The Square payment gateway for WordPress requires PHP version 8.1.0 or higher to function properly. This requirement ensures compatibility with Square’s latest API features and security standards. If your WordPress site is running an older version of PHP, you’ll need to upgrade before you can use the Square payment gateway.
Checking Your Current PHP Version
To check which PHP version your WordPress site is currently using, follow these simple steps:
- Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard
- Navigate to Tools → Site Health
- Click on the Info tab
- Click on Server to expand that section
- Look for the PHP version line – this will show your current PHP version
Alternatively, you can check your PHP version by going to Dashboard → Updates where WordPress may display a notice if your PHP version is outdated.
How to Upgrade Your PHP Version
Upgrading PHP typically needs to be done through your web hosting provider, as they control the server settings for your website. Here’s how most users can request a PHP upgrade:
- Contact Your Hosting Provider: Reach out to your hosting company’s support team via their preferred method (live chat, support ticket, or phone). Most reputable hosting providers offer 24/7 support.
- Request the PHP Upgrade: Tell them you need to upgrade to PHP 8.1 or higher for a WordPress plugin requirement. Many hosts can do this for you with just a simple request.
- Check Your Hosting Control Panel: Some hosting providers allow you to change PHP versions yourself through their control panel (such as cPanel, Plesk, or a custom dashboard). Look for options like “PHP Version Manager,” “Select PHP Version,” or “PHP Settings.”
- Backup First: Before making any PHP changes, it’s always wise to create a complete backup of your website. Your hosting provider can often help with this as well.
Most modern hosting providers support PHP 8.1 and newer versions. If your current host doesn’t support PHP 8.1 or higher, you may need to consider switching to a hosting provider that offers up-to-date PHP versions.
Need Help?
If you have questions about the Square payment gateway PHP requirements or need assistance with the setup process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team. We’re here to help ensure you can successfully implement Square payments on your WordPress site.