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Database server version (MySQL, MariaDB)

The database server is the program that stores and retrieves all of WordPress’s content and settings. On almost every WordPress site, it’s MySQL or MariaDB, two closely related systems. The version tells you which one runs and which release.

Why it matters

Section titled “Why it matters”

Like any software, database servers get security fixes only for a limited time per release. An old release that no longer gets them puts the site’s data at risk. Newer releases also bring features and improvements that WordPress and plugins can use.

The version alone doesn’t say how fast the site’s queries are. That depends far more on the server’s resources, its configuration and the queries themselves.

MySQL and MariaDB count their versions differently, so the numbers can’t be compared directly.

What influences it

Section titled “What influences it”

Server: The hosting provider chooses the database system and its release and decides when to upgrade. On shared hosting, all sites on a server usually use the same database server.

WordPress: WordPress and plugins name the oldest versions they work with, but they don’t change the version on the server.

In Permo

Section titled “In Permo”

The Server card is in System info, tab Database, under Database server. It shows the system and its release, such as “MariaDB 10.6.28”. Permo compares the release with the end of support its maker publishes: mariadb.org for MariaDB, Oracle’s Lifetime Support Policy for MySQL. The tooltip says when Permo read those dates.

  • Green while the release is supported, with Supported until and the month.
  • Red once support has ended, with No more fixes since and the month. The Dashboard then also lists it under Needs attention, marked as upkeep (see notifications).
  • No color for a release whose dates aren’t in Permo yet.

Under Changes, System info records when the database server changes.

Reference values

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WordPress recommends MariaDB 10.11 or greater, or MySQL 8.0 or greater (source: wordpress.org, Requirements, accessed October 16, 2026).

Section titled “Related”

Sources