How to check your Magento version and choose the right upgrade strategy

Knowing how to check Magento versions is essential for maintaining your store's security, compatibility, and performance. This guide covers multiple ways to check your Magento version when you don’t have back-end access, how to interpret the results, and helps you determine the most appropriate upgrade strategy—whether that involves a direct upgrade, incremental upgrades across multiple versions, or a full rebuild. These insights can help you make informed decisions and minimise potential risks and costs.

Understanding Magento version numbers: What they mean and why they matter

​Magento uses a structured versioning format inspired by Semantic Versioning (SemVer): MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH (e.g., 2.4.6). However, Magento doesn’t always follow these rules strictly. Therefore, it’s essential to review release notes in detail and thoroughly test all updates before deploying them to your live store.

• MAJOR (e.g., the "2" in 2.4.6) indicates a major release that introduces substantial changes to the platform's architecture, can impact core functionality and may not be fully compatible with previous versions. As a result, upgrading to a major release often requires adjustments to custom code, themes, and third-party modules to ensure everything works properly with the new version.
• MINOR (e.g., the "4" in 2.4.6) indicates a minor release, which introduces new features, enhancements, or minor changes to existing functionality. While core architecture remains stable, some changes may still affect third-party modules or custom code, so testing is still advised before upgrading.
• PATCH (e.g., the "6" in 2.4.6) indicates a patch release, which addresses bugs, security vulnerabilities, or issues from previous versions. They focus on stability and security without introducing new features or major changes.

In addition to the standard versioning format, Magento uses suffixes like '-p' and '-beta' to indicate Security Patch Releases and Beta Patch Releases, which provide targeted updates for security or early feature testing. 

• “-p” (e.g., the “-p1” in 2.4.5-p1) indicates a security patch release that focuses on critical security updates, helping businesses protect their stores from vulnerabilities without needing a full upgrade. Applying these patches is essential for security but not mandatory unless vulnerabilities are present.
• “-beta” (e.g., the “-beta1” in 2.4.5-beta1) indicates a beta patch release that allows developers and partners to test new features and improvements before the official release. These are optional and intended for development environments only.

Understanding each component of Magento’s versioning format and the scope of changes in each release type helps you evaluate upgrade complexity and prioritise updates effectively. 

3 methods to check Magento version without admin panel access

If you can't access the Magento admin panel, you can use three alternative methods to check the Magento version, each with unique advantages and prerequisites.

Add a suffix to your site URL

Adding the suffix /magento_version to your store’s base URL is a quick method to check the Magento version. This approach displays the first two numbers of the version (e.g., 2.4 instead of 2.4.5) and indicates whether your store uses Magento Open Source or Adobe Commerce. 

Advantages

When you add /magento_version to the end of your store’s URL, it gives you a quick snapshot of what version of Magento you're running.

If your store runs on Adobe Commerce and B2B features are enabled, these may also appear in the /magento_version response.

In some cases, the output is extended to include other installed modules. For example, if ElasticSuite (a third-party search tool) is installed, the route might return: Magento/2.4.6 (Commerce) with Elasticsuite/2.10.20 (Open Source)

This gives a quick overview of your Magento setup without needing to log into the admin area. It’s useful for store owners to understand what’s running behind the scenes.

Requirements

• This method only works if your Magento store is publicly accessible; it won’t function if your store is hosted on a private network, behind a firewall, or restricted by IP addresses.
• The /magento_version endpoint must be enabled by store owners or hosting providers. Otherwise, if it is disabled to protect sensitive information, the version details may not be accessible.

Step-by-step guide

1. On your device, open any web browser.
2. In the address bar, type your store’s base URL followed by /magento_version (e.g., https://yourwebsite.com/magento_version).
3. You should see a response such as:
   • Magento/2.4 (Community)  
   • Magento/2.4 (Enterprise)

Use the Command Line Interface (CLI)

Using the Command Line Interface (CLI) is a method to check your Magento version directly from the server where Magento is installed. It involves executing commands to retrieve detailed version information.

Advantages

• The CLI provides the complete Magento version—including major, minor, and patch numbers (e.g., "Magento CLI version 2.4.5").
• Since server access is required, this method is secure and cannot be exploited by unauthorised users.
• The CLI method is available on all Magento installations, even when public-facing version endpoints are disabled.

Requirements

• Server access: You must have access to the server where Magento is installed, either through SSH (if the server is remote) or via a local terminal (if you have physical access to the server).
• Command-line knowledge: The CLI method requires familiarity with command-line tools to navigate directories and execute commands.
• Access and permission: You need access to Magento’s root directory (where the bin/magento file is located), and your user account must have sufficient privileges to execute the bin/magento script.
• PHP installation: Since the bin/magento CLI tool is a PHP script, you need to have PHP installed on the server. The PHP version should be compatible with the version of Magento you’re using (for instance, Magento 2.4 requires PHP 7.3 or higher).

Step-by-step guide

1. Use SSH to access the server where Magento is installed. You may need your server’s IP address, username, and password.
   Example command: ssh username@server-ip
2. Navigate to the folder where Magento is installed. This is usually called the Magento root directory.
   Example command: cd /path/to/magento/root
3. Run this command to see your Magento version:
   Example command: php bin/magento --version
   Expected output: Magento CLI version 2.4.5

The Command Line Interface (CLI) method is ideal for developers, IT teams, or technical users who need precise version details and the flexibility to perform advanced diagnostics. It is best suited for environments where security is a priority, such as staging or production servers, and when accurate versioning is critical for compatibility checks or troubleshooting.

Review the composer.json file

The composer.json file in a Magento installation contains some information about the installed Magento version, including dependencies and package details.

Advantages

• The composer.json file shows the Magento version and edition that was installed.
• The composer.json file lists the high-level dependencies and their specific versions, allowing you to check for compatibility between Magento's core, installed modules, and any other packages. By reviewing this, you can reduce the likelihood of conflicts or issues when updating your store, ensuring smoother updates and more stable functionality.

Requirements

• The user must have permission to view the composer.json file.
• Familiarity with JSON file structures is required.

Step-by-step guide

1. Access the server or local machine where Magento is installed.
2. Navigate to the Magento root directory.
3. Open the composer.json file using a command-line text editor or a graphical file editor. Run the following command: “cat composer.json | grep version”
   This will return an output similar to: "version": "2.4.5"

This method does not necessarily provide the exact Magento version installed. To check more specifically additional inspection of the composer.lock file may be necessary.

Upgrade options for Magento store owners: Rebuild, direct upgrade, or incremental upgrade

When it comes to upgrading your Magento 2 store, you have several options depending on your current system, business needs, and goals. This section explains when to choose a rebuild (creating a new Magento website on the latest version and migrating your old site), a direct upgrade (upgrading to a major release), or an incremental upgrade (upgrading to versions with "-p").

When a new build and migration might be more effective

•  Stores still on Magento 1: If your store is still on Magento 1 (up to version 1.9.x), it’s no longer supported, which introduces security and stability concerns. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan a move to Magento 2. Benefits include better speed, security and access to modern features like advanced reporting and integrations.
  Migration requires a full rebuild, as Magento 1 and 2 differ in architecture, modules, and database structure. This means reimplementing custom code and carefully migrating data to avoid integrity issues. Though it requires investment, it lays the foundation for a more scalable, secure, and future-proof platform.
• Major version discrepancies in Magento 2: Stores running on older Magento 2 versions, such as 2.3.x or earlier, may face challenges when upgrading to the latest 2.4.x release. Changes to database structure, deprecated functionality, and module compatibility can make the process more complex. Rebuilding on the latest version ensures a cleaner, optimised setup with long-term benefits.
• When the store has extensive customisations or third-party modules: For stores operating on outdated versions with numerous modules (e.g., Magento 2.3.5 with over 30 modules), resolving upgrade conflicts may be more costly than deploying a new store and migrating data. A rebuild allows for the reassessment of necessary functionalities and the elimination of redundant or incompatible modules, leading to a more streamlined and maintainable system.
• When legacy code and technical debt are present: Stores with outdated or poorly maintained code may struggle with incremental upgrades. A rebuild offers a clean slate to eliminate legacy code and implement modern standards.
• When preparing for a major redesign or functionality overhaul: A rebuild is ideal when planning significant UI/UX changes or new features. For example, a retailer seeking a new frontend experience and headless commerce setup may find a rebuild on 2.4.6 better suited than upgrading from 2.3.

Working with an experienced Magento agency is particularly valuable when upgrading from an outdated version with significant architectural changes, such as from Magento 2.3.x to 2.4.x. An agency can efficiently handle these tasks, adapt to customisations, and perform thorough testing to minimise downtime and ensure a smooth transition.

When a direct upgrade is a viable option

• Minor version gaps: When the current version is relatively close to the latest version, such as upgrading from Magento 2.4.5 to 2.4.6, the changes are usually minimal and include bug fixes, security patches, or performance improvements. A direct upgrade is straightforward and typically low-risk.
• Cost and time constraints: If your business is constrained by budget or time and a rebuild would disrupt your operations, a direct upgrade may be the best solution. This approach allows you to address critical security updates, bug fixes, and performance enhancements without the higher cost and complexity of a full rebuild.

When an incremental upgrade is recommended

Updating to the latest version is recommended for optimal security, performance, and compatibility. However, if resources are limited, prioritise major versions (those without the "-p" suffix) first.

For versions with "-p", decide whether to update based on the following two points:

• Website data sensitivity: If your website handles sensitive data, such as customer payment information, updating to "-p" versions is crucial for maintaining robust security.
• Nature of the update: Each "-p" version addresses different issues. Reviewing the Magento release notes can help determine if the fixes are relevant to your store’s stability, functionality, or security. Apply these updates when they resolve critical vulnerabilities or business-impacting bugs.

Conclusion

Regularly checking your Magento version is crucial for ensuring the security, performance, and long-term viability of your eCommerce store. By knowing your current version, you can make informed decisions regarding necessary updates, security patches, and future upgrades. If you’re still using Magento 1, migrating to Magento 2 is essential to maintaining security and functionality. For Magento 2 users, evaluating the right timing and method for upgrading—whether it's a major version update or selective patch application—will help you maintain a balance between stability, security, and resource management.

With over 19 years of experience, On Tap specialises in delivering tailored migration services that align with your specific business goals. Let On Tap guide you through the process with our in-depth knowledge and experience. Reach out today for a free consultation!