Whether you’re responding to a newly released Adobe security advisory, planning a Magento upgrade, troubleshooting extension compatibility, or preparing for a PHP upgrade, one of the first things you should verify is:
Which Magento version and patch level is my store running?
Knowing your exact Magento version helps you determine whether your store is vulnerable to security issues, eligible for Adobe support, or ready for the latest features and performance improvements.
For example, when Adobe releases a security advisory such as APSB26-73, you’ll need to know your exact Magento version to determine whether your store is affected and what action you should take.
If you haven’t checked the latest security advisory yet, read our guide:
Adobe Releases Magento Security Update APSB26-73: Is Your Store Affected?
In this guide, we’ll show you five easy ways to check your Magento version and patch level, whether you’re a store owner, developer, or system administrator.
Quick Answer
You can check your Magento version using any of these methods:
- ✅ Run
php bin/magento --version(Recommended) - ✅ Check the Magento Admin
- ✅ Use Composer
- ✅ Review the
composer.lockfile - ✅ Ask your Magento development partner
The CLI method is the fastest and most reliable because it displays both the Magento version and installed security patch level.
Why Your Magento Version Matters
Your Magento version is more than just a software number.
It determines:
- Whether your store is protected against known security vulnerabilities.
- If your Adobe Commerce installation is still officially supported.
- Whether your PHP version is compatible.
- Whether third-party extensions and themes will work correctly.
- Whether you’re eligible for the latest Magento features and performance improvements.
- Whether your store meets current security best practices.
Running an outdated Magento version can lead to:
- Security vulnerabilities
- Checkout failures
- Extension incompatibility
- Slow website performance
- Malware infections
- Increased maintenance costs
What Is a Magento Patch Level?
Magento versions usually look like this:
2.4.8-p2
Here’s what it means:
| Component | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 2.4.8 | Magento Release Version |
| p2 | Security Patch Level |
For example:
| Version | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 2.4.8 | Base Release |
| 2.4.8-p1 | Security Patch 1 |
| 2.4.8-p2 | Security Patch 2 |
| 2.4.8-p3 | Security Patch 3 |
The patch level is just as important as the version number, because Adobe security advisories usually affect specific patch levels—not every installation of that Magento version.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Method | Admin Access | SSH Required | Shows Patch Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Admin Panel | ✅ Sometimes | ❌ | Sometimes | Store Owners |
| CLI | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | Developers |
| Composer | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | Developers |
| composer.lock | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | Agencies |
| Development Partner | N/A | N/A | ✅ | Non-Technical Users |
Method 1: Check Magento Version from the Admin Panel
If you have access to the Magento Admin Panel, you may be able to view the version information depending on your Magento release and configuration.
Some installations display the version in:
- Stores → Configuration
- Footer area
- System information
Note: Newer Magento Open Source and Adobe Commerce versions may not display the version number in the Admin Panel. If you can’t find it, use Method 2.
Best For: Store owners with Admin access.
Method 2: Check Magento Version Using CLI (Recommended)
If you have SSH access, this is the most reliable method.
Navigate to your Magento root directory and run:
php bin/magento --version
Example:
Magento CLI 2.4.8-p2
This command immediately displays:
- Magento Version
- Installed Security Patch Level
Best For: Developers and Server Administrators.
Method 3: Check Magento Version Using Composer
If your Magento installation uses Composer, run:
Magento Open Source
composer show magento/product-community-edition
Adobe Commerce
composer show magento/product-enterprise-edition
Composer will display the installed package version.
Method 4: Check the composer.lock File
Don’t have SSH access?
Open the following file:
composer.lock
Search for:
magento/product-community-edition
or
magento/product-enterprise-edition
The version listed beside the package is your installed Magento version.
Method 5: Ask Your Magento Development Partner
If your website is managed by a Magento agency or developer, they can quickly verify:
- Magento Version
- Patch Level
- Security Status
- Unsupported Extensions
- PHP Compatibility
- Upgrade Recommendations
If you’re unsure about your store’s security, request our Free Magento Mini Audit
We’ll help identify:
- Outdated Magento versions
- Missing security patches
- Extension compatibility issues
- Security vulnerabilities
- Performance bottlenecks
Adobe Commerce vs Magento Open Source
The methods above work for both:
- Magento Open Source
- Adobe Commerce
The only difference is the Composer package name:
| Magento Open Source | Adobe Commerce |
|---|---|
| magento/product-community-edition | magento/product-enterprise-edition |
How to Check Whether Your Store Is Affected by a Security Advisory
After identifying your Magento version:
- Visit Adobe’s latest security advisory.
- Compare your installed version with the affected versions.
- Install the recommended security patch if necessary.
- Test your store thoroughly before deploying changes to production.
For a detailed explanation, read:
Adobe Releases Magento Security Update APSB26-73: Is Your Store Affected?
Common Problems When Checking Magento Version
“Could not open input file: bin/magento”
You’re not inside the Magento root directory.
Navigate to the Magento installation folder and try again.
“Command not found”
PHP may not be installed correctly or isn’t available in your server’s PATH.
Verify your PHP installation first.
Permission Denied
The current user doesn’t have permission to execute Magento commands.
Contact your hosting provider or server administrator.
Common Mistakes Store Owners Make
Assuming Magento Updates Automatically
Magento updates usually require manual installation and testing.
Ignoring Security Patch Releases
Running Magento 2.4.8 without the latest patch can still leave your store vulnerable.
Updating Without Testing
Always test updates on a staging environment before deploying to your live store.
Delaying Security Updates
Every day you delay applying a security patch increases the risk of exploitation.
Pro Tips for Magento Store Owners
- Check your Magento version every few months.
- Subscribe to Adobe security advisories.
- Install security patches promptly.
- Keep regular backups.
- Remove unused extensions.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).
- Perform regular security audits.
- Test all updates in a staging environment.
When Should You Upgrade Instead of Installing a Patch?
Installing a security patch isn’t always enough.
A full Magento upgrade is recommended if:
- Your Magento version is no longer supported.
- You’ve skipped multiple security patches.
- Your extensions require a newer Magento version.
- You’re upgrading PHP.
- You’re experiencing compatibility or performance issues.
A professional Magento audit can help determine the safest upgrade path.
Conclusion
Checking your Magento version and patch level takes only a few minutes, but it can prevent costly security issues, downtime, and compatibility problems.
Whether you’re responding to a new Adobe security advisory, planning an upgrade, or performing routine maintenance, knowing your current Magento version is the first step toward keeping your store secure.
If you’re unsure whether your Magento installation is secure, don’t leave it to guesswork.
Get a Free Magento Mini Audit
Our Magento experts will review your store and identify:
- Outdated Magento versions
- Missing security patches
- Performance bottlenecks
- Extension compatibility issues
- Potential security vulnerabilities
- Recommended upgrade path
👉 Claim your Free Magento Mini Audit today.
Related Articles
- Adobe Releases Magento Security Update APSB26-73: Is Your Store Affected?
- Magento 2 Upgrade Checklist
- Magento 2.4.9 Upgrade Guide
- Magento Security Best Practices
- Magento Upgrade Cost Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my Magento version without SSH access?
You can check it from the Magento Admin Panel (if available) or by reviewing the composer.lock file if you have access to your project files.
What’s the difference between a Magento version and a patch level?
The Magento version identifies the software release (such as 2.4.8), while the patch level (such as p2) indicates which security updates have been applied.
How often should I check my Magento version?
You should verify your Magento version whenever Adobe releases a security advisory and during routine maintenance.
Can I skip Magento security patches?
No. Skipping security patches can expose your store to known vulnerabilities, compatibility issues, and potential data breaches.
How do I know if my Magento store needs an upgrade?
If your Magento version is no longer supported, you’re missing multiple security updates, your extensions require newer versions, or you’re planning a PHP upgrade, it’s time to consider a Magento upgrade.
About SMB Tech Solution
At SMB Tech Solution, we specialize in Magento upgrades, security patching, performance optimization, and ongoing Magento support. With 14+ years of Magento experience, we’ve helped businesses keep their online stores secure, high-performing, and up to date.
Need help assessing your Magento store? Request a Free Magento Mini Audit, and our team will identify security risks, compatibility issues, and upgrade opportunities.
