Joomla Migration & Upgrade Service
Joomla Migration & Upgrade Service by LitExtension is a comprehensive solution that helps you migrate from 140+ shopping carts to Joomla and upgrade Joomla from 3 to 4 or Joomla 3 to 5. With just 3 simple steps, you can automatically transfer all your important data including products, customers, SEO URLs, additional images, and more to your new store.
Overview of Joomla Migration and Upgrade
Joomla is one of the most popular open-source content management systems, empowering millions of websites and online applications. Like any platform, it requires regular migrations and upgrades to ensure security, performance, and compatibility with modern technologies. Whether you are planning a Joomla migration to a newer version or an upgrade from Joomla 3 to Joomla 4 or 5, this guide from LitExtension explains when these steps are necessary and how they can benefit your website:
When to Migrate Joomla: Migration becomes necessary when your Joomla version reaches end-of-life, loses security support, or struggles with compatibility and performance. Upgrading ensures access to new features, stronger security, and better integration with modern hosting environments.
Why Upgrade from Joomla 3 to Joomla 4?
A Joomla upgrade is especially important for users currently running Joomla 3, as this version is approaching end of life. Upgrading to Joomla 4 provides:
- Improved Performance: Joomla 4 is faster and more efficient, ensuring quicker load times and smoother navigation.
- Stronger Security: Built with modern security protocols, Joomla 4 protects your website from vulnerabilities that Joomla 3 no longer addresses.
- Modern User Interface: The new intuitive dashboard simplifies content management and makes accessing advanced features easier than ever.
- New Features and Extensions: Joomla 4 offers a revamped Media Manager, SEO enhancements, and full support for PHP 8, enabling you to future-proof your site.
- Long-Term Support: Joomla 3 is reaching its end of life, which means updates and support will soon stop. By upgrading to Joomla 4, you ensure continued access to updates and official support.
Why Upgrade from Joomla 3 to Joomla 5?
For businesses still running Joomla 3, upgrading directly to Joomla 5 is the smartest long-term choice. Joomla 5 is the latest version, delivering enhanced performance, stronger security, and full compatibility with modern web standards. Key benefits of upgrading include:
- Future-Proof Platform: Joomla 5 is the newest release with long-term support, ensuring your website stays secure and updated for years ahead.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: Built with the latest PHP versions and web technologies, Joomla 5 ensures maximum compatibility and performance.
- Improved Security: With Joomla 3 no longer supported, upgrading to Joomla 5 protects your site with the latest patches and security protocols.
- Optimized Performance: Joomla 5 introduces speed and efficiency improvements that help websites load faster and run more smoothly.
- Extended Features: Enjoy new tools, modernized workflows, and compatibility with the latest extensions to keep your site competitive.
Upgrade Joomla from 3 to 4 or 3 to 5: Step-by-Step Guide
Upgrading your website from Joomla 3 to Joomla 4 or directly to Joomla 5 is a critical process that goes beyond simply installing a new CMS. It requires careful planning, accurate preparation, and proper execution to ensure success. This guide from LitExtension, aligned with Joomla best practices, provides a clear path to help you upgrade safely and efficiently.
1. Pre-Migration Preparation
Before you begin the upgrade, it’s essential to prepare your environment and ensure your site is fully ready for migration. These steps reduce the risk of errors, data loss, or downtime during the transition.
1.1. Verify Technical Requirements
Confirm that your hosting environment supports the version you intend to upgrade to:
- Joomla 4: PHP 7.2.5+ (PHP 8.x recommended), MySQL 5.6+ / PostgreSQL 11+, Apache 2.4+ / Nginx 1.18+ / IIS 10+
- Joomla 5: PHP 8.1+ (recommended), MySQL 8.0.11+ / MariaDB 10.4+ / PostgreSQL 12+, Apache 2.4+ / Nginx 1.21+
You can review your current server configuration under System → System Information in Joomla admin.
1.2. Backup Your Website
Always create a full backup before upgrading:
- Use Akeeba Backup or another trusted extension for a complete snapshot.
- Alternatively, manually back up files (via FTP or hosting panel) and database (via phpMyAdmin).
1.3. Set Up a Staging Environment
Clone your site to a subdomain, subdirectory, or local server (e.g., XAMPP, MAMP) to test the upgrade process safely before applying changes to your live site.
1.4. Review Extensions and Templates
Check compatibility of all third-party extensions and templates:
- Use the Pre-Update Check in Joomla 3.10.
- Verify compatibility with developers or the Joomla Extensions Directory.
- Update, replace, or remove outdated extensions.
- Assess your template’s compatibility—Joomla 5 in particular may require modifications or a rebuild.
1.5. Upgrade to Joomla 3.10 (Bridge Version)
Joomla 3.10 is the recommended bridge release:
- Update your site to the latest Joomla 3.10.
- Use the Pre-Update Check tool to detect issues and prepare for the upgrade.
2. Migration & Upgrade Process
Once your site is prepared, you can begin the actual upgrade process. This stage involves running Joomla’s built-in update tools, addressing extension issues, and completing the migration to Joomla 4 or 5.
2.1. Run Pre-Update Check
Navigate to Components → Joomla Update → Pre-Update Check to validate:
- Hosting environment requirements.
- Extension and template compatibility for Joomla 4 or Joomla 5.
2.2. Disable Incompatible Extensions
Uninstall or disable any incompatible extensions to avoid upgrade failures.
2.3. Enable Maximum Error Reporting
Set Error Reporting to Maximum (Global Configuration → Server) to identify issues early.
2.4. Perform the Upgrade
- Go to Components → Joomla Update → Options and set Update Channel to Joomla Next.
- For Joomla 4: Click Install the Update to begin the process.
- For Joomla 5: If the update does not appear automatically, download the Joomla 5 update package and use the Upload & Update option.
Follow the installation prompts until completion.
3. Post-Migration Tasks
After upgrading, you’ll need to finalize your setup and ensure everything works smoothly. Post-migration tasks help restore functionality, fix potential issues, and fully optimize your upgraded Joomla site.
3.1. Clear Cache and Fix Database
- Clear cache under Components → Updates → Clear Cache.
- Go to Extensions → Manage → Database and click Fix if schema errors appear.
3.2. Re-enable and Update Extensions
Reactivate only Joomla 4 or 5 compatible extensions and apply available updates.
3.3. Template Adjustments
- If you switched to a default template (e.g., Cassiopeia), restore your preferred template if compatible.
- Otherwise, update or rebuild your template for Joomla 4 or Joomla 5.
3.4. Comprehensive Testing
- Test frontend and backend functionality (navigation, forms, logins, etc.).
- Monitor for deprecated function errors, especially with Joomla 5, and update custom code as required.
3.5. Final Configuration
- Reset Error Reporting to default.
- Recheck SEO-friendly URLs.
- Validate site performance, speed, and stability.
Conclusion
By following this structured process, you can successfully upgrade Joomla from version 3 to 4 or directly to 5 while maintaining data integrity, performance, and security. Joomla 4 provides a modern interface and improved performance, while Joomla 5 delivers the latest technologies, long-term support, and future-proof stability.
If you prefer a risk-free and time-saving solution, LitExtension experts are ready to handle the entire migration process, ensuring a seamless upgrade with zero downtime.
I’d Like My Store To Be Migrated
If you are looking to migrate your cart which is not showing on this page, please Contact Us for further assistance!
What Data Can Be Migrated to Joomla
-
Products
- Name, SKU, Full Description, Status, Manufacturer, Weight.
- Price, Special Price.
- Stock Status, Manage Stock, Quantity.
- Meta Title, Meta Description.
- Product Tags.
- Barcode.
- Variants: SKU, Weight, Attributes, Quantity, Price, Special Price, Name, Thumbnail Image.
- Additional Images.
- Metafields.
Products Categories
- Name, Description.
- Image.
- Meta Title, Meta Description.
-
- First Name, Last Name, Email.
- Newsletter.
- Billing Address: First Name, Last Name, Company, Address 1, Address 2, Country, State, City, Zip Code. Telephone.
- Shipping Address: First Name, Last Name, Company, Address 1, Address 2, Country, State, City, Zip Code, Telephone.
-
- Order Number.
- Order Status.
- First Name, Last Name, Email.
- Billing Address: First Name, Last Name, Company, Address 1, Address 2, Country, State, City, Zip Code, Telephone, Fax.
- Shipping Address: First Name, Last Name, Company, Address 1, Address 2, Country, State, City, Zip Code, Telephone.
- Order Items (Name, SKU, Option), Product Price, Quantity.
- Sub Price, Discount Price, Tax Price, Shipping Price, Total Price.
- Order Comments.
-
- Name.
-
- Coupon Code, Coupon Date, Coupon Expire Date.
-
- Created Date.
- Rate.
- User Name.
- Title.
- Comment.
-
- Title, Description.
- URL.
- Image.
- Categories.
-
- Title, Description.
- Categories.
- SEO URLs.
- Images.
(*) Please note that data possible for migration listed below may vary depending on your Source Store. Please chat with LitExtension experts for more details.
Additional Options
Clear Data On Joomla Before Migration
You can clear the data on Joomla in accordance with selected entities for migration… More Details →
Preserve Order IDs on Joomla Store
This option helps keep your order ID the same during your store migration… More Details →
Create 301 Redirects on Joomla Store
Automatically redirect your old store’s URLs to the new ones during the migration… More Details →
Migrate Images from Products, Categories, Blog Descriptions
This option helps you to migrate images in descriptions of products, categories, and blog posts… More Details →
Strip HTML Tags from Category and Product Names
Strip HTML tags from category and product names automatically when migrating your store … More Details →
How to perform Joomla Migration
The Joomla migration services by LitExtension helps to transfer your important data including products, customers, orders, blogs, and other related entities. The process will be completed automatically, securely, and accurately with just 3 simple steps.
LitExtension Experts
Our experts will attentively consider your unique requirements, suggesting necessary measures to guarantee optimal preparation for the Joomla migration.
Set up Joomla Store, deploy the necessary apps and create the appropriate environment before migration.
Let’s start the Joomla migration. Once the process is kicked off, it will constantly run even when you turn off your browser.
Leave The Work For The Experts
If you’re non-tech, let our Joomla migration experts handle your migration from A to Z.
Save your time for more important tasks.
How Your Data Is Secured During Migration?
Server Security
Data Security
Data Access Restriction
GDPR Compliance
NDA
Payment Security
Why choose LitExtension Joomla Migration Services
Zero Effort Required
From start to finish, our expert team will do all the work, providing a worry-free, successful transition to Joomla Migration.
Inclusive Migration Options
With all migration options included – like 301 Redirects and Product ID Preservation – you can enhance your Joomla migration experience at no extra costs.
Personalized Migration Experience
Each step of your Joomla migration is tailored to meet your business requirements for a fully customized process.
Enhanced Data Quality Assurance
Our two-phase testing approach, with manual and complimentary autotesting, ensures the highest standard of data accuracy for your migration.
Dedicated Personal Assistant
Your dedicated assistant will guide you from start to finish, answering all questions and resolving issues along the way.
Comprehensive Post-Migration Support
For 30 days after migration completion, our team provides unlimited Re-migrations, Recent Migrations, and Smart Updates, ensuring ongoing flexibility and precision.
Your Success, Our Motivation
Who We Truly Are? Let Our Customer Define!
I highly recommend LitExtension for anyone looking to migrate platforms! Their in-depth consultation helped clarify everything, while their quick responses made my Joomla migration worry-free.
LitExtension was very well to made migrating from a platform to Joomla and vice versa! Their dedicated consultation clarified all my concerns, and their customer care team was always ready to assist with any questions I had.
The level of professionalism at LitExtension is unmatched! They took the time to understand my needs during the Joomla migration, providing excellent support every step of the way.