Joomla Migration & Upgrade Service
Joomla Migration & Upgrade Service provided by LitExtension is a comprehensive solution that helps you migrate from 140+ shopping carts to Joomla and upgrade Joomla from 3 to 4. You only need 3 simple steps to automatically migrate and upgrade all of your important data such as products, customers, SEO URLs, additional images, and more to your new store.
We prioritize the security of your data throughout the migration process. Connections are secured, and data is transferred directly from source system to Joomla without being stored long-term on our servers. Our dedicated support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any questions or challenges you might encounter during the migration or upgrade process!
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 migration and upgrades to maintain security, performance, and compatibility with modern technologies. Whether you’re considering a Joomla migration to a newer version or planning a Joomla upgrade from Joomla 3 to Joomla 4, this guide from LitExtension explains when and why these steps are necessary—and how they benefit your website:
When Is Joomla Migration Necessary?
Migrating Joomla is not just about accessing the latest features—it’s about keeping your website secure, efficient, and future-ready. Here are the main reasons you may need to migrate:
- End of Support: Once a Joomla version reaches its end-of-life, it no longer receives security updates or bug fixes. Running your website on an unsupported version leaves it vulnerable to attacks. Migration ensures continued protection.
- Access to New Features: Each new Joomla release introduces improved functionality, better user experiences, and cutting-edge tools. If your website requires advanced capabilities, a Joomla migration helps unlock them.
- Compatibility with Modern Technologies: Outdated Joomla versions may not work well with the latest hosting environments, PHP versions, or third-party extensions. Migration ensures smooth integration and stable performance.
- Enhanced Security: Older versions are more prone to cyber threats. By migrating, you strengthen your site’s defenses with updated security patches.
- Performance Improvements: Newer Joomla versions are optimized for speed and efficiency. If your site feels slow or unresponsive, migration may significantly boost performance.
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.
Upgrade Joomla from 3 to 4: Step-by-Step Guide
Upgrading your website from Joomla 3 to Joomla 4 is a critical technical process far more complex than installing a fresh CMS. Success hinges on careful planning, accurate preparation, and proper execution. This guide by LitExtension, grounded in official Joomla best practices, ensures your site transitions smoothly to Joomla 4.
1. Pre-Migration & Pre-Upgrade Preparation
1.1. Meet Joomla 4 Technical Requirements
Before you begin, verify your hosting environment aligns with Joomla 4 requirements:
- PHP: minimum 7.2.5 (recommended PHP 8.x)
- Database: MySQL 5.6+ or PostgreSQL 11+
- Web Server: Apache 2.4+, Nginx 1.18+, or IIS 10+
You can view your current configuration under System → System Information in the Joomla admin panel.
1.2. Backup Your Site (Files & Database)
Always take a full backup before attempting any upgrade:
- Use a reliable backup extension such as Akeeba Backup to capture a complete snapshot of files and database in one package
- Alternatively, manually backup:
- Joomla root files via hosting panel or FTP
- Database via phpMyAdmin or a similar tool.
1.3. Set Up a Staging Environment
Test the migration on a staging site to avoid impacting your live site:
- Clone to a subdomain, subdirectory, or local server (e.g., XAMPP, MAMP) before proceeding.
1.4. Review Extensions & Template Compatibility
Ensure all third-party components, modules, plugins, and templates support Joomla 4:
- Use the Pre-Update Check in Joomla 3.10 to audit your setup (more on this shortly)
- Visit the Joomla Extensions Directory (JED) or developers’ websites to confirm compatibility or update availability
- Evaluate your template—it may require modifications or a complete rebuild for Joomla 4
1.5. Upgrade to Joomla 3.10 (Bridge Version)
Joomla 3.10 isn’t a destination, it’s the bridge that enables a smooth path to Joomla 4:
- Upgrade your site first to the latest 3.10 version
- Joomla 3.10 backports key API changes to ease migration and includes a built-in Pre-Update Check tool.
2. Migration & Upgrade Process
2.1. Run Pre-Update Check in Joomla 3.10
Navigate to Components → Joomla Update → Pre-Update Check. This tool scans:
- System requirements compliance (PHP, database, etc.)
- Extension and template compatibility with Joomla 4. It identifies issues early—fix, update, disable, or uninstall incompatible items.
2.2. Disable Incompatible Extensions
Any extension marked incompatible should be disabled or uninstalled to avoid upgrade failures.
2.3. Set Error Reporting to Maximum
In Global Configuration → Server → Error Reporting, set to Maximum to catch potential upgrade issues early.
2.4. Perform the Joomla 4 Upgrade
Still in Components → Joomla Update, choose Update Channel → Joomla Next, then:
- Click Install the Update to initiate the upgrade to Joomla 4
- Or, manually upload the Joomla 4 package under the Upload & Update tab if needed Log in when prompted and follow the installation steps.
3. Post-Migration Tasks
3.1. Clear Cache & Fix Database Schema
After upgrade:
- Clear Joomla cache (Components → Updates → Clear Cache)
- Check Extensions → Manage → Database and click Fix if schema issues appear.
3.2. Re-enable and Update Extensions
Re-enable only extensions that are Joomla 4-compatible and apply any available updates.
3.3. Template Review & Adjustments
If you used a default template like Cassiopeia during migration, switch back to your preferred template (only if Joomla 4-compatible). Otherwise, adjust or update it to function correctly.
3.4. Test Thoroughly
Test both frontend and admin area:
- Check navigation, forms, user logins, and interactive components
- Monitor for deprecated-function errors (e.g., JFactory, JRequest)—update custom code or contact developers as needed (Seattle & Everett Washington | FDG Web).
3.5. Final Configuration Adjustments
Restore error reporting to default, verify SEO-friendly URLs, and retest site functionality and performance.
By carefully following this Joomla upgrade guide, you’ll safeguard your site during migration and unlock all the powerful features of Joomla 4. And if you’d rather leave the heavy lifting to the experts, LitExtension is here to help ensure a seamless Joomla migration 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.