebuild might be the safest move.
How will I know if my site is affected?
If you’re a GruffyGoat client on our Partnership Plan, we’ll tell you. We check these things proactively and reach out before they become problems.
I’m not a developer. Do I really need to understand PHP?
Nope. You just need someone who does. We handle the tech—you just need to know your site is being cared for.
How we handle PHP updates at GruffyGoat
If you’re on our Partnership Plan, we handle:
- PHP version tracking
- Compatibility checks
- Upgrade planning
- And full rebuild support when needed
We also contact clients well in advance if a rebuild might be on the horizon—so you’re never caught off guard or left scrambling after a site failure.
Need help figuring out where your site stands?
Reach out anytime. We’re happy to run a check and walk you through next steps if there’s anything you need to know.
