How to Check Which Version of WordPress You Are Using

nowing your WordPress version can be useful when:

• Installing a new plugin or theme
• Troubleshooting compatibility issues
• Following upgrade instructions
• Restoring WordPress files
• Verifying whether your installation is up to date

There are several ways to check the currently installed WordPress version.

Method 1: WordPress Dashboard

If you can access the WordPress administration panel, this is the easiest method.

1. Log in to WordPress.
2. Click the WordPress logo in the upper-left corner of the administration panel.
3. Select About WordPress.

The page that opens will display information about the installed WordPress version and its features.

Method 2: Dashboard Footer

WordPress often displays version information in the administration panel footer.

1. Log in to the WordPress administration panel.
2. Scroll to the bottom of any administration page.

The current WordPress version is typically displayed in the lower-right corner.

Note: Some themes, plugins, or customizations may hide this information.

Method 3: View the Website Source Code

If you cannot access the WordPress administration panel, you may be able to identify the version from the website source code.

1. Open your website in a browser.
2. Right-click anywhere on the page.
3. Select View Page Source.
4. Search for:

generator

You may find a tag similar to:

<meta name="generator" content="WordPress 6.8" />

The version number displayed in the content attribute indicates the installed WordPress version.

Note: Many websites remove or hide this tag for security reasons.

Method 4: Check the version.php File

WordPress stores version information in one of its core files.

Step 1: Connect via FTP

Connect to your website using an FTP client such as:

• FileZilla
• WinSCP

Step 2: Navigate to the WordPress Installation

Open the website directory and navigate to:

public_html/wp-includes/

Step 3: Open the File

Locate and open:

version.php

Inside the file, you will find a line similar to:

$wp_version = '6.8';

The value assigned to $wp_version is the installed WordPress version.

Method 5: Check the readme.html File

Some WordPress installations include a file called:

readme.html

You can access it by visiting:

https://yourdomain.com/readme.html

On some older WordPress versions, this page displays the installed version number.

Note: Modern WordPress installations may not display version information in this file, and many website owners remove it for security reasons.

Which Method Is Most Reliable?

The most reliable methods are:

1. Checking Dashboard → About WordPress
2. Reviewing the wp-includes/version.php file

These methods display the actual installed version and are not affected by security settings or hidden metadata.

Summary

You can determine your WordPress version in several ways, including the administration panel, dashboard footer, website source code, the wp-includes/version.php file, or the readme.html file. If you have FTP access, checking version.php is usually the most accurate method.