This guide covers every possible way to check your Strapi version,
whether your project is running locally, in production, in a
containerized environment, or inside a CI/CD pipeline. It also explains
how versioning works in Strapi, what the numbers mean, why keeping
Strapi updated is critical, and when to seek professional assistance.

Strapi is one of the most popular open-source headless CMS platforms
used for building modern, API-driven applications. Whether you're using
Strapi for a simple content hub, a complex enterprise backend, or as
part of a MERN stack application, knowing which Strapi version you
are running is extremely important. Your Strapi version impacts
compatibility, plugin behavior, security updates, migration decisions,
and project maintenance.

Why Knowing Your Strapi Version Matters

Before exploring version-checking methods, it's important to understand
why the Strapi version is so critical.

1. Compatibility with Plugins

Many plugins---including official ones---are version-specific. A plugin
written for Strapi v3 may not work on Strapi v4.

2. Security Patches

Strapi regularly releases updates that patch vulnerabilities. Running an
outdated version can expose your system to security risks.

3. Migration Planning

Strapi occasionally releases major updates that require migration steps.
Knowing your version ensures smooth upgrade planning.

4. Documentation Differences

Strapi v3 and v4 differ significantly in structure, folder hierarchy,
API behavior, and configuration. Using the wrong docs may cause errors
or confusion.

5. Debugging

Most troubleshooting starts with:
"Which Strapi version are you running?"

Thus, checking your version accurately is essential.

Understanding Strapi Versioning (Semantic Versioning)

Strapi follows Semantic Versioning (SemVer), displayed as:

MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH

For example:

4.15.3

Here's what each number indicates:

1. Major Version

Represents breaking changes.
Version jumps like 3.x → 4.x include major differences requiring
migrations.

2. Minor Version

Adds new features but does not break existing ones.

3. Patch Version

Fixes bugs, applies optimizations, and improves stability.

Knowing all three values can help you determine plugin compatibility,
upgrade paths, and documentation references.

How to Check Your Strapi Version (All Methods)

Below are all the ways to check the Strapi version in any environment.

1. Check Strapi Version Using the Command Line (Most Common Method)

If you have access to your project folder, this is the easiest method.

Open your terminal and navigate to your Strapi project:

cd your-strapi-project

Then run:

strapi -v

or:

strapi --version

Sample Output:

@strapi/strapi: 4.15.3

This method works in:

• Local development
• SSH servers
• Cloud shell consoles
• Docker containers (with pruning)

2. Check the Version in package.json

Every Strapi project stores its version in the package.json file.

Navigate to your project folder and open:

package.json

Search for:

"@strapi/strapi": "x.x.x"

You may also see additional Strapi packages such as:

• @strapi/plugin-users-permissions
• @strapi/plugin-upload
• @strapi/admin

They will all list their versions, but the main Strapi core version is
usually found here:

"@strapi/strapi": "4.15.3"

This is useful when:

• You're using a code editor
• Version commands fail
• You're debugging a project without running it

3. Check Strapi Version from the Admin Dashboard

Strapi's UI provides a simple way to check the running version.

Steps:

1. Log in to the Strapi Admin Panel.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Scroll down to Global Settings.
4. Find the About or System Information section.

It will show something like:

Strapi Version: 4.15.3
Node Version: 18.17.1
Edition: Community Edition

This method is especially helpful when you don't have filesystem or
terminal access.

4. Check Strapi Version Using Node Package Manager (npm)

If you want to see installed Strapi packages:

npm list @strapi/strapi

This outputs something like:

your-project@1.0.0
└── @strapi/strapi@4.15.3

You can also run:

npm list --depth=0

to view all top-level dependencies including Strapi's version.

5. Check Strapi Version Using Yarn

For Yarn users:

yarn list --pattern @strapi/strapi

or simply:

yarn list

This method is helpful if your project uses Yarn instead of npm.

6. Check Strapi Version in Docker Environments

If you are using Docker or Docker Compose, you can run:

docker exec -it container_name strapi -v

or inspect your image:

docker images

If you don't have CLI access:

Check the version inside package.json of the Docker build context.

7. Check Strapi Version in Production Build Logs

If you're using:

• DigitalOcean
• Render
• EC2
• Railway
• Heroku
• Vercel (only frontend)
• CI/CD pipelines

Look at the logs during the build.

Strapi logs usually print:

[2023-xx-xx] INFO: Strapi starting...
Version: 4.14.6

or inside CI pipelines:

Installing dependencies:
@strapi/strapi@4.15.3

This is especially useful when debugging version mismatches between dev
and production.

8. Check Strapi Version via API (Advanced)

Strapi does not expose version info publicly by default, but you can
manually create an endpoint.

Add a simple route in a controller:

module.exports = {
  version(ctx) {
    ctx.send({ version: strapi.config.info.strapi });
  },
};

Or expose version from package.json.

This is useful when:

• Monitoring multiple environments
• Running automated tests
• Integrating DevOps tools

Common Issues When Checking Strapi Version

1. Running strapi -v Returns Error

Reasons:

• Strapi not installed globally
• Path variables incorrect
• Running from the wrong directory

Fix:

Try:

npx strapi -v

2. Admin Panel Not Showing Version

Possible causes:

• Permissions issue
• Admin build corrupted
• Incomplete deployment

Fix:

Rebuild admin panel:

npm run build
npm run develop

3. Version Mismatch Between Dev and Production

This often happens when:

• Lock file (package-lock.json or yarn.lock) differs
• CI installs the wrong version
• Dependencies were updated automatically

Fix:

Use:

npm ci

or lock versions manually.

Best Practices for Managing Strapi Versions

To avoid issues, follow these guidelines:

1. Lock Your Versions

Never leave dependencies like:

"@strapi/strapi": "^4.15.3"

Change to:

"@strapi/strapi": "4.15.3"

2. Use Version Control

Always commit lock files.

3. Maintain Upgrade Documentation

When performing upgrades, document:

• Old version
• New version
• Migration steps

4. Regularly Check Changelogs

Visit Strapi's release notes for updates.

5. Test Upgrades in a Staging Environment

Never upgrade directly in production.

Should You Update Strapi Regularly?

Yes---regular updates provide:

• Security fixes
• Better performance
• Plugin compatibility
• New features

However, major updates require careful planning.

When to Seek Professional Assistance

Strapi versioning and updates may require:

• API migration\
• Database adjustments\
• Plugin compatibility checks\
• Backend restructuring\
• Production deployment planning

If you're not comfortable with backend architecture, dependency
management, CI/CD pipelines, or upgrading large-scale Strapi
environments, it's highly recommended to get help from professionals.

You can hire AAMAX --- a full-service digital
marketing and development agency specializing in:

• MERN Stack Development\
• Web Development\
• SEO Services\
• Digital Marketing\
• API Architecture\
• Strapi-based project development

With expert support, you ensure secure, stable, and optimized Strapi
deployments.

Conclusion

Knowing how to check your Strapi version is essential for effective
development, debugging, upgrading, and maintaining compatibility within
your ecosystem. Whether you're inspecting version details via the
command line, the admin panel, your package.json, Docker, CI/CD, or
custom endpoints, each method provides reliable insights into your
environment.

Strapi versioning follows semantic versioning, meaning that major,
minor, and patch updates each affect your project differently. By
understanding your version and following best practices for version
management, you can keep your project secure, modern, and stable.

And if you need expert help with Strapi, MERN Stack Development, migrations, backend
development, or digital solutions, AAMAX is ready to support your
project with professional, scalable, and modern solutions.