PHP version

PHP is the programming language WordPress is written in. Your server runs it every time WordPress builds a page. The PHP version tells you which release of the language your site uses; it’s separate from the WordPress version.

Why it matters

Each PHP release gets bug fixes for two years and security fixes for two more. After that, it gets no fixes at all, even when a security problem turns up. Newer releases are often faster, too, and some plugins and themes need a minimum version to run at all.

What influences it

Server: Your hosting provider decides which PHP versions are available, and the version is usually set per site. The most common reason for an outdated version is simply that nobody switched: many providers keep older releases running for compatibility, so a site can stay on one for years without anyone noticing.

WordPress: WordPress, plugins and themes each state which PHP versions they support. They don’t change the version, but an old plugin that doesn’t run on a newer release can hold a site back.

In Permo

The PHP version card is in System info, tab Server & System, under PHP. Permo compares the version with the end of security support that php.net lists for each release; the tooltip says when Permo read that list.

Green while the release gets security fixes, with Security fixes until and the date.
Red once they have ended, with No security fixes since and the date. The Dashboard then also lists it under Needs attention, marked as upkeep (see notifications).
No color for a release whose dates aren’t in Permo yet.

Under Changes, System info records when the PHP version changes.

Reference values

WordPress recommends PHP 8.3 or greater (source: wordpress.org, Requirements, accessed October 16, 2026). Which releases still get security fixes is listed on php.net, Supported versions.

Sources

PHP: Supported versions, accessed October 16, 2026
WordPress: Requirements, accessed October 16, 2026