Updated: 28 September 2026 · Applies to: Joomla 6.1 and 5.4
Keeping Joomla and its extensions updated is the most effective protection against attacks. Joomla updates itself from the administrator area. The current versions are Joomla 6.1 and 5.4.
Before you update
- Take a full backup of files and database (for example with Akeeba Backup, or with cPanel's Backup / Softaculous backup).
- Check the PHP version: Joomla 6 needs PHP 8.3 or newer. Change it in cPanel under Software › MultiPHP Manager if needed.
- Update your extensions first; old extensions are the most common reason an update breaks a site.
Update Joomla
- Log in to the administrator area (
/administrator) and go to System › Update › Joomla. - Read the Pre-Update Check: it lists server settings and extensions that may not be compatible with the new version.
- Click Start Update and wait until it finishes. Do not close the page.
- Clear the cache (System › Clear Cache) and check your site.
From Joomla 5 to Joomla 6
- First update to the latest Joomla 5.4 release.
- If Joomla 6 is not offered, open System › Update › Joomla › Options and set the Update Channel to Joomla Next.
- Sites still on Joomla 3 must first move to Joomla 4 and 5 (each through its latest release); Joomla 3 is long out of support.
Tip: Install updates for extensions under System › Update › Extensions. Joomla can email the Super Users when updates are available.
