PHP Extended Support
PHP Extended Support allows you to continue running your website on on older PHP versions, including PHP 5.6, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 8.0, & 8.1. While you focus on your business, our team handles all security and performance updates behind the scenes, keeping your website protected and running reliably.
Ongoing Security Updates
Stable Performance
Upgrade When Ready
How Do I Get PHP Extended Support?
PHP Extended Support is a service that helps websites run on older, PHP End-of-Life (EOL) versions ensuring that they remain operational and protected with ongoing security patches even though official community support has ended.
Once a PHP version reaches End-of-Life, it no longer receives security updates from the PHP community. This can leave a website exposed to vulnerabilities, compatibility risks, and performance concerns. Our PHP Extended Support service helps reduce these risks by applying ongoing security updates for older PHP versions hosted on Domains.co.za Web Hosting and WordPress Hosting plans, including cPanel and Direct Admin website hosting environments.
This gives you more time to plan updates properly, test compatibility, and move to a newer PHP version at a time that is more convenient for you.
PHP Extended Support
Maintenance for End-of-Life PHP versions
5.6, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 8.0, 8.1.
You get:
Protection against
known vulnerabilities.
Ongoing security
updates.
Peace
of mind.
How Long Does PHP Support Last?
At Domains.co.za, we know you need time to implement website upgrades.
So, while you plan your next steps, we can provide you with PHP Extended Support well after your official PHP Support has ended.
Official PHP Support typically lasts a few years per version. After that, you need to upgrade your PHP version, which can sometimes cause compatibility issues with your site, especially if you are using older plugins and custom code. With PHP Extended Support, you can buy yourself some time to sort those issues out.
What are the benefits of PHP Extended Support?
Continuous Security Protection
Upgrade on Your Own Terms
Uninterrupted Website Performance
Compliance and Risk Management
Cost-Effective Legacy Website Support
Expert-Managed Updates, Hands-Free
Need PHP Extended Support but
you are not a hosting customer?
Move to us from another provider and get
10% discount on hosting.
PHP Extended Support vs Upgrading PHP
Why Do Older PHP Versions Become A Problem?
PHP versions are only supported by the PHP community for roughly 3 years from date of release. After that support ends, those versions stop receiving official security fixes and maintenance updates.
This means websites running outdated PHP versions can face:
- Increased security risks.
- Compatibility issues with newer software.
- Pressure to upgrade before the website is ready.
- Potential downtime if an upgrade breaks key functionality.
- Greater risk for websites relying on Legacy scripts or older applications
For example, PHP 8.1 reached the end of its official support on 31 December 2025. While upgrading to a newer version is recommended for long term performance and compatibility, we know that immediate upgrades are not always practical.
Domains.co.zas PHP Extended Support helps bridge that gap.
How Can Domains.co.za Help?
Our goal is simple: to help customers keep their websites online, stable, and secure while they prepare for a future upgrade.
We do not believe in forcing website owners into rushed version changes that could break important functionality. Instead, we provide a practical solution that supports your current environment while giving you the freedom to choose the right upgrade timeline for your business.
With Domains.co.za PHP Extended Support, you can continue using older PHP versions with greater confidence in the interim
This means you can:
- Maintain compatibility with Legacy websites and applications.
- Keep essential scripts working in a stable environment.
- Reduce the risks linked to unsupported PHP versions.
- Plan your migration or upgrade at your own pace.
- Avoid unnecessary downtime and emergency fixes.
How Do I Check If My website Is Compatible With A New PHP Version?
Before changing your live website to a newer PHP version, it is best to test everything first. This helps reduce the risk of downtime or broken functionality.
A simple way to test compatibility:
- Create a copy of your website in a separate folder on your hosting account.
- Set up a subdomain and point it to the copied website.
- Change the PHP version for that subdomain.
- Test your website thoroughly on the subdomain.
- Once everything works as expected, update the live websites PHP version.
Testing first is the safest way to move to a newer PHP version with confidence.
New to Domains.co.za? We Can Help You Too
If your current hosting provider no longer supports the PHP version your website needs, you can move your hosting to Domains.co.za and continue using your older PHP version with PHP Extended Support.
Many hosting providers force customers to upgrade before they are ready, which can lead to compatibility issues and website downtime. At Domains.co.za, we take a more helpful and flexible approach
We help new and existing customers:
- Continue using older PHP versions where needed.
- Keep websites online and stable.
- Reduce security risks for Legacy setups.
- Plan upgrades properly instead of rushing them.
- Host with confidence on a reliable platform.
If you need a hosting provider that supports your website as it is today, while helping you prepare for tomorrow, Domains.co.za can help
Need Help Deciding?
If you are unsure whether your website should stay on its current PHP version or move to a newer one, our team can help you assess your next best step forward.
The right solution depends on your websites software, plugins, applications, and compatibility requirements. PHP Extended Support gives you breathing room while you carefully align to make that decision
How to Avoid Paying PHP Extended Support Costs?
Upgrading to PHP 8.2 or higher is the simplest and most effective way to avoid PHP Extended Support fees entirely. Once you've made the switch, our systems will automatically remove PHP Extended Support from your next invoice within 24 hours.
As a bonus, upgrading to a current PHP version unlocks the latest performance enhancements, security updates, and new features. This keeps your website running faster & safer, while being future ready, at no extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I need PHP Extended Support?
You may need it if your website relies on an older PHP version and is not yet ready for an upgrade. This often happens with older applications, custom scripts, plugins, or websites that need more time for compatibility testing.
When a PHP version reaches end-of-life, it no longer receives community security updates or fixes. This can allow attackers to exploit these unpatched vulnerabilities, putting your website at risk.
With Domains.co.za PHP Extended Support, security updates are backported to these end-of-life PHP versions to ensure your website has less security risks, compatibility issues or performance problems. This means that you can reduce the risks of running your website on older PHP versions.
Why am I being charged?
You're being charged because your website is using a PHP version that no longer receives community security updates. To keep your site protected, PHP Extended Support is automatically applied as a paid add-on to your hosting plan, ensuring there's no gap in security or performance.
Can I still use PHP 7.4?
Yes, you can – but it's no longer officially supported. This means it doesn't receive security updates from the PHP community. To use it safely, you'll need PHP Extended Support, or you can upgrade to a newer version for better security and performance.
Is PHP Extended Support worth it?
Yes, especially if your website isn't ready for an upgrade yet. It helps prevent security risks and keeps your site running without disruption. However, it's best used as a short-term solution while you plan to move to a fully supported PHP version.
How do I stop PHP Extended Support charges?
The simplest way is to upgrade your website to a PHP version that is still officially supported. Once your site is running on a current version, the Extended Support add-on is automatically removed from your next invoice.
Does Domains.co.za charge for PHP Extended Support?
Yes. PHP Extended Support is a paid add-on applied to hosting accounts running unsupported PHP versions. The fee covers ongoing security updates and maintenance to keep your website safe and operational.
Which PHP version should I use in 2026?
You should use the latest stable, officially supported PHP version available like PHP 8.2 or higher. Newer versions offer better speed, improved security, and compatibility with modern websites, making them the best long-term choice.
Can I run a website on an old PHP version safely without PHP Extended Support?
No, this is not recommended. Once a PHP version is outdated, it can no longer receive security updates, which puts your website or application at risk.
If you choose to use an old end-of-life PHP version, PHP Extended Support will automatically be applied to your hosting account and reflected on your next invoice.
Which PHP versions are covered by Domains.co.za PHP Extended Support?
Extended Support is available for:
- PHP 5.4
- PHP 5.5
- PHP 5.6
- PHP 7.0
- PHP 7.1
- PHP 7.2
- PHP 7.3
- PHP 7.4
- PHP 8.0
- PHP 8.1
Is it better to upgrade to a newer PHP version?
Yes. In most cases, upgrading to a current PHP version is the best long-term option for security, speed, and compatibility. However, if your website is not ready yet, PHP Extended Support gives you a safer temporary solution.
Does PHP Extended Support mean I never need to upgrade?
No. PHP Extended Support is designed to give you more time and flexibility, not to replace upgrading forever. It helps keep your current environment more stable and secure while you plan your move to a newer version.
Will my website keep working on an older PHP version?
If your website currently depends on an older PHP version, Extended Support helps you continue using it without disruption. It is intended to support websites that still rely on Legacy PHP environments.
Can I upgrade whenever I want?
Yes. You can move to a newer PHP version when your website is ready. Extended Support gives you the freedom to plan that upgrade on your own schedule rather than under pressure.
Can I roll back if a PHP upgrade causes issues?
Yes, Domains.co.za hosting setup allows version changes, you are able to switch back while troubleshooting compatibility issues. Testing on a staging copy or subdomain first is always recommended.
Is PHP Extended Support only for existing Domains.co.za customers?
No. New customers can also move their websites to Domains.co.za and use PHP Extended Support if they need continued support for an older PHP version.
Why is PHP Extended Support a paid service?
It is a paid service because it applies to PHP versions that are no longer supported by the PHP community. Continued support for these versions requires additional maintenance and security-focused support.
Will PHP Extended Support improve website performance?
Its main purpose is stability, continued operation, and improved security for older PHP versions. For the best performance gains, newer supported PHP versions are usually the better option.
How do I know if my website can move to a newer PHP version?
The best way is to first test your website on a copy or staging version. This allows you to check themes, plugins, scripts, and functionality before updating the live site.
What if my current hosting provider no longer supports my PHP version?
You can migrate your website to Domains.co.za and continue using your required PHP version with PHP Extended Support, giving you more time to plan a safe upgrade.