Having a good grasp of the technical environment in which a WordPress website will run makes WordPress site management significantly easier for all users. Accurate system information being available allows users to troubleshoot errors, optimize their site’s performance, and submit support tickets, among other things. However, many WordPress users struggle to find the accurate technical data for their sites and are not aware of the easiest ways of retrieving this data. This is a problem that can be solved with the implementation of the right techniques. Using tools like WP-1Click or the built-in WordPress diagnostic tools, this data can be retrieved by all users within just a few clicks—thus streamlining the process even for less advanced users.
This article outlines what WordPress system information contains, why this information is important, and many simple and efficient methods by which users can obtain the WordPress system information.
What Is WordPress System Information?
System information refers to the technical details that define how your WordPress installation functions. It includes:
- Server configuration
- PHP version
- MySQL/MariaDB version
- WordPress installation details
- Active themes and plugins
- Memory limits
- File permissions
- REST API status
- Debugging status
This information helps you diagnose common issues like slow loading, plugin conflicts, and update failures.
Why System Information Matters
For website owners, developers, and support teams, system information plays a vital role. It offers clarity on:
1. Compatibility Checks
Many plugins and themes require specific PHP versions or memory limits. System info helps confirm compatibility.
2. Troubleshooting Errors
When your site breaks or behaves unexpectedly, support teams often request your system report. It saves time and speeds up accurate troubleshooting.
3. Monitoring Performance
System details help you identify resource shortages, misconfigurations, or outdated software versions.
4. Security Management
Knowing your server environment allows you to keep your site secure with regular updates and proper configurations.
How to Quickly Get System Information in WordPress
Below are the easiest and most reliable methods anyone can use, regardless of technical skill.
Also Read: The Protocols Behind Email Communication
Method 1: Using WordPress Site Health Tool (Recommended)
WordPress offers a built-in diagnostic tool called Site Health, located under the Tools menu.
Steps:
- Go to your WordPress Dashboard.
- Navigate to Tools → Site Health.
- Click on the Info tab.
- Expand any section, such as:
- Server
- Database
- Directories and Sizes
- WordPress
- Active Plugins
- Server
- Scroll to the bottom and click Copy site info to clipboard.
What You Get:
- PHP version
- Server software
- Database version
- Installation paths
- REST API status
- Active plugins
- Themes
- Memory limits
This method is ideal for most users because it is fast, accurate, and built into WordPress.
Method 2: Using a WordPress Plugin
Plugins provide detailed system insights in a more organized format. Popular options include:
1. WP-ServerInfo
Shows PHP, MySQL, server load, and memory usage.
2. Health Check & Troubleshooting
Offers advanced diagnostic data and allows safe troubleshooting mode.
3. Debug Info
Provides structured and exportable system reports.
How to Use These Plugins:
- Install your preferred plugin from Plugins → Add New.
- Activate it.
- Visit the plugin’s dashboard or settings page.
- Export or copy the system report.
Plugins are helpful when you need additional technical depth.
Method 3: Using Your Hosting Control Panel (cPanel/Plesk)
Most hosting dashboards include server and PHP configuration data.
Steps:
- Log in to cPanel or your hosting panel.
- Look for options like:
- “PHP Info”
- “Server Information”
- “Software Versions”
- “PHP Info”
- Review or download the system details.
This method provides backend-level information often required by developers.
Method 4: Using WP-CLI (For Developers)
WP-CLI is a command-line interface used to manage WordPress.
Useful Commands:
- wp –info → WordPress & environment information
- wp plugin list → active and installed plugins
- wp theme list → theme status
- wp core check-update → WordPress update status
WP-CLI provides precise and advanced technical details but requires server access.
Method 5: Using a Custom PHP File (Manual Method)
If you need raw PHP configuration details, create a small file in your server.
Steps:
- Create a new file named phpinfo.php.
Add the following code:
<?php
phpinfo();
?>
- Upload it to your root WordPress directory.
- Open it in your browser:
https://yourwebsite.com/phpinfo.php
Important:
Delete the file after use, as it exposes sensitive server information.
System Information You Should Check Regularly
Below is a useful table summarizing the most important data to monitor:
Table: Key WordPress System Information and Its Purpose
| System Info Type | Purpose | Why It Matters |
| PHP Version | Compatibility | Many plugins require PHP 8.0+ |
| Memory Limit | Performance | Prevents plugin failures |
| MySQL/MariaDB Version | Database Stability | Affects speed and reliability |
| Server Software (Apache/Nginx) | Security & Performance | Ensures proper configuration |
| Active Plugins/Themes | Troubleshooting | Helps identify conflicts |
| WP Version | Security | Outdated versions cause vulnerabilities |
| REST API Status | Functionality | Required for Gutenberg and modern plugins |
| File Permissions | Security | Incorrect permissions risk hacking |
| Cron Jobs | Automation | Required for scheduled tasks |
Best Practices When Handling System Information
Following a few guidelines can keep your website healthy and secure:
1. Keep Everything Updated
Outdated PHP versions, themes, and plugins can break features or expose vulnerabilities.
2. Check System Info After Big Changes
Whenever you install major plugins or switch themes, ensure compatibility through system data.
3. Share Details Safely
When contacting support, share only the necessary information.
4. Compare Data Between Hosts
If you’re choosing between hosting platforms or even discussing Shopify vs WordPress, system information helps you understand performance differences.
5. Ensure Proper Permissions
Wrong file permissions can block updates or allow unauthorized access.
Common Issues You Can Solve Using System Information
1. White Screen of Death (WSOD)
Often caused by low memory limits or incompatible PHP versions.
2. Plugin or Theme Conflicts
System data helps support teams pinpoint conflicts faster.
3. Slow Loading
Insights about server resources and database versions help optimize performance.
4. Update Failures
File permissions or outdated server software usually cause this.
5. Security Vulnerabilities
Old PHP versions or disabled REST APIs can create risks.
Conclusion
It is critical to be able to obtain WordPress system information quickly, both as a beginner managing a personal blog and as an advanced developer managing numerous projects. By understanding how your WordPress website operates on a technical level, users can be better equipped to troubleshoot issues, optimize site performance, and maintain site security. By using Site Health, diagnostic plugins, hosting control panels, and WP-CLI together with many different diagnostic plugins, users can obtain all the essential technical information regarding their sites within minutes.
To strengthen WordPress security through well-developed maintenance practices, users should continue to review other guides such as Preventing WordPress Attacks.

