MultilingualPress 5.0.0+ now requires PHP 8.0 or higher for improved security, performance, and compatibility.
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Important Update for MultilingualPress Users
Starting with version 5.0.0, MultilingualPress requires PHP 8.0 or higher to function properly. This update improves security, performance, and compatibility for your multilingual WordPress sites.
Our Recommendation: Use PHP 8.2 or Newer
While PHP 8.0 is the minimum requirement, we strongly recommend updating to PHP 8.2 or a newer version.
- PHP 8.0 has officially reached its End-of-Life (EOL) and PHP 8.1 will also reach EOL by the end of 2025 (see PHP Supported Versions). EOL versions no longer receive security updates from PHP.net, potentially exposing your site to vulnerabilities.
- MultilingualPress is committed to ensuring compatibility with the latest stable versions of PHP and WordPress, offering you the best in performance and security.
Why Updating Your PHP Version is Crucial
- Security: Newer PHP versions include critical security patches that protect your website from known vulnerabilities prevalent in older versions.
- Performance: PHP 8.x offers significant performance improvements over older versions, leading to faster loading times and a better user experience.
- Compatibility: Modern WordPress, WooCommerce, and many other plugins already recommend or require PHP 8.0+. Updating ensures seamless integration and access to the latest features across your entire WordPress ecosystem, including future MultilingualPress updates.
How to Update Your PHP Version
PHP version management is handled by your hosting provider. Here’s how to proceed:
- Create a Full Backup: Before making any changes, always create a complete backup of your website (both files and database). This is a critical safety step.
- Check Your Hosting Control Panel: Most hosting providers offer a tool in their control panel (e.g., cPanel, Plesk, or a custom panel) to change your site’s PHP version. Look for options like “PHP Version Manager,” “Select PHP Version,” or similar.
- Consult Hosting Documentation: Review your hosting provider’s official documentation for detailed instructions specific to their platform.
- Contact Hosting Support: If you are unsure how to proceed, cannot find the option, or prefer assistance, contact your hosting provider’s support team. They can guide you or perform the update for you.
What Happens If You Don’t Update to PHP 8.0+?
- MultilingualPress 5.0.0 and newer versions will likely not install or will not function correctly on PHP versions lower than 8.0.
- You will not be eligible for technical support from our team if your site is running on an outdated and unsupported PHP environment.
- All future MultilingualPress updates will be built for PHP 8.0+ and will be incompatible with older PHP versions. This means you will miss out on new features, improvements, and essential bug fixes.
Stay Secure and Up-to-Date
We strongly recommend updating your PHP environment to at least version 8.0, and preferably 8.2 or newer. This ensures that MultilingualPress runs smoothly, your site remains secure, and you continue to benefit from our full support and the latest plugin advancements.