How do I upgrade from Joomla 4 to Joomla 5?
Update to the latest Joomla 4.4, run the Pre-Update Check, update your extensions, then update to Joomla 5.
What changes in a major upgrade
Joomla 5 removes code that was outdated in Joomla 4 and needs PHP 8.1 or newer. The core upgrades cleanly; the risk is a template or extension that relied on removed code. That is why the official guide says planning is the most important part.
Before you start
- Joomla 4.4. Update to the latest 4.4 first.
- Server: PHP 8.1+, MySQL 8.0.13+ or MariaDB 10.4+ (System → System Information). Otherwise the option doesn't appear.
- Extensions: check each one in System → Manage → Extensions and on its developer's site. Uninstall the old com_search component, and replace Google reCAPTCHA with Invisible reCAPTCHA or another option.
- A tested backup and, ideally, a test copy of your site.
Step by step
- Update extensions; disable or remove the ones that aren't ready.
- Turn on Debug System (System → Global Configuration → System).
- Go to System → Update → Joomla → Options, set Update Channel to Joomla Next, and save.
- Read the Pre-Update Check, tick the box to accept the warnings, and click Update.
- Test the front end and the administrator, then turn Debug System off.
After the upgrade
- Joomla turns on the Behaviour - Backward Compatibility plugin so Joomla 4 extensions keep working. Leave it on until every extension works without it.
- Rebuild the Smart Search index if search looks wrong, and set up the new Schema.org plugin.
If the site breaks
With Debug System on, the error names the extension. Disable it; if the administrator is down, set enabled to 0 for it in the #__extensions table. You can also try System → Maintenance → Database → Update Structure, or restore your backup.
Sources
- Joomla 4 to 5 Planning and Upgrade Step by Step – Joomla User Guide
- Technical Requirements – Joomla Manual
