Skip to main content

Change PHP and WordPress Versions in Bluehost Cloud Hosting

Keeping your website updated is essential for security, speed, and compatibility. Bluehost makes it easy to change your PHP and WordPress versions for your Cloud hosting directly from your Account Manager. This guide walks you through the process and explains why these updates matter. Why keeping your PHP and WordPress updated matters:

  • Improved security : Updates help protect your site from vulnerabilities and malware.
  • Faster performance : Your site loads quicker and runs more efficiently.
  • Better compatibility : Everything works smoothly with modern plugins and themes.
  • SEO benefits : Search engines love fast, secure websites—so updates can boost your rankings.

PHP versions 7.3, 7.4, and 8.0 are deprecated. Bluehost currently supports PHP 8.1 and above.

  • Changing PHP Version
  • Changing WordPress Version
  • Summary

Changing PHP Version​

  1. Log in to your Bluehost Account Manager.

  2. In the left-hand menu, click Websites.

  3. Click the MANAGE button located next to the website you want to manage. Bluehost Account Manager - Website Manage button

  4. Under the Overview tab, view your current PHP version. Bluehost Account Manager - Websites Tab - Overview PHP Version View

  5. Switch to the Settings tab and locate the PHP Version section. Bluehost Account Manager - Websites Tab - Settings - PHP Version section View

  6. Click Change PHP Version. Bluehost Account Manager - Websites Tab - Settings - Change PHP Version

  7. Select your desired version. Change PHP Version Dropdown

  8. Click Apply to save changes. Change PHP Version Apply

Your site will immediately reflect the new PHP version.

Changing WordPress Version​

Follow the steps below to change your WordPress version.

  1. Log in to your Bluehost Account Manager.

  2. In the left-hand menu, click Websites.

  3. Click the MANAGE button located next to the website you want to manage. Bluehost Account Manager - Website Manage button

  4. Under the Overview tab, view your current WordPress version. Bluehost Account Manager - Websites Tab - Overview WordPress Version View

  5. Switch to the Settings tab and locate the WordPress Version section. Bluehost Account Manager - Websites Tab - Settings - WordPress Version section View

  6. Click Change WordPress Version. Bluehost Account Manager - Websites Tab - Settings - Change WordPress Version

  7. Choose from: Change WordPress version dropdown

  • Latest – Current stable release
  • Previous – One version behind
  • Beta – Release candidate for testing
  1. Click Apply to confirm. Change WordPress version apply

You’ll receive a notification once the update is successful.

Summary​

Keeping your PHP and WordPress versions up to date is one of the easiest ways to keep your cloud-hosted website secure and running smoothly. With Bluehost’s user-friendly Account Manager, managing updates is simple—even if you're not tech-savvy. Upgrading to PHP 8.1+ and the latest WordPress release means your site will load faster, be more secure, and perform better in search engines.