How to check your WordPress PHP version

3 Ways To Check Current PHP Version in WordPress

Ensuring your WordPress site operates on the latest PHP version is crucial for optimal performance and security. Outdated PHP versions lack essential security patches that leave your site vulnerable to unauthorized access data breaches and many other compatibility issues with the latest plugins.

It can lead to decreased performance and slower load times that can negatively impact user experience, search engine rankings, and more.

Additionally, you may not be able to update to the latest WordPress version with an outdated PHP version, which can expose your site further to security vulnerabilities, as outdated versions may lack critical patches. You can even encounter many compatibility issues with themes and plugins, leading to functionality problems on your website.

What are the 3 steps to check your WordPress PHP version?

Here are 3 ways you can check the PHP version in your WordPress website to see if it’s the latest version or not.

1. From the WordPress Dashboard:

Access and log in to your WordPress admin panel.

Screenshot of WordPress dashboard

Go to Tools > Site Health.

Screenshot of navigating to site health from WordPress dashboard

Click on the Info tab.

Screenshot of navigating to info tab from Site Health

Expand the Server section; here, you’ll find your current PHP version listed.

Screenshot of expanding the server section and checking WordPress website's currrent PHP version

2. From a plugin

Go to the “Plugins” tab from your WordPress dashboard.

Screenshot of navigating to Plugins section from WordPress dashboard

Click on “Add New Plugin”.

Screenshot of showing the Add New Plugin button

Search “php version” and install any of these plugins: “PHP Version” or “WP PHP Version Display”.

Screenshot of searching the term "php version" in the search bar

Now “Activate” it.

Screenshot of activating the plugin

Now head over to the “Dashboard” and you’ll be able to see the PHP version below in the “At a Glance” box.

Screenshot of showing PHP version under the At a Glance box

3. From Your Hosting Control Panel:

  • Access your hosting account’s control panel (such as cPanel or HPanel).
  • Locate the WordPress section and select Select PHP Version or a similarly named option.
  • Your current PHP version will be displayed, and you may have the option to change it if necessary.


Here’s how to do it in Hostinger: Go to Websites > Website list after logging in.

Screenshot of Websites list section in Hostinger

Click on “Dashboard” for the website you want to check the PHP version of.

Hostinger screenshot: Clicking on Dashboard in

Now, click on WordPress from the side menu.

Hostinger screenshot: Clicking on WordPress section

Go to overview.

Hostinger screenshot: clicking on overview in WordPress section

Scroll below and you’ll find the PHP Version of your website on the side small box.

Hostinger screenshot: showing WordPress website's PHP version

What to do if your PHP version is outdated?

If your WordPress PHP version is outdated, it’s crucial for you to update it. However, before updating, create a complete backup of your website, including all files and databases, to safeguard against potential data loss.

It’s practice to use a staging environment to test the PHP update that’ll allow you to identify and resolve any issues without affecting your live site. If you skip these preparatory steps it can lead to your site malfunctions or downtime.

If you find it difficult or are not a technical person, you can hire our experts specifically for your WordPress website updates so you won’t have to spend time doing it yourself or malfunctioning your website accidentally.

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