Ever wondered which version of WordPress your website is running? Whether you’re troubleshooting an issue, considering an update, or simply staying on top of security, knowing your WordPress version is essential. Outdated versions can leave your site vulnerable and incompatible with new features or plugins.
This article will walk you through simple ways to check your WordPress version, step by step, along with helpful tips to keep your website secure and up to date.
How to Check Your WordPress Version: A Complete Guide
Knowing which version of WordPress powers your website might not sound thrilling, but it’s vital for the health and performance of your online presence. Whether you’re troubleshooting, planning an update, or checking plugin compatibility, finding your WordPress version is one of the first steps you should take.
Let’s walk through the easiest and most effective ways to check your WordPress version, practical tips to do it safely, and answers to the key questions users often have.
Why Should You Know Your WordPress Version?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s see why checking your WordPress version even matters:
- Security: Outdated WordPress versions can contain vulnerabilities. Updating promptly reduces risks.
- Compatibility: Themes and plugins often require a minimum WordPress version to work correctly.
- Support: Support requests are resolved quicker when you know your exact version.
- Troubleshooting: Some bugs and errors are version-specific; knowing your version aids diagnosis.
- Updates: Knowing when your site is behind helps you plan timely upgrades.
Four Simple Methods to Check Your WordPress Version
WordPress offers various ways, both from the front end and back end, to find your version. Below, you’ll find the four most commonly used methods.
1. Checking from the WordPress Admin Dashboard
This is the easiest and most reliable way, especially if you have access to the WordPress admin area.
Steps:
- Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard (usually at
/wp-admin). - Scroll down to the bottom (footer) of any dashboard page.
- Look for a line like “Thank you for creating with WordPress. Version X.Y.Z.”
- Sometimes, if your theme customizes the dashboard, you might not see it there. In that case, proceed to the next step.
Alternative in Dashboard:
- Go to the menu on the left and click on Dashboard > Updates.
- At the top, you’ll see your current WordPress version and whether any updates are available.
Pros:
- Fast and easy
- Requires no technical skills
Cons:
- Needs access to the admin dashboard
2. Using the View Page Source Method
If you don’t have admin access or are checking another site, viewing the WordPress version in the site’s source code can work. Note that some sites hide this information for security reasons.
Steps:
- Open the homepage or any public page of the site.
- Right-click anywhere on the page and select “View Page Source.”
- Press Ctrl+F (Cmd+F on Mac) to search for
generator. - Look for a meta tag like this:
“`
“`
The number is the WordPress version.
Pros:
- No login required
- Useful for checking any WordPress site
Cons:
- Some security plugins or custom themes remove this meta tag for safety
3. Checking your version via the readme.html file
By default, WordPress includes a readme.html file in the root directory. You can use this to check the site version.
Steps:
- In your browser, go to
yourdomain.com/readme.html. - The page will display the version at the top.
Pros:
- Quick and easy
Cons:
- Many hosts or security-conscious site owners remove this file to avoid leaking version info
- Not always present
4. Finding the Version in version.php via File Manager or FTP
If you have hosting access or FTP/SFTP credentials, you can check the precise WordPress version directly from the core files.
Steps:
- Log in to your hosting control panel or connect via FTP/SFTP.
- Open the
wp-includesdirectory. - Locate the
version.phpfile. - Open it and look for a line similar to:
$wp_version = 'X.Y.Z';
X.Y.Z is your WordPress version.
Pros:
- Accurate and always available unless files are corrupted
- Even works if the site’s backend is broken
Cons:
- Requires file access and familiarity with FTP or file managers
Lesser-Known Ways to Check Your WordPress Version
Advanced users and those with specific needs might try these:
- WP-CLI Command Line: Run
wp core versionif you use the command line tool for WordPress. - Third-party Plugins: There are security or diagnostics plugins displaying this info, but only install well-known and reputable plugins.
- Hosting Control Panel Tools: Some managed WordPress hosts display the installed version in their dashboards.
Best Practices When Checking Your WordPress Version
Staying safe and efficient is key. Here are some tips:
- Prioritize Security: Don’t publicly broadcast your WordPress version; it can help hackers target vulnerabilities.
- Keep WordPress Updated: Always use the latest stable version for best security and features.
- Backup Before Updating: Always backup your site before making changes or updates.
- Limit Unnecessary Plugins: Don’t install plugins just to check the version; use built-in methods instead.
- Remove
readme.html: Delete or restrict access to public files displaying your WordPress version.
Potential Challenges
While checking your WordPress version is generally straightforward, you might run into issues:
- Removed Meta Tags: Many security plugins hide the generator meta tag.
- Deleted Readme File: Some webmasters remove the
readme.htmlfile. - Restricted Dashboard Access: If you’re not the site owner or admin, some methods are unavailable.
- File Permission Issues: Hosting restrictions may prevent editing or viewing files directly.
Practical Advice for Specific Scenarios
Different situations require a tailored approach:
- Site Broken or Admin Locked: Access your version via FTP and open
version.php. - Checking a Client’s Site: Always request permission if you need dashboard or file access.
- Running Multisite Networks: Methods are the same, but dashboard menus may be in slightly different locations.
- No File Access: Use public methods like viewing the page source.
Cost Considerations
Checking your WordPress version is free. There’s no need for special paid services or plugins. If you’re using managed WordPress hosting, some plans include tools for site management, making the process even easier—but the basic methods above require no expenditure.
Summary
Regularly checking your WordPress version is an essential part of site management. Whether you do it from the dashboard, source code, a file, or through your host, it’s a quick process that plays a big role in your website’s security and compatibility. Always make security a priority and keep your installation updated for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I check my WordPress version if I can’t log in to the dashboard?
If you can’t access the admin area, try looking for the version in the site’s page source with the “generator” meta tag or by opening the readme.html or version.php file via FTP or hosting file manager.
Is it safe to display my WordPress version publicly?
No, it’s best to hide your WordPress version from public view, as exposing it can make your site a target for security exploits tailored to specific versions.
Will I lose anything by updating my WordPress version?
Normally, updates are safe and recommended, but always backup your site before updating. Rarely, outdated plugins or themes may cause compatibility issues after upgrading.
Does my web host affect how I can check my WordPress version?
Some web hosts provide tools or display your site’s version in their dashboards. Managed WordPress hosts often make version checking and updates easier, but all manual methods should still work.
Can I check the WordPress version of any website, not just my own?
You can try by viewing the site’s page source for the generator meta tag or the public readme.html file. But if security measures are in place, this information might be hidden and inaccessible without backend access.
With these tips and methods at your disposal, you can always stay informed about your WordPress setup—and keep your site safer and running smoothly.