Using the correct PHP version for your WordPress site is crucial for performance, security, and compatibility. WordPress recommends using PHP version 7.4 or higher. Checking which PHP version your WordPress site is using is a straightforward process. Here are several methods to find out your current WordPress PHP version.
Method 1: Using the WordPress Site Health Tool
WordPress comes with a built-in tool called “Site Health” that provides detailed information about your site’s configuration, including the PHP version.
- Log in to your WordPress Admin Dashboard.
- Navigate to Tools > Site Health.
- Click on the “Info” tab at the top of the page.
- Expand the “Server” section.
Here, you will see information about your server, including the PHP version your site is using.
Method 2: Using a PHP Info Plugin
If you prefer using a plugin to find out your PHP version, there are several plugins available that can display this information.
- Install and activate the Display PHP Version plugin.
- Once activated, the current PHP version will be displayed in the WordPress dashboard under the “At a Glance” section.
Read: Must-Have WordPress SEO Plugins
Method 3: Using the cPanel
If your hosting provider uses cPanel, you can check your PHP version directly from there.
- Log in to your cPanel account.
- In the “Software” section, click on “Select PHP Version” or “PHP Configuration”.
- Here, you will see the current PHP version for your account.
Method 4: Creating a PHP Info File
For those comfortable with a bit of coding, you can create a simple PHP file to display your server’s PHP version.
- Open a text editor and create a new file named
phpinfo.php
. - Add the following line of code to the file:
<?php phpinfo(); ?>
- Save the file and upload it to your WordPress site’s root directory using an FTP client or your hosting provider’s file manager.
- Open a web browser and navigate to
http://yourdomain.com/phpinfo.php
.
This will display a page with detailed information about your PHP configuration, including the PHP version.
Method 5: Using SSH Access
If you have SSH access to your server, you can check the PHP version via the command line.
- Log in to your server via SSH.
- Run the following command:
php -v
This will output the current PHP version installed on your server.
Know more: How To Avoid Common WordPress SEO Mistakes
Conclusion
Knowing the PHP version your site is using is important for maintaining optimal performance, security, and compatibility. Whether you use the WordPress dashboard, a plugin, cPanel, a custom PHP file, or SSH access, there are several methods to easily check your PHP version. Ensure your site is using a recommended version to benefit from the latest features and security updates.