The quickest way to check your database version is to open phpMyAdmin and look at the Database server summary on its main page. You don't need SSH access or any special tools, and the steps are the same whether your account runs on cPanel or DirectAdmin.
Why You Might Need to Know Your MySQL Version
Some scripts, CMS platforms, and plugins list a minimum database version in their system requirements. Before installing new software, updating an existing one, or handing your database details to a developer, it helps to confirm what version you're actually running. It also matters if you're comparing environments, since many hosting accounts run MariaDB rather than the original MySQL software, and version numbers between the two aren't directly comparable.
Check Your Version Using phpMyAdmin
- Log in to your hosting control panel.
- Open phpMyAdmin. In cPanel, you'll find it under the Databases section of your control panel home screen. In DirectAdmin, it's usually listed under Extra Features or Advanced Features, depending on your theme.
- On the page phpMyAdmin opens to, look for the Database server panel (shown on the home page, or in the sidebar depending on your theme).
- Find the line labeled Server version. It will show something like 10.11.6-MariaDB or 8.0.36.
If the version shown includes the word MariaDB, you're running MariaDB rather than Oracle's MySQL. MariaDB is built to be compatible with MySQL, and the vast majority of scripts, CMS platforms, and plugins run on it without any issue, even if their documentation only mentions MySQL. If you're unsure whether a specific script supports your version, check that script's own documentation or ask its developer directly.
If You Don't Have Control Panel Access
If you're not the one managing the hosting account, or you've handed database access to a developer, you can still get this information without logging in yourself. Open a support ticket from your ZIPROF client area and ask for the MySQL or MariaDB version on your account, and support can confirm it for you.
If you're about to move data between databases, see How to Import and Export a MySQL Database Using phpMyAdmin.