Quick answer: Joomla 3 and Joomla 4 have both reached end of life, so they no longer receive security fixes of any kind. Joomla 5 stops receiving regular bug fixes on 13 October and then gets security fixes only for one more year. Joomla 6 is the current long-term target, with support running the longest. If you’re on Joomla 3 or 4, upgrade as soon as you can. If you’re on Joomla 5, plan your move to Joomla 6 now.
Many Australian businesses built their Joomla site years ago and haven’t looked at the version since. The site still loads, enquiries still arrive and nothing seems wrong. But an unsupported CMS quietly collects risk, because every newly discovered vulnerability stays open.
This guide explains where each Joomla version stands, what end of life means for your site and what to do about it.
What “End of Life” Means for a Joomla Site
When a Joomla version reaches end of life, the project stops releasing fixes for it. In practice:
- No security patches: new vulnerabilities are never fixed in that version.
- Extensions drop support: developers stop updating their extensions and templates for old versions.
- Hosting pressure: hosts retire the old PHP versions your site depends on, which can break it.
- Compliance concerns: unsupported software is hard to justify if you handle customer data or card payments.
Your site doesn’t stop working on the day support ends. The risk grows every month afterwards.
Joomla Version Support at a Glance
| Version | Status | Bug fixes end | Security fixes end |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Joomla 3 |
End of life |
Already ended |
Already ended |
|
Joomla 4 |
End of life |
Already ended |
Ended 14 October |
|
Joomla 5 |
Supported, in transition |
13 October |
12 October, a year later |
|
Joomla 6 |
Current, fully supported |
Later in the Joomla 6 cycle |
The longest of all versions |
Check Joomla’s official lifecycle page for the exact current dates, since schedules can change.
What this means for you
- Joomla 3 or 4: you’re running unsupported software. Upgrade as a priority.
- Joomla 5: you’re safe for now, but regular bug fixes are ending, so plan your move to Joomla 6.
- Joomla 6: you’re on the current version. Keep it updated. See our guide to what’s coming in Joomla 6.2.
How to Check Which Joomla Version You’re Running
- Log into your Joomla administrator panel.
- Go to System → System Information.
- The Joomla version is shown near the top.
- Also note your PHP version on the same page, and list your extensions and template.
If you can’t log in, ask your developer or host to check for you.
The Upgrade Path
Joomla upgrades generally move one major version at a time:
- Joomla 3 moves up through Joomla 4, and then 5, before reaching 6.
- Joomla 4 upgrades to Joomla 5, and then to Joomla 6.
- Joomla 5 upgrades to Joomla 6.
Some older sites are better served by a fresh build and content migration than by stepping through several versions. This is especially true for Joomla 3 sites with heavily outdated templates and extensions. A Joomla development company can advise which is cheaper and safer for your site. Check Joomla’s official migration documentation for the exact path for your version. For a full walkthrough, see our Joomla migration guide for Australian businesses.
What Usually Breaks During an Upgrade
Most problems come from the same four areas:
- Extensions that aren’t compatible: each one needs a version that supports your target Joomla release. Abandoned extensions need replacing.
- Templates and customisations: old templates and overridden core files often need rebuilding.
- PHP requirements: newer Joomla versions need a more recent PHP version. Joomla 6 needs PHP 8.3 or newer, so your hosting may need upgrading first.
- Custom code: older custom components and plugins may use removed or changed features.
A compatibility audit before you start finds these early, which is why it’s the first step in any well-run upgrade.
How Much Does a Joomla Upgrade Cost?
Cost depends on your starting version, number of extensions and how much custom work your site has. As a general guide:
| Situation | Typical cost (AUD) | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
|
Joomla 5 to 6, standard extensions |
$500 – $3,000 |
A few days to 2 weeks |
|
Joomla 4 to 5 or 6, a few extensions |
$1,500 – $6,000 |
1 – 3 weeks |
|
Joomla 3 to a current version |
$3,000 – $15,000+ |
3 – 8 weeks |
|
Heavily customised site or many extensions |
$10,000 – $30,000+ |
1 – 3 months |
|
Compatibility audit only |
$300 – $1,500 |
2 – 5 days |
For a detailed breakdown, see our guide on how much Joomla migration costs in Australia.
DIY or Hire a Joomla Development Company?
You may be able to handle the upgrade yourself if:
- you’re on Joomla 4 or 5 and the jump is only one version
- you use few extensions, all with updates available
- you have a full backup and a way to test on a staging copy
You should consider a Joomla development company if:
- you’re on Joomla 3, or several versions behind
- your site depends on custom components or a custom template
- you rely on extensions that no longer have updates
the site generates leads or sales and downtime is costly - you don’t have time before your host retires your PHP version
What to Ask a Joomla Development Company
- Have you upgraded sites from my version to Joomla 6? Can I see examples?
- Will you audit my extensions, template and PHP version first and give me a written report?
- Will you test on a staging copy before touching the live site?
- How do you handle extensions that aren’t compatible?
- Will my SEO rankings and URLs be protected during the upgrade?
- What does the quote include, and what is excluded?
- What support do you offer after launch?
- Who owns the code, and do I keep full access to my site and hosting?
Our Joomla migration and upgrade service covers all of these steps.
If You Can’t Upgrade Yet
If you can’t move straight away, reduce the risk while you plan:
- Take full backups and test that you can restore them.
- Add a web application firewall and limit access to the administrator area.
- Remove unused extensions, templates and users.
- Enable two-factor authentication for every administrator.
- Monitor the site for changes and unusual activity.
- Ask about extended support options from your host or developer, treating them as a temporary bridge only.
These steps lower the risk but don’t replace upgrading. Our guide to Joomla maintenance and security tips covers what a proper routine looks like.
Keep Your Site Supported Going Forward
Joomla’s support dates follow a regular rhythm. Staying current with a small, regular update is much cheaper than a major catch-up project every few years. A Joomla maintenance and support plan covers version monitoring, security patches, backups and extension updates, so you don’t get caught by the next deadline. If your site is also slow, our guide on speeding up a slow Joomla website is a good next step, since newer versions and PHP often improve performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Joomla 4 still supported?
No. Joomla 4 has reached end of life and no longer receives security fixes from the Joomla project.
Is Joomla 3 still supported?
No. Joomla 3 reached end of life earlier and is also unsupported.
Is Joomla 5 still supported?
Yes, for now. It stops receiving regular bug fixes on 13 October and then gets security fixes only until its end of life a year later.
Which Joomla version should I use?
Joomla 6 is the current version with the longest support window, so it’s the best target for most sites.
Will my site stop working if I stay on an old version?
No, it will keep running. But it won’t receive security fixes, and your host may retire the PHP version it needs.
Can I upgrade straight from Joomla 3 to Joomla 6?
Not directly. Upgrades generally move through the intermediate versions, or the site is rebuilt on Joomla 6 and the content is migrated.
How long does a Joomla upgrade take?
A simple upgrade can take a few days. Older or heavily customised sites can take several weeks or longer.
Will I lose my content or SEO rankings?
Not if the upgrade is done properly. Backups, redirects and a staging copy protect your content and rankings.
Do I need a new PHP version?
Usually, yes. Newer Joomla versions require newer PHP. Joomla 6 needs PHP 8.3 or newer.
Talk to a Joomla Development Company About Your Upgrade
Joomla Professionals is a Joomla development company helping Australian businesses upgrade, secure and maintain their Joomla sites. We can check your version, audit your extensions, give you a clear scope and cost, and manage the upgrade from start to finish.
Call: 1300 72 50 90
Not sure which version you’re on? Request a free Joomla version check and we’ll tell you what’s involved before support runs out.