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PHP Extended Support

In this article, we will provide information about our special feature PHP Extended Support.

What is PHP Extended Support?

PHP is a very powerful programming language that is used to create dynamic websites. The PHP community regularly releases new, improved versions of PHP and discontinues support for previous versions at a specific times.Since the older version no longer receives security updates, it should no longer be used.

In order to give you more time to change to a current PHP version, we offer PHP Extended Support.

In PHP Extended Support, IONOS fixes security vulnerabilities in the affected, discontinued PHP versions as they are discovered.It is our goal to provide you with an uninterruptible service for your online projects while also preventing your websites from becoming vulnerable to hackers.Your PHP projects and scripts will stay the same while being protected from attack until you decide to upgrade to a current PHP version.

PHP versions with PHP Extended Support

The following is a list of older PHP versions that you can use in IONOS hosting as part of PHP Extended Support. The Support End column contains the date from which the PHP community stopped supporting this version.

Version End of PHP Community Support
PHP 4.0 August 2008
PHP 5.2 January 2011
PHP 5.4 September 2015
PHP 5.5 July 2016
PHP 5.6 December 2018
PHP 7.0 January 2019
PHP 7.1 December 2019
PHP 7.2 November 30, 2020
PHP 7.3 December 06, 2021
PHP 7.4 November 28, 2022
PHP 8.0 November 26, 2023

Important Information for PrestaShop Users

PrestaShop versions up to and including 1.7.8 installed through the IONOS AppCenter do not work with PHP versions 7.4 and higher.

PHP VERSION 7.4 OR LATER WITH PRESTASHOP 1.7.8 OR EARLIER PHP VERSION 7.4 OR EARLIER WITH PRESTASHOP 1.7.8 OR EARLIER PRESTASHOP 8 OR LATER
Action required: Update your PrestaShop installation. PrestaShop 8.0 supports PHP 8.0 and 8.1. No change required to your PrestaShop installation. Keeping the PHP version requires PHP Extended Support, which will be a paid feature starting in April 2023 for version 7.4. A recent PHP version, such as 8 or 8.1, is required.

Important: Make sure you back up your webspace data and MySQL database(s) before performing any changes.

Determining Your PrestaShop Version

Log in to your PrestaShop administration panel and click on any item in the navigation. Scroll the screen content until you reach the bottom edge. On the left is the version number of your PrestaShop version.

If PrestaShop 8.0 is already installed, you can also click Settings > Advanced settings > Information to view the version.

Updating PrestaShop

PrestaShop is an independent, open-source program for which IONOS does not offer any direct support. You can find more information on how to update PrestaShop below:

Why am I being charged for PHP Extended Support?

We found PHP content in your webspace in an old, no longer supported PHP version. You may have connected at least one domain of your hosting contract to an outdated version of PHP. If you want to change this setting for each domain, please click here to go to your PHP Settings Overview. Select the domain and click Configure PHP Version. Choose the PHP version you would like to use and click Save.

We recommend that you always use a current PHP version. This will ensure that you can use the most popular and proven applications without further compatibility problems.

PHP Extended Support in Managed WordPress Contracts

To ensure that Managed WordPress websites are always secure and up to date, our experts regularly check and update not only the WordPress installation but also the PHP version used. You don't have to worry about updating the PHP version as it is always up to date.

If we still inform you that you are using an outdated PHP version, or if you are already being billed for the PHP Extended Support feature, please check the following:

  • Have you installed the standard (non-managed) version of WordPress? It may be an additional WordPress installation or you have changed a Managed WordPress installation to a standard installation.
  • Have you set up a domain or subdomains that are not connected to a managed WordPress installation, a website builder from IONOS or an external service?

You can find out how to find out which PHP version your domains are configured with and how to update the PHP version here.

Despite updating my PHP version, PHP Extended Support still shows up on my bill!

You already updated your domain to a current PHP version? You also need to cancel the feature from your account. If you no longer need PHP Extended Support, you can start the cancellation right in the PHP Settings Overview page.

When was I informed about PHP Extended Support?

We informed all of our customers about PHP Extended Support by email. You may have simply overlooked the email, had it inadvertently redirected to your spam folder, or had it sent to an email address you no longer use. Please check the email address we have on file for your account, and, if necessary, enter a new, valid address where we can reach you. This is the easiest way for us to be able to offer you the best possible service. To change your email address, please click here.

Why is PHP Extended Support needed?

Since the PHP community discontinues the support of outdated PHP versions on a specific date, IONOS actively takes over the role of providing support and eliminating any security vulnerabilities that may affect our customers. We want to provide you with an uninterrupted service for your websites, as well as preventing them from becoming vulnerable to hackers. Maintaining the old PHP versions requires increasing our administration efforts. We only charge you for this additional service with a small monthly fee.

When does PHP Extended Support start?

PHP Extended Support starts right after the end of support from the PHP community for the version(s) you use. However, we recommend that you always use a current and stable PHP version.

You're not sure you need PHP Extended Support at all?

How to find out if you need it:

If everything works as desired, then you can use the Contract Service to cancel PHP Extended Support. Instructions on how to cancel it can be found here.

Alternatively, please contact our Customer Service for help with cancelling it.

Your scripts no longer work after changing PHP versions?

Simply switch back to the original PHP version and contact an expert for help. This shows that your application and/or scripts are not compatible with the PHP version set without using script customizations.

I want to prepare my scripts for a higher PHP version but need more time to do so. How should I proceed?

Please first test your scripts to make sure changes are necessary at all. If major adjustments are necessary, please contact our Customer Service.

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