How to find your PHP version in WordPress

Method 1: WordPress Site Health (recommended)

Site Health is built into WordPress (since version 5.2), so there's nothing to install. You need to log in as an Administrator.

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard (usually at yourwebsite.co.uk/wp-admin).
2. In the left-hand menu, hover over Tools and click Site Health.
3. At the top of the page, click the Info tab.
4. Scroll down and click Server to expand it.
5. Find the row called PHP version. It will say something like 8.3.12 (Supports 64bit values).
6. Copy that version into our PHP version checker. You can paste the whole line; we'll ignore the part in brackets.

While you're on the Site Health Status tab, it's worth reading its recommendations too. WordPress flags things like outdated PHP, inactive plugins and missing updates.

Can't see Tools → Site Health?

• You may not be an Administrator. Editors and other roles can't see Site Health. Ask whoever set up your site.
• A plugin may have hidden it. Some security or "white-label" plugins remove Site Health. Try the hosting control panel method below.
• Your WordPress may be very old. Site Health arrived in WordPress 5.2 (2019). If it's missing for this reason, updating WordPress should be a priority in itself.

Method 2: Your hosting control panel

Most hosting panels show the PHP version for each website. In cPanel, look for "MultiPHP Manager" or "Select PHP Version". In Plesk, open your domain and look for "PHP Settings". Other panels usually have a "PHP" section.

Note that some panels show the server's default version, which can differ from the one your site actually uses. If they disagree, trust WordPress Site Health.

Method 3: WP-CLI (for developers)

If you have SSH access, wp --info shows the PHP version used by the command line. On some servers the command line uses a different PHP version from the website, so Site Health is the more reliable answer for the site itself.

Method 4: Ask your host

If none of the above works, ask your hosting provider: "Which PHP version is my website using, and is it receiving security updates?"

What to do with the result

Our checker compares your version with PHP's official support dates and security advisories, and gives you one of these results:

• Good: supported, and we found no published advisory affecting that version number.
• Attention recommended: for example, a newer patch release is available, or support ends soon.
• Action required: the version is end of life, or is older than an important security fix.
• Unable to verify: usually because your version is a Linux distribution build, which may include fixes the number doesn't show. Your host can confirm.

On most hosting, PHP is updated by your provider, or you choose the version in your control panel. Before switching to a newer version, back up your site and make sure WordPress, your theme and plugins are up to date. Read more in our PHP version guide.

Common questions