Joomla 3 end of life: What it means and how to prepare

If you’ve been using Joomla 3 for your website, you may have heard that it’s reaching its official End of Life (EOL). This is a significant milestone for anyone using the platform, and it's essential to understand what it means and how you can prepare to ensure a smooth transition.

What is Joomla 3 end of life?

Joomla 3 – one of the most popular versions of the Joomla Content Management System (CMS), reached its end-of-life on August 17, 2023. Security updates are currently being released, however these will end in February 2025. This date marks the end of official support, including bug fixes, security updates and support from the Joomla development team.

While your Joomla 3 website won’t suddenly stop working after this date, it will become increasingly vulnerable to security risks and compatibility issues.

Why is Joomla 3 being phased out?

Joomla 3 has been around since 2012, offering over a decade of service to millions of websites worldwide. However, the digital landscape has evolved dramatically in that time, and Joomla needs to keep pace.

Joomla 4 – the successor to Joomla 3, was released with improved performance, enhanced security and modern features that align with today’s web development standards.

What are the risks of staying on Joomla 3?

Continuing to use Joomla 3 after its End of Life date is risky for several reasons:

• Security vulnerabilities: Without regular security patches, your site becomes an easy target for hackers. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and outdated software is a prime target.
• Compatibility issues: As web technologies advance, older software becomes less compatible with new tools, plugins, server setups and browsers. Over time, this can lead to broken functionality on your site.
• Lack of support: As Joomla 3 fades into obsolescence, finding community or professional support will become increasingly difficult. Most developers will have moved on to Joomla 4 or 5 or other platforms.

How to prepare for Joomla 3 end-of-life

The most straightforward solution is to upgrade your website to Joomla 4 or 5. These versions offer better security, improved SEO, a more intuitive user interface, and compatibility with the latest web technologies.

Here’s what you need to do:-

1. Backup your website: Before making any changes, ensure you have a complete backup of your site. This will allow you to restore your site if anything goes wrong during the upgrade process.
2. Check compatibility: Not all Joomla 3 extensions and templates are compatible with Joomla 4 or 5. You’ll need to audit your site and identify any components requiring updates or replacements.
3. Test your site: Before going live with Joomla 4 or 5, test your site thoroughly in a staging environment. This ensures everything works correctly and gives you time to address any issues.
4. Seek professional help: If the upgrade process seems daunting, consider hiring a Joomla expert. They can ensure a smooth transition and help with any customisation needs.

Final thoughts

The Joomla 3 End of Life is a significant event that requires action. While it may seem like a hassle to upgrade, the benefits of upgrading to Joomla 4 or 5 far outweigh the risks of staying on an unsupported platform. By preparing now, you can ensure your website remains secure, functional and future-proof.

If you need assistance with the upgrade process or have questions about the latest version of Joomla, don’t hesitate to contact a professional Joomla web developer or Joomla specialist. Your website is a critical asset – don’t let it fall behind!

If you’d like a quote to upgrade your site to the latest version of Joomla, get in touch with us today.