As ServiceNow continues to evolve with each new release, keeping track of your instance version can be crucial for maintaining compatibility with apps, staying updated with the latest features, and ensuring that your system is secure. Knowing how to quickly identify the version of your ServiceNow instance can save you time and help you troubleshoot issues more effectively.

In this guide, we’ll explore three easy methods to find the version of your ServiceNow instance. Each method is straightforward, ensuring that you can access this information whether you have admin rights or just basic access.

1. Navigate to System Diagnostics >> Stats

This is perhaps the most straightforward method for finding out your ServiceNow instance version.

Note: you will need the admin role for this method

Steps:

1. Log in to your ServiceNow instance.
2. In the Navigator bar, type “System Diagnostics” and select System Diagnostics > Stats from the dropdown menu.

3. On the Stats page, locate the Build tag field. This field provides detailed information about the version, including the build and patch details, for example, “washingtondc-12-20-2023__patch3-hotfix1-05-12-2024.”

This method provides a comprehensive overview not only of your ServiceNow version but also other system information which can be helpful for detailed troubleshooting and reporting.

2. Using stats.do in the URL or the Navigator

For those who prefer quick shortcuts or do not have admin access, using stats.do can be an efficient alternative.

Steps:

1. Open your web browser while logged into your ServiceNow instance.
2. In the browser’s address bar, append /stats.do to the base URL of your ServiceNow instance (e.g., https://<your-instance>.service-now.com/stats.do) and press Enter.

3. The page that loads is the same as the page presented in the the System Diagnostics > Stats page, including your ServiceNow instance version.

This method is very direct and works well for non-admin users and users who need quick access without navigating through multiple menus.

TIP: If you want to restrict the stats.do page to admins only:

1. Navigate to the sys_properties table
2. Add/Edit the glide.security.diag_txns_acl system property to true.

3. Check in the Admin Center

For users with administrative privileges, the Admin Center offers another path to find the instance version.

Note: The Admin Center might not be available in all instances, especially in older versions or instances with customized admin roles.

Steps:

1. Navigate to the Admin Center by typing it into the Navigator bar and select “Admin Home”.

2. In the Admin Center, look for a section called “Get information about your instance” that will display the current ServiceNow Version.
3. However, to get the exact release version (include patch and hotfix number), select the “Visit upgrade center” link at the bottom of the section.

4. This will take you to the “Upgrade Preview”, where you will the current release including Patch and Hotfix number.

Conclusion

Knowing your ServiceNow instance version is essential for effective management and maintenance of your system. Whether you prefer navigating through the user interface or using direct URL methods, each approach provides a reliable means of accessing this vital information. Choose the method that best fits your access level and familiarity with the ServiceNow environment.

By keeping this guide handy, you ensure that you’re always prepared to find your instance version quickly, helping you stay informed about the system you are working with. This is just one of the many small but critical pieces of knowledge that can make managing ServiceNow smoother and more efficient.