Why am I being charged for my old PHP version?

Additional costs may apply for using outdated PHP versions. The reason for this is that older PHP versions are no longer supported by the official PHP community and can therefore pose an increased security risk.

To allow websites with older PHP versions to continue operating, we provide PHP Extended Support.

What is an outdated PHP version?

A PHP version is considered outdated if it is no longer supported by the official PHP community.

With each new PHP version, older versions are eventually removed from official support. These versions then no longer receive regular updates.

For more information on officially supported PHP versions, please visit the PHP website: https://www.php.net/supported-versions.php

Why are outdated PHP versions a risk?

If a PHP version is no longer officially supported, potential security vulnerabilities are no longer regularly fixed by the PHP community.

As a result, using an old PHP version can become a risk for your website and for other customers on the hosting platform.

Which PHP versions are affected?

PHP Extended Support applies to outdated PHP versions that are no longer officially supported by the PHP community.

This includes, among others, PHP versions from PHP 5.4 to PHP 8.0.

• Official support for PHP 8.0 ended on November 23, 2023.
• Official support for PHP 8.1 ends on December 31, 2025.

Why are there costs for this?

To ensure your website can be operated as securely as possible with older PHP versions, we regularly purchase updated PHP versions with security patches.

These patched versions are provided on our servers and are available to you through PHP Extended Support.

This allows you to continue using an older PHP version even after official support from the PHP community has ended.

What is PHP Extended Support?

PHP Extended Support allows you to continue using outdated PHP versions after official support from the PHP community has ended.

This keeps your website usable with an older PHP version, and you can decide without immediate time pressure when to switch to a current PHP version.

More information can be found here: PHP Extended Support

Which PHP version is recommended?

We recommend always using a current PHP version.

Currently, you should use at least PHP 8.2 to benefit from better security, current features, and optimal compatibility.

How do I change my PHP version?

You can change the PHP version of your web hosting yourself.

Instructions can be found in the following article: How do I change the PHP version?