how to find out wordpress version Instantly (4 Easy Steps)

Ever wondered how to find out WordPress version of a site in seconds? Whether you’re troubleshooting an issue, checking plugin compatibility, or just curious, knowing your WordPress version is essential. I remember once struggling with a broken plugin, only to realize it wasn’t compatible with my outdated version—lesson learned! If you’ve ever asked, “how to check the WordPress version” or “what is the current WordPress version,” you’re in the right place. In this guide, I’ll walk you through four quick and easy ways to check your WordPress version instantly. Stick around, and let’s get your site up to speed! 🚀

Step 1: Check the WordPress Version from the Dashboard

This is by far the easiest and fastest way to check your WordPress version—no technical skills required! If you can log in, you’ll have your answer in just a few clicks.

I remember the first time I needed to check the WordPress version of my site. I was about to install a fancy new plugin when I saw the dreaded message: “This plugin requires WordPress 6.0 or higher.” I had no idea what version I was running! After a quick search, I found the easiest way to check—right from the dashboard.

Here’s how to check the WordPress version in seconds:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. On the left menu, click “Dashboard” and go to “Home.”
3. Look for the “At a Glance” widget.
4. You’ll see your WordPress version displayed right there.

That’s it! Now you know the version of your WordPress site without any extra steps.

This method is perfect if you have admin access. But if you’re locked out of the dashboard, don’t worry! In the next step, I’ll show you how to check the WordPress version from the page source code—no login required. 🚀

Step 2: Find the Version Using Page Source Code

So, what if you don’t have access to the WordPress dashboard? No worries—you can still find out the WordPress version using your browser’s page source code. This method is like detective work for your website—quick, easy, and completely code-free!

I remember the first time I tried this trick. I was helping a friend troubleshoot their site, but they had no idea what version of WordPress they were running (classic!). Since they couldn’t log in, I needed a sneaky, behind-the-scenes way to check. That’s when I discovered this simple hack.

Here’s how to check the WordPress version using the page source:

1. Go to the website you want to check. It can be any page on the site.
2. Right-click anywhere on the page and select “View Page Source.” (In Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, this option is available in the right-click menu.)
3. Press Ctrl + F (or Command + F on Mac) to open the search function.

4. Type “generator” in the search bar. If the site hasn’t hidden it, you’ll see a meta tag that looks something like this:
   
   html
   
   <meta name=”generator” content=”WordPress 6.7.2″>

Boom! There’s your answer. Now you know the WordPress version without logging in.

🚨 Heads up! Some security plugins hide this information to protect the site from hackers. If you don’t find the “generator” tag, don’t panic—there are still other ways to check. Up next, I’ll show you how to dig even deeper using WordPress’s internal files.

Step 3: Locate the WordPress Version in the Version.php File

Alright, so what if the dashboard method didn’t work, and the page source didn’t show the version? No problem—we’re going to dig a little deeper.

This method is slightly more advanced since it requires accessing your site’s files, but don’t worry—I’ll walk you through it step by step. Think of this as checking your website’s DNA—the version number is hardcoded into one of the core WordPress files.

I once had a client who couldn’t log in to their WordPress dashboard and had security plugins hiding the version from the page source. We had to go straight to the source code—and guess what? We found the version in seconds.

Here’s how to check the WordPress version using the version.php file:

1. Access your website’s files using cPanel’s File Manager or an FTP client like FileZilla.
2. Navigate to this folder:

 bash

/wp-includes/

1. Look for a file called version.php and open it.

Inside the file, search for this line:
php

$wp_version = ‘6.7.2’;

1.  The number next to $wp_version is your current WordPress version!

🚀 Why is this method useful?

• Works even if you can’t log in to WordPress.
• Doesn’t rely on security settings that might hide the version.
• Gives you an exact version number, straight from the core files.

However, be careful when accessing or editing these files—accidentally deleting or modifying them can break your site. If you’re unsure, consider asking a developer for help.

Still no luck? Don’t worry! If you’re a developer or comfortable using the command line, the next method will show you how to check your WordPress version instantly with WP-CLI. Let’s dive in!

Step 4: Use WP-CLI to Check the WordPress Version

If you’re comfortable using the command line, this is hands down the fastest way to check the WordPress version. WP-CLI (WordPress Command Line Interface) is like a secret weapon for developers—it lets you manage WordPress sites without even opening a browser. 

I remember the first time I discovered WP-CLI. I was working on a client’s website with a locked-out admin panel, and I needed to check the WordPress version ASAP. Instead of digging through files or hunting through the source code, I fired up the terminal, ran a single command, and boom—there it was. Simple, fast, and no hassle!

Here’s how you can check your WordPress version using WP-CLI:

1. Open an SSH connection to your WordPress server.
2. Navigate to your WordPress root directory (where WordPress is installed).
3. Run the following command:
   bash
   
   wp core version  
4. Instantly, your current WordPress version will appear on the screen!

This method is perfect if you have SSH access and are comfortable using the terminal. It’s also a great option for managing multiple WordPress sites efficiently.

🚀 Why use WP-CLI?
✅ It’s the quickest way to check your WordPress version.
✅ No need to log into the WordPress dashboard.
✅ Useful for troubleshooting and version control in WordPress.

If you’ve been wondering what is the current WordPress version or what is the newest version of WordPress, WP-CLI will give you an answer instantly.

Not comfortable with command-line tools? No worries! You can always stick to the easier methods we covered earlier. But if you’re a developer or planning to manage multiple sites, learning WP-CLI is a game-changer.

Now that you know how to find out the WordPress version, let’s talk about why it’s important to keep your site updated. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part! 🚀

Why Keeping WordPress Updated Matters

Updating WordPress isn’t just about getting the latest bells and whistles—it’s about keeping your site safe, fast, and running smoothly. Think of it like maintaining your car. You wouldn’t skip an oil change for years and expect it to run perfectly, right? The same goes for WordPress!

🚨 Security: Stay One Step Ahead of Hackers

Did you know that outdated WordPress versions are one of the biggest reasons websites get hacked? I once helped a client whose site was acting strangely—random pop-ups, slow speed, and weird redirects. Turns out, they were running an ancient WordPress version, and hackers had slipped in through a known vulnerability. A quick update fixed everything.

Each new update patches security loopholes, so keeping your site up to date is like locking your doors at night—you don’t want to leave an open invitation to hackers. If you’re wondering “how to check the WordPress version”, now’s a great time to do it and update if needed!

🔧 Plugin & Theme Compatibility: Avoid Breakdowns

Ever installed a plugin only to see your site break? That’s usually because your WordPress version is too old. Developers constantly update plugins and themes to work with the latest version of WordPress. If you’re not updating, you might run into compatibility issues—broken features, weird design glitches, or even a full-blown crash.

I learned this the hard way when a client asked me, “How to know the version of WordPress I’m using?” because their site was acting up. A quick check showed they were running an outdated version, causing their essential plugins to malfunction. A simple update saved them hours of frustration.

🚀 Performance: Speed & New Features

Every new WordPress update brings improvements—better speed, smoother user experience, and handy new features. Running an old version means missing out on these upgrades, like using a 10-year-old phone and wondering why apps run slowly.

If you’ve ever asked, “What is the newest version of WordPress?”, chances are, you might be missing out on performance boosts that make your site load faster and function better.

Time to Update? Here’s Your Next Step

Now that you know why updates matter, it’s time for action. If you haven’t checked your version yet, follow one of the four easy methods from this guide and see if you’re due for an update. A few clicks can save you from security risks, plugin conflicts, and slow site performance.

So, how to find out WordPress version you’re using? Check it now—and if it’s outdated, hit that update button! 🚀

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Conclusion

So there you have it—four easy ways to check your WordPress version, whether you’re logged into the dashboard or need to dig into the source code or server files.

If you’re wondering how to find out WordPress version quickly, start with the easiest method: checking from the dashboard. Locked out? No worries! Try viewing the page source. Still no luck? A quick peek inside the version.php file or using WP-CLI will get you the answer in seconds.

Keeping WordPress updated isn’t just about staying current—it’s about security, speed, and making sure your plugins and themes work smoothly. If you find your version is outdated, now’s the perfect time to hit that update button and keep your site running at its best.

Now that you know how to check the WordPress version, take a moment to check yours today. If it’s outdated, update it—it’s one of the simplest ways to protect and optimize your website. 🚀

FAQs: How to Find Out WordPress Version Instantly

1. How do I check my WordPress version from the dashboard?

Log into your WordPress dashboard, go to Dashboard > Home, and check the “At a Glance” widget. Your current WordPress version is displayed there.

2. Can I check the WordPress version without logging in?

Yes! Right-click on any page, select “View Page Source,” and search for meta name=”generator” to find the WordPress version. Some sites hide this for security.

3. Where is the WordPress version stored in website files?

You can find it in wp-includes/version.php. Open the file and look for $wp_version = ‘X.X.X’; to see the exact version of your WordPress site.

4. How do I check my WordPress version using WP-CLI?

If you have SSH access, open the terminal, navigate to your WordPress root directory, and run the command: 

bash

wp core version

Your WordPress version will appear instantly.

5. Why is it important to keep WordPress updated?

Updating WordPress improves security, plugin compatibility, performance, and new features. Running an outdated version makes your site vulnerable to hacks and slowdowns.

6. What happens if I don’t update my WordPress site?

You risk security vulnerabilities, broken plugins, slower performance, and compatibility issues with new themes or plugins. Always keep WordPress updated.

7. How do I know if my WordPress version is outdated?

Compare your version to the latest WordPress release on the official WordPress website. If your version is old, update it for better security and features.

8. Can I check the WordPress version of another website?

Yes, you can check via page source code (if not hidden) or use online tools like What WordPress Theme Is That? to detect the version.

9. Do WordPress plugins depend on the version I use?

Yes, many plugins require a specific WordPress version to function correctly. Always check compatibility before installing new plugins.

10. How do I update my WordPress version safely?

Backup your site first, then update via Dashboard > Updates or manually via FTP. Ensure themes and plugins are compatible before updating.