Learn how to use the built?in WordPress Site Health tools to quickly spot problems, understand warnings, and keep your new website running smoothly.
Why the WordPress Site Health Check Matters
When you first launch a WordPress site, it’s easy to focus only on design and content. But behind the scenes, your site’s technical health determines how secure, fast, and reliable it feels for visitors. WordPress includes a built-in Site Health tool that scans your setup and explains what needs attention in plain language.
This guide walks you through where to find Site Health, how to read the results, and what to do with the most common messages—without needing to be a developer.
Where to Find the Site Health Screen
Log in to your WordPress dashboard using your administrator account, then follow this path:
- Dashboard ? Tools ? Site Health
The Site Health screen has two main tabs:
- Status – Shows tests, warnings, and critical issues.
- Info – Shows a detailed, read-only technical overview of your site (server, themes, plugins, media, etc.).
WordPress describes Site Health as a way to see critical information about your configuration and items that require your attention in one place.Source
What You Should See
On the Status tab, you’ll see:
- A colored circle with a short summary such as “Good” or “Should be improved.”
- A list grouped into sections like Critical issues, Recommended improvements, and Passed tests.
- Each item can be expanded to show a description and suggested next steps.
On the Info tab, you’ll see expandable sections such as:
- WordPress (version, language, site URL)
- Directories and Sizes
- Active Theme
- Plugins
- Server and Database
This tab is especially helpful when your developer or hosting support asks for technical details; you can copy everything with one click.
How to Run a Basic Site Health Check
Step 1: Open the Status Tab
Go to Dashboard ? Tools ? Site Health ? Status. WordPress will automatically run checks. Wait a few seconds for the list to finish loading.
Step 2: Review Critical Issues First
Critical issues are potential security or serious performance problems. WordPress groups them at the top and explains why they matter.Source
For each critical issue:
- Click the arrow to expand it.
- Read the description and suggested fix.
- Follow the link or instructions (for example, going to Dashboard ? Updates to update WordPress or plugins).
Step 3: Work Through Recommended Improvements
Recommended improvements are not emergencies, but they help you move toward a fully healthy site. Examples include enabling automatic updates or improving background tasks.
Handle these after critical issues. Many can be resolved with a few clicks in your settings or by asking your host to adjust server configuration.
Step 4: Confirm Passed Tests
Scroll down to Passed tests. This section confirms what is already configured correctly, such as using HTTPS, having a scheduled event system that works, or running a supported version of PHP.Source
You don’t need to change anything here, but it’s a good way to see what’s already in good shape.
Common Site Health Messages and What to Do
1. “You should update WordPress / plugins / themes”
Updates are one of the biggest factors in a healthy site. WordPress notes that a healthy website is fully up to date, including WordPress itself, plugins, and themes.Source
To update safely:
- Make sure you have a recent backup (your host or maintenance provider may handle this).
- Go to Dashboard ? Updates.
- Update WordPress core first, then plugins, then themes.
2. “Your site is not using HTTPS”
HTTPS encrypts traffic between your visitors and your site. Without it, browsers may show a “Not Secure” warning.
If Site Health warns about HTTPS:
- Check whether your hosting plan includes an SSL certificate (most modern hosts do).
- Ask your host to enable HTTPS and redirect all traffic to the secure version.
- After HTTPS is enabled, Site Health should mark this test as passed.
3. “Background updates are not working as expected”
Background updates help keep your site secure by automatically installing minor WordPress releases and, optionally, plugin or theme updates.Source
If you see this warning:
- Check with your host or developer whether updates are intentionally controlled another way (for example, via a staging workflow).
- If not intentional, ask your host to review file permissions and scheduled tasks (cron) so WordPress can manage updates normally.
4. “Your site is running an outdated version of PHP”
PHP is the programming language WordPress runs on. Newer versions are faster and more secure. Site Health will flag if your PHP version is below the recommended minimum.
To fix this:
- Log in to your hosting control panel and look for a PHP version selector, or
- Open a support ticket with your host asking them to upgrade PHP to a current, supported version that is compatible with your site.
Always confirm that your themes and plugins are compatible with the new PHP version before upgrading.
Using the Info Tab When You Need Help
The Info tab is designed for sharing accurate technical details with support teams. It lists sections like WordPress, Directories and Sizes, Active Theme, Plugins, Server, and Database.Source
How to Copy Site Info Safely
- Go to Dashboard ? Tools ? Site Health ? Info.
- Click Copy site info to clipboard.
- Paste the information into an email or support ticket to your developer or host.
This copy excludes sensitive data like passwords, but still avoid posting it publicly unless you’ve reviewed it first.
How Often Should You Check Site Health?
For most small business or organization sites, a simple routine works well:
- Monthly: Open Site Health, review any new issues, and apply updates.
- After major changes: Run a quick check after installing new plugins, changing themes, or making hosting changes.
- Before and after launch: Use Site Health as part of your launch checklist to catch configuration problems early.
WordPress also provides a Site Health API so developers can add custom checks and tabs. If your site has custom functionality, your developer may extend Site Health with additional tests specific to your setup.Source
When to Ask for Professional Help
Some Site Health messages are easy to fix yourself (like enabling automatic updates). Others involve server configuration, database performance, or advanced security settings.
Get help from your host or developer when you see:
- Repeated critical issues that return after you “fix” them.
- Warnings about database or file permissions you don’t understand.
- Errors that mention PHP extensions, REST API failures, or loopback requests.
In many cases, your hosting provider can resolve these by adjusting server settings or enabling recommended modules. Site Health gives them a clear starting point.
Simple Checklist: Keeping Your Site Healthy
- Open Tools ? Site Health at least once a month.
- Fix critical issues as soon as possible.
- Work through recommended improvements when you have time.
- Keep WordPress core, plugins, and themes updated after confirming backups.
- Ask your host to upgrade PHP and enable HTTPS if needed.
- Use the Info tab to share accurate details with support when something looks off.
By building this quick Site Health review into your regular website habits, you’ll catch problems early, keep your visitors safer, and make your future maintenance work much easier.
