How to Successfully Upgrade PHP Version on Linux Systems

gitbox 2025-06-29

Why is Upgrading PHP Important?

As time passes, older versions of PHP may encounter security vulnerabilities and performance issues, putting your website at risk. Therefore, keeping your PHP version up-to-date ensures your website’s security and stability.

Check the Current PHP Version

Before upgrading, it's important to know which PHP version you're currently using. You can check it with the following command:

php -v

This will display the current PHP version and related information.

Backup Important Data

Before any upgrade, it’s strongly recommended to back up your data to prevent unexpected issues. You can back up your database with the following command:

mysqldump -u username -p database_name > backup.sql

Make sure to replace “username” and “database_name” with your actual database details.

It’s advisable to store the backup file in a secure location, such as an external storage device or cloud storage, to ensure data security.

Update System Packages

Before upgrading PHP, make sure all your system packages are up-to-date. You can update your system with the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Add PHP Repository

If you want to upgrade to a specific version of PHP, such as PHP 8.1, you can add the corresponding repository. For example, on Ubuntu, you can add the repository with the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ondrej/php

Then, update the package list again:

sudo apt update

Install the New PHP Version

Now you can install the new PHP version. For example, to install PHP 8.1:

sudo apt install php8.1

You might also need to install some common extensions:

sudo apt install php8.1-mysql php8.1-xml php8.1-curl

Verify Installation

Once the installation is complete, use the following command to check the PHP version and confirm that the upgrade was successful:

php -v

Ensure that the output displays the new version number, indicating that the PHP upgrade was successful.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully upgrade PHP on your Linux system. Keeping your PHP version up-to-date will not only improve website performance but also prevent security risks. Regularly checking and updating your PHP version is an essential part of maintaining the health of your website. We hope this guide helps you complete your PHP upgrade effectively!