Whether a seasoned pro or dipping your toes into website creation, one little nugget of knowledge is golden: knowing your WordPress version.
Why, you ask? Let’s dive in!
First up, security – our top priority, right?
WordPress is always evolving, patching up any vulnerabilities with each new release. So, being in the know means you can sleep a little sounder at night.
Next, we have compatibility.
The WordPress ecosystem is teeming with themes and plugins, each with its requirements.
Knowing your version ensures you avoid any awkward missteps that could lead to a site-breaking tango.
And let’s not forget about the features and improvements.
Staying updated means you get to play with the latest and greatest tools WordPress has to offer. These keep your site cutting-edge and your visitors wowed.
Now let’s peek at how you can check your WordPress version easily and quickly.
This post covers:
- 5 methods to check your WordPress version
- Best practices for WordPress management
- Conclusion
- FAQs about WordPress versions
5 Methods To Check Your WordPress Version
Method 1: Through The WordPress Admin Dashboard
Let’s start with the easiest and most straightforward method to uncover your WordPress version – right from your WordPress dashboard.
First up, log in to your WordPress site’s admin area.
When you’re on the Dashboard page, scroll down to its very bottom.
In the bottom right corner, you’ll see “Version.”
This is where you can see what version your WordPress website uses.
That’s it!
Method 2: Using The “Site Health” Tool
Begin your quest by heading to the left side menu of your WordPress dashboard.
Look for the “Tools” option.
Among the options under “Tools,” you’ll find “Site Health.”
Click on it.
Once in the Site Health section, you’ll notice two tabs at the top: “Status” and “Info.”
While “Status” gives you a health checkup of your site, “Info” reveals the secrets.
Click on “Info.”
In the “Info” tab, scroll down until you find the “WordPress” section.
A drop-down will open, revealing the “Version” line at the top.
Method 3: Viewing The Source Code
Have you ever viewed your WP site’s secure code?
No worries, you don’t need any coding superpowers to find the WordPress version.
Begin this adventure by simply visiting your WordPress site.
Once you’re on your site, it’s time to unveil the magic behind the curtain.
If you’re on a PC, right-click anywhere on the page (avoiding any images or links to keep it simple) and select “View Page Source” from the context menu.
Mac users fear not; the process is just as simple – use the “Option+Command+U” shortcut on your keyboard. (But you can also use the “right-click technique.”)
You’re now looking at the DNA of your website.
All you need to do next is use the “Find” function (Ctrl+F on PC, Command+F on Mac) and search for “generator.”
It looks something like the screenshot above.
And there it is – the WordPress version your website uses.
Method 4: Accessing The Version.Php File
To start, you have two paths to choose from:
- The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or
- The cPanel File Manager.
Both lead to the same destination, so it’s just a matter of preference.
FTP is like taking a scenic hike with a trusty map (an FTP client like FileZilla), while cPanel is more like a direct elevator ride to your floor.
- For FTP: Launch your FTP client and connect to your website using the credentials provided by your hosting service.
- For cPanel: Log into your hosting account, find the cPanel section, and click on “File Manager.”
Now that you’re in, it’s time to navigate to the “wp-includes” directory.
Inside “wp-includes,” you’ll find the artifact we’re after: the “version.php” file.
Once you’ve located “version.php,” it’s time to open it and reveal its secrets.
- If you’re using FTP, you must download the file and open it with a text editor.
- In cPanel, simply right-click the file and choose “View” or “Edit.”
As you open the scroll (so to speak), you’ll find a line that looks like this: “$wp_version = ‘6.4.3’;.”
And there it is, the version of WordPress that’s powering your site.
Method 5: Via The “Readme.html” File
Your current mission, should you accept it, is to find a discreet guidebook known as “readme.html.”
You’ll need to journey through either the FTP client or the cPanel File Manager – whichever you prefer to get to it.
- For those using FTP: Fire up your FTP client, connect to your website, and you’ll land right in the root directory.
- For those using cPanel: Log into your hosting account, launch the File Manager, and ensure you’re in the public_html or www directory.
Once you’re in the root directory, keep your eyes peeled for a file named “readme.html.”
With “readme.html” in your sights, it’s time to reveal its secrets.
- If you’re using FTP, download the file and open it in your web browser.
- In cPanel, simply right-click the file and choose “View.”
As the file opens up, you’ll be greeted by a wealth of information about WordPress.
But your prize lies near the top: the WordPress version your site is currently using.
Best Practices For WordPress Management
Managing a WordPress site requires care, dedication, and a sprinkle of love.
Let’s chat about some tried-and-true best practices for WordPress management.
These golden nuggets of wisdom will ensure your site stays secure, functional, and as unique as you are!
Regular Updates
Regular updates keep your WordPress site healthy, secure, and buzzing with the latest features.
Keeping everything up to date is crucial, whether it’s the core WordPress software, themes, or plugins.
- Why update? Each update brings new features to play with and fixes bugs and patches security vulnerabilities.
- How often? Stay in tune with WordPress announcements and schedule regular check-ins for updates.
You might also be interested in learning how to update WP theme without losing customization and how to update WordPress manually.
Backup
Before you embark on any significant updates or changes, it’s wise to create a backup.
If anything unexpected happens, you can always restore it to its former glory.
- Comprehensive backups: Ensure your backups include everything – your files, themes, plugins, and database.
- Regular & automated: Set up a system for regular, automated backups.
Note: You can help yourself with any of these free WordPress backup plugins.
Use a Child Theme
If you love customizing your site to make it uniquely yours, using a child theme is like having a magic shield that protects your personal touches.
When you update your parent theme, a child theme ensures your customizations remain untouched.
- What’s a child theme? It’s a theme that inherits the functionality and styling of another theme, called the parent theme, while allowing you to make changes and customizations safely.
- Why use one? It’s the perfect way to tweak your site’s design or functionality without the fear of losing your custom work during updates.
Conclusion
From discovering your WordPress version in the most unexpected places to embracing best practices, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to keep your website thriving.
Let’s do a quick flyover of our adventure:
- How to check WordPress version: We uncovered our WP version through the Admin Dashboard, the “Site Health” tool, the source code, the “version.php” file, and the “readme.html” file.
- WordPress management: We’ve delved into the art of WordPress care – embracing regular updates to ensure our site is secure and bursting with the latest features, setting up backups as our safety nets, and using child themes to protect unique customizations.
I urge you to carry forward the spirit of exploration and care we’ve embraced here.
Let the rhythm of regular checks and updates become natural to you.
Ensure your WordPress site remains a secure, efficient, and vibrant space that reflects your creativity and dedication.
FAQs About WordPress Versions
How can I check which WordPress version I’m using?
You can check your WordPress version by logging into your WordPress admin dashboard and looking at the bottom right corner. Alternatively, use the “Site Health” tool under Tools, view your site’s source code, or check the “version.php” file in the “wp-includes” directory or the “readme.html” file at the root of your WordPress installation.
Why is it important to know my WordPress version?
Knowing your WordPress version is crucial for security, compatibility, and functionality. It helps ensure your site is safe from known vulnerabilities and that themes and plugins will work correctly. It also lets you take advantage of the latest features and improvements.
What should I do if my WordPress version is outdated?
If your WordPress version is outdated, it’s recommended to back up your website and then update to the latest version via the Dashboard.
Can I revert to an older WordPress version?
Yes, you can revert to an older version of WordPress, but it’s generally not recommended due to security risks. You can manually download the desired version from the WordPress release archive and use FTP to update your site files if necessary. Always back up your site before making such changes.
How often does WordPress release new versions?
WordPress typically releases major updates several times a year, along with frequent minor updates for bug fixes and security patches.
Can updating WordPress break my site?
While updates are generally safe, there’s a small risk that they can conflict with existing themes, plugins, or custom code, potentially causing issues. To minimize risks, always back up your site before updating and ensure your themes and plugins are compatible with the new version. If you use custom code, consider testing the update on a staging site first.
