Ensuring your Divi website is hosted on a dependable server is vital for its speed, security, and overall well-being. Most hosting services are well-versed in hosting WordPress sites, providing the basic settings required for your site to function. However, if you’re seeking optimal settings tailored specifically for Divi sites, you’ll need to ensure your host meets these specific Divi hosting requirements outlined in this post. For a quick confirmation, a system status check within Divi can be sufficient. In case of any issues or if you aim to fine-tune these settings, we’ll guide you through the necessary changes.
We have written articles listing the best hosting providers for Divi websites. You can see the top shared hosting providers as well as the top managed hosting providers.
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Divi Hosting Requirements (The Complete List)
Divi, a potent WordPress theme and page builder, boasts a rich toolkit for design. To ensure Divi operates at its peak performance on your server or host, I have detailed the following Divi hosting prerequisites as per Elegant Theme’s (Divi creators) requirements;
PHP Version = 7.4 or higher (strongly recommended)
memory_limit = 128M
post_max_size = 64M
upload_max_filesize = 64M
max_execution_time = 120
max_input_time = 60
max_input_vars = 1000
display_errors = 0Alongside these server settings, I suggest the following:
Divi Version = Latest
WordPress Version = 5.3 or newer
Database = MySQL version 5.7 or higher; MariaDB version 10.2 or higherIt’s essential to note that while the outlined hosting requirements are not mandatory for Divi websites to function, they serve as guidelines to optimise Divi’s performance. Now, let’s look at how you can ensure your Divi site meets the hosting requirements.
How to ensure your Divi site meets the hosting requirements
Divi System Status Check
Divi incorporates a built-in support feature for a system status check on your website. This facilitates you and our support team in identifying any elements on your site that might not align with Divi’s recommendations.
To access your Divi System Status:
- Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
- Navigate to Divi > Support Center.
- At the top of the page, view the System Status box, presenting all system status check results.
WordPress Site Health
In addition to Divi’s System Status, you can also use WordPress’ built-in site health feature to identify any problems with WordPress. This feature isn’t specific to Divi, but it can be helpful for identifying underlying issues with WordPress. To check on the site health for WordPress, navigate to Tools > Site Health from the dashboard.
Divi Hosting Requirements Explained in detail
- PHP
Understanding PHP in Your WordPress Divi Website
PHP may sound like a jumble of letters to the uninitiated, but in the world of website building, it’s a powerful force driving the magic behind WordPress and Divi. But what exactly is PHP? Imagine it as the invisible architect who diligently works behind the scenes, making sure everything on your website runs smoothly.
In simpler terms, PHP is a scripting language that plays a pivotal role in bringing your website to life. It’s the language WordPress speaks to access data stored in a database and display it on your screen. In essence, PHP is the engine that powers the dynamic nature of your WordPress site.
Why Updating PHP is Essential
Performance Boost
Think of your website as a busy highway, with visitors zipping in to explore what you have to offer. PHP acts as a traffic controller, efficiently managing the flow of data, and delivering it to your visitors’ screens. The catch? The older the version of PHP, the slower this traffic flow becomes.
Updating PHP isn’t just about adding new features; it’s about speeding up your website’s performance. Each new PHP version introduces optimizations that enable your website to process requests faster. This means quicker load times for your pages, ensuring your visitors don’t hit any snags on their digital journey.
Fortifying Security
Beyond performance, security is a paramount concern for any website owner. Picture an old, creaky door versus a sturdy, state-of-the-art security system. Outdated PHP versions are like that old door, vulnerable to security threats.
Every update to PHP brings not only shiny new features but also critical security patches. Cyber threats evolve constantly, and older PHP versions become increasingly susceptible to these vulnerabilities. By keeping PHP up-to-date, you’re essentially reinforcing your website’s digital fortress, making it more resilient against potential security breaches.
Divi Requirement – PHP7.4 (or higher)
Our Recommendation – PHP8.0 (or higher)
Having grasped the significance of operating the most recent PHP version, it’s now crucial to delve into the PHP directives governing PHP’s functionality on your website. This list predominantly comprises PHP.ini directives, allowing for configurable values that optimise PHP’s operation on the web server, tailoring it for peak performance on your website.
- Memory_limit
The next requirement on our list is the initial PHP directive known as memory_limit. This dictates the utmost memory capacity a script can utilise. Typically, memory restrictions imposed by your host or WordPress might be insufficient, resulting in application failures as PHP hits the set limit. However, exercise caution: an excessively high limit could allow malfunctioning scripts to consume all accessible memory.
Our recommended setting for this aspect is:
memory_limit = 128M
- post_max_size
The post_max_size PHP directive governs the maximum size allowed for a page or file on your website. When a page surpasses this limit set in PHP, it won’t load. With the Divi Builder, page sizes can expand significantly, making it vital to elevate this limit. Furthermore, it influences file size during upload/download processes, potentially obstructing the import of large layouts into the builder.
We suggest the following setting for this requirement:
post_max_size = 64M
- Upload_max_filesize
The upload_max_filesize PHP directive determines the maximum allowable size for an uploaded file. Its setting defines the size threshold for pages or files on your website. Exceeding this PHP-defined limit can lead to failed page loads. Particularly with the Divi Builder, pages may expand substantially, necessitating an elevation of this limit. Additionally, it governs the upload/download size of files, potentially impeding the import of sizable layouts into the builder.
Recommended setting for this requirement:
upload_max_filesize = 64M
- Max_execution_time
The max_execution_time PHP directive dictates the duration within which a page is permitted to load before it times out. Its purpose is to establish a safeguard against poorly scripted functions monopolising the server’s resources. However, setting the limit too low might obstruct the importation of extensive layouts and files into the Divi builder. In case of issues, especially while uploading substantial files, adjusting this value upward may be necessary. Yet, if elevating this value to 300 or beyond becomes a requirement, it could imply underlying issues necessitating hosting upgrades.
Recommended setting for this requirement:
max_execution_time = 120
- Max_input_time
The max_input_time PHP directive establishes the upper threshold (in seconds) for a script to parse input data. It is set to limit this duration as a precautionary measure against Denial of Service (DOS) attacks. However, if the limit is excessively low, it may lead to the Divi Builder timing out before loading. Should issues arise, consider elevating this value to cater to your requirements. Nonetheless, if parsing input data extends beyond 60-120 seconds, it could signify other underlying problems or the necessity for upgrading your hosting.
Recommended setting for this requirement:
max_input_time = 60
- Max_input_vars
The max_input_vars PHP directive determines the quantity of accepted input variables. It’s crucial to establish a limit to fortify defenses against DOS attacks. However, an excessively low limit might impede the proper loading of the Divi Builder.
Recommended setting for this requirement:
max_input_vars = 1000
- Display_errors
The display_errors PHP directive dictates the display of errors as part of the page output. Primarily used during website development, it should never be enabled on production sites. Setting this to “0” is advisable unless there’s a specific purpose for showcasing errors during web development.
Recommended setting for this requirement:
display_errors = 0
In addition to the requirements we also recommend the following;
- Divi Version
In my view, it is essential to employ the latest version of Divi alongside PHP settings on the server-side. This practice ensures compatibility with WordPress, enhancing your site’s speed, security, and overall robustness. Should you encounter any challenges with a new version, Divi has a great Rollback feature that enables a simple switch back to prior versions until any bugs are resolved.
Recommended setting for this requirement:
Divi Version: latest
- WordPress Version
Opting for the latest stable version of WordPress is highly recommended, not only for its compatibility with Divi but also for the substantial enhancement it brings to your website’s speed, reducing memory usage and minimising CPU-related concerns. To guarantee compatibility with PHP 7.4, which presently receives security updates, it’s advisable to use WordPress 5.3 or higher. However, aligning with our preferred suggestion of upgrading to PHP 8.0+ or actively supported versions, it’s best to use WordPress 5.6 or higher.
Recommended setting for this requirement:
WordPress Version: 5.3 or higher
- Database Version
Your Divi website’s database will typically operate using either MySQL or MariaDB, both being compatible with Divi and WordPress. For optimal performance, I strongly advise employing the most recent versions of MySQL or MariaDB.
Regarding database versions for Divi, it is best to go with WordPress recommendations and advocate for the following:
MySQL Version = 5.7 or higher
MariaDB Version = 10.2 or higher
Recommended Divi Hosting
Managed Hosting
Shared Hosting
FAQ
- Does Divi provide hosting?
Divi is a WordPress theme and visual page builder, which does not directly offer hosting services. Instead, Divi is a product developed by Elegant Themes, focusing on design and functionality within the WordPress framework.
Elegant Themes, the creator of Divi, primarily focuses on delivering WordPress themes, plugins, and tools, rather than hosting services. However, they have partnerships or recommendations for hosting providers that work well with their products.
- What is the best hosting for Divi?
We have a list of hosting providers that you can view to suit your budget. Shared hosts are slightly cheaper but not as performant while Managed hosts specialise in WordPress hosting.
- Does Divi require WordPress?
Yes, Divi is a WordPress theme and page builder plugin. Therefore, Divi requires WordPress to function. It’s not a standalone website builder but an extension designed to work specifically within the WordPress content management system.
To use Divi, you must have a self-hosted WordPress website installed. Then, you can install the Divi theme or plugin to access its design and page-building capabilities within the WordPress environment.
- What are the server requirements for WordPress?
To run WordPress they recommend;
- PHP version 7.4 or greater
- MySQL version 5.7 or greater OR MariaDB version 10.4 or greater.
- HTTPS support
It is good to follow up with them in case there have been any changes.
