Joomla 6 Hosting Requirements: PHP, Database & Server Checklist

A hosting plan that comfortably ran Joomla 5 is not automatically ready for Joomla 6. Before you install or upgrade, your hosting needs a supported PHP version, a compatible database, the required PHP extensions, enough memory, and server resources sized for your templates and extensions — not just enough disk space to pass the installer.

This guide separates three things that are often confused: the absolute minimum configuration Joomla will technically install on, the officially supported range, and JLV's practical production recommendation for a real website.

Joomla 6 Hosting Requirements at a Glance

Component	Recommended	Supported	Absolute Minimum
PHP	8.4	8.3.0	8.3.0
MySQL	8.4	8.0.13	8.0.13
MariaDB	12.0	10.6	10.4
PostgreSQL	17.6	14.0	12.0
Apache	2.4	2.4	—
Nginx	1.29	1.26	—
Microsoft IIS	10	10	—
PHP memory limit	At least 256 MB

Recommended, Supported, and Minimum Requirements Explained

Recommended

The recommended configuration is the preferred setup for a new Joomla website. It gives the site a stronger foundation for long-term support and is the version range you should normally select when buying new hosting.

Supported

Supported versions are officially backed by Joomla — issues that occur on a supported version are the ones Joomla maintainers will actually investigate. A production website should run at least a supported version, not just something that happens to install.

Absolute Minimum

The absolute minimum is the lowest version the CMS will technically allow. It does not represent a good production environment, and software below the supported level may run without receiving full support from Joomla or extension developers.

Joomla 6 PHP Requirements

What PHP Version Does Joomla 6 Require?

PHP 8.3.0 is the supported minimum, and PHP 8.4 is the recommended version. New Joomla 6 sites should normally start on PHP 8.4. Your hosting provider should let you switch PHP versions from the control panel — avoid any plan that locks your site to a single, fixed PHP version.

Should You Use PHP 8.3 or PHP 8.4?

Use PHP 8.4 when:

• You're building a new Joomla 6 website.
• Your template and extensions already support PHP 8.4.
• You want to follow Joomla's recommended configuration.

Consider PHP 8.3 when:

• A required third-party extension isn't fully compatible with PHP 8.4 yet.
• You're upgrading an older site in stages.
• You need a temporary fallback environment.

Recommended PHP Settings for Joomla 6

PHP Setting	Practical Starting Point	Notes
memory_limit	256M or higher	Joomla recommends at least 256 MB
upload_max_filesize	32M–64M	Increase for large extensions or media uploads
post_max_size	Equal to or higher than the upload limit	Must accommodate the full request
max_execution_time	120–300 seconds	Helpful for updates, backups, and imports
max_input_vars	3000 or higher	Useful for complex menus, forms, and configuration pages

Required PHP Extensions for Joomla 6

Mandatory PHP Extensions

• json
• simplexml
• dom
• zlib
• gd

One compatible database driver is also required: mysqlnd, pdo_mysql, or pdo_pgsql.

Recommended PHP Extension

• mbstring

Additional PHP Extensions Commonly Needed

• curl
• openssl
• fileinfo
• zip
• intl
• xml
• OPcache

How to Check Enabled PHP Extensions

You can check enabled modules through Joomla's System Information page, cPanel's PHP Selector, Plesk PHP Settings, DirectAdmin's PHP Version Selector, a temporary phpinfo() file, or over SSH:

php -m

Joomla 6 Database Requirements

MySQL Requirements

• Recommended: MySQL 8.4
• Supported: MySQL 8.0.13 or newer
• Absolute minimum: MySQL 8.0.13

MySQL remains a common option on shared hosting platforms.

MariaDB Requirements

• Recommended: MariaDB 12.0
• Supported: MariaDB 10.6 or newer
• Absolute minimum: MariaDB 10.4

Check the complete version number rather than assuming every MariaDB 10.x release is fully supported.

PostgreSQL Requirements

• Recommended: PostgreSQL 17.6
• Supported: PostgreSQL 14.0 or newer
• Absolute minimum: PostgreSQL 12.0

PostgreSQL is less commonly available on standard shared hosting plans.

MySQL or MariaDB: Which Should You Choose?

Both are suitable when they meet Joomla's requirements. Choose the database platform your hosting provider manages and maintains reliably — regular backups and stable server configuration matter more than the database brand itself. Test third-party extensions before changing database platforms, and avoid migrating between MySQL and MariaDB directly on a production website without testing first.

Supported Web Servers

Apache

Apache 2.4 is both supported and recommended. It supports .htaccess configuration, and mod_rewrite is commonly used for search-engine-friendly URLs. Apache is widely available on shared hosting.

Nginx

Recommended: Nginx 1.29. Supported: Nginx 1.26. Nginx does not use .htaccess — Joomla's rewrite rules must be configured directly in the Nginx server block.

Microsoft IIS

IIS 10 is supported. The URL Rewrite Module may be needed for SEO-friendly URLs. IIS is less common among standard Joomla hosting providers.

Apache, Nginx, or LiteSpeed for Joomla?

Joomla doesn't require one specific web server — Apache and Nginx are both officially listed as supported options, and LiteSpeed commonly supports Apache-compatible .htaccess rules. Actual performance depends more on server configuration, caching, CPU limits, traffic, and database performance than on the web server brand alone. Avoid declaring one server "the fastest" without controlled benchmark data.

Related guide: LiteSpeed vs Nginx vs Apache for Joomla.

How Much CPU and RAM Does Joomla 6 Need?

It helps to separate several things that get lumped together: the PHP memory limit, the hosting account's memory allocation, total physical server RAM, CPU cores, CPU usage limits, entry processes, and I/O limits. A 256 MB PHP memory limit does not mean the entire hosting account only needs 256 MB of server RAM.

Practical Hosting Profiles

These are JLV planning guidelines, not official Joomla requirements.

Website Type	Suggested Starting Environment
Small brochure or blog website	Quality shared hosting with clearly disclosed resource limits
Business or multilingual website	Higher-tier shared hosting or cloud hosting with isolated resources
Membership or community website	Cloud hosting or VPS with measurable CPU and RAM
High-traffic or ecommerce website	Scalable cloud hosting or VPS with monitoring, caching, and reliable backups

Joomla 6 Storage Requirements

How Much Disk Space Does Joomla 6 Need?

Hosting storage needs to cover more than just the Joomla core package: templates and extensions, uploaded images and videos, cache files, temporary files, database growth, local backups, staging copies, and email storage if it's hosted under the same account.

SSD vs NVMe Hosting

Both SSD and NVMe storage can run Joomla effectively; NVMe may offer better raw storage performance. Storage technology doesn't compensate for weak CPU allocation, low I/O limits, or poor database configuration — check inode and I/O limits as well, not just gigabytes.

Practical Storage Advice

• Don't choose a plan with only enough space for the initial installation.
• Leave free space for updates, backups, cache files, and staging.
• Keep at least one backup copy stored outside the hosting server.
• Check whether email storage counts toward the same quota.

Important Hosting Features for Joomla 6

PHP Version Management

• Switch between supported PHP versions
• Enable or disable PHP extensions
• Adjust PHP limits
• Assign different PHP versions to different websites when needed

HTTPS and SSL

• Free SSL certificates
• Automatic certificate renewal
• HTTPS redirect support
• HTTP/2 support
• HTTP/3 support where available

Automatic Backups

• Daily automatic backups
• A clearly stated retention period
• File and database restoration
• Downloadable backup copies
• Remote or off-server backup options
• Self-service restoration when possible

Staging Environment

A staging environment matters for Joomla core updates, PHP version changes, template updates, extension testing, Joomla 5.4 → 6 upgrades, and major configuration changes.

Cron Jobs and Joomla CLI

• Cron jobs
• PHP CLI
• The ability to select the correct CLI PHP version
• SSH access
• Scheduled Joomla tasks

Server-Level Caching

• PHP OPcache
• Full-page caching
• Redis or Memcached when required
• CDN integration

Security Features

• Web application firewall
• Malware scanning
• Hosting-account isolation
• Two-factor authentication
• SFTP or SSH access
• Server and error logs
• Secure file permissions
• Protection against brute-force attacks

Joomla 6 Hosting Checklist Before You Buy

Server Software

• PHP 8.4 is available
• PHP 8.3 is available as a fallback
• The database version meets Joomla's requirements
• A supported web server is used
• Required PHP extensions are enabled
• The PHP memory limit is at least 256 MB

Hosting Controls

• PHP versions can be changed without contacting support
• PHP limits can be adjusted
• Databases and database users can be created
• Error logs are accessible
• Cron jobs are available
• File Manager, SFTP, or SSH access is provided

Reliability

• Automatic backups are included
• Backups can be downloaded or stored remotely
• A staging environment is available
• The uptime policy is clearly stated
• CPU, RAM, I/O, and inode limits are disclosed
• A data center is available near your target audience

Pricing and Support

• Renewal pricing is clearly disclosed
• Backup restoration fees are explained
• Migration conditions are clear
• Essential security features aren't hidden behind paid add-ons
• Support can answer PHP and database compatibility questions

How to Check Whether Your Current Hosting Supports Joomla 6

Step 1: Check the PHP Version

Open your hosting control panel, find the active PHP version, and confirm that PHP 8.3 or PHP 8.4 is available. Avoid changing the production PHP version before testing compatibility.

Step 2: Check the Database Version

You can check this through phpMyAdmin, your hosting dashboard, Joomla's System Information page, or a direct query:

SELECT VERSION();

Step 3: Check PHP Extensions

Compare your server's enabled extensions against Joomla's mandatory extension list above.

Step 4: Check the PHP Memory Limit

Look for the memory_limit setting, and note the difference between the local value, the master value, and the value actually applied to your Joomla website.

Step 5: Test Joomla 6 on a Staging Website

1. Create a full backup.
2. Clone the website to staging.
3. Change the PHP version on staging.
4. Run Joomla's pre-update checks.
5. Check template and extension compatibility.
6. Test the frontend and administrator area.
7. Test forms, email delivery, search, and scheduled tasks.
8. Confirm a rollback process is available.

Special Requirements When Upgrading from Joomla 5.4

Before upgrading, check core compatibility along with template, component, module, and plugin compatibility, PHP version compatibility, database version compatibility, PHP CLI compatibility, and scheduled-task compatibility.

Recommended Upgrade Process

1. Update the current Joomla 5.4 website.
2. Update all compatible third-party extensions.
3. Remove abandoned or incompatible extensions.
4. Create a full backup.
5. Clone the website to staging.
6. Run the Joomla pre-update checker.
7. Upgrade the staging website.
8. Test all important functionality.
9. Confirm the rollback plan.
10. Upgrade production only after successful testing.

Related guide: How to Upgrade Joomla 5.4 to Joomla 6 Safely.

Common Joomla 6 Hosting Problems

"Your PHP Version Is Not Supported"

Possible causes: an outdated PHP version on the server, the website and PHP CLI using different PHP versions, the control panel showing a different version than the one actually used by the domain, or the PHP version being changed for the account but not for the website itself.

Missing PHP Extension

Symptoms include the Joomla installer being unable to continue, an extension failing to install, image processing failing, XML-related functionality failing, or backup/migration tools showing errors.

PHP Memory Limit Exhausted

Allowed memory size exhausted

Possible fixes: increase the PHP memory limit, identify which extension is using excessive memory, check background tasks, review error logs — and avoid raising the limit indefinitely without finding the underlying cause.

Database Version Is Too Old

Ask your host to upgrade the database server, request migration to a newer hosting node, or move to another provider — testing the migration on staging first in every case.

SEO URLs Return 404 Errors

Common causes: Apache rewrite rules not enabled, htaccess.txt never renamed to .htaccess, the Nginx server block missing Joomla's rewrite rules, the IIS URL Rewrite Module missing, or Joomla's URL rewriting being enabled before the server is correctly configured.

Joomla Updates Time Out

Common causes: max_execution_time set too low, CPU throttling, restrictive I/O limits, insufficient free disk space, file permissions blocking Joomla from writing updated files, or a security rule blocking the update request.

Minimum Requirements vs Recommended Production Hosting

Area	Bare Minimum	Better Production Choice
PHP	PHP 8.3	PHP 8.4
PHP memory	Enough to complete installation	At least 256 MB
Database	Official minimum version	Recommended or supported version
Backups	Manual backups only	Automatic backups plus an external copy
Testing	Changes made on production	Staging before important changes
Resources	Undisclosed shared limits	Clearly disclosed CPU, memory, and I/O
Logs	Limited or unavailable	Easy access to PHP and server error logs
Support	Generic hosting support	Support familiar with PHP and CMS issues

JLV's Recommended Joomla 6 Hosting Configuration

Frequently Asked Questions

What PHP version does Joomla 6 require?

Joomla 6 requires PHP 8.3.0 or newer. PHP 8.4 is recommended for a new site, provided your template and extensions support it.

Can Joomla 6 run on PHP 8.2?

No. PHP 8.2 is below Joomla 6's minimum. Upgrade to PHP 8.3 or 8.4 before installing or upgrading.

Is 128 MB of PHP memory enough for Joomla 6?

Joomla recommends at least 256 MB. Small sites may use less on normal requests, but updates, backups, imports, and heavier extensions may need more.

Does Joomla 6 support MySQL 5.7?

No. Joomla 6 requires MySQL 8.0.13 or newer. Upgrade your database environment before migrating.

Does Joomla 6 support MariaDB?

Yes. Verify the complete version number, since recommended, supported, and minimum MariaDB versions differ.

Can Joomla 6 run on shared hosting?

Yes, when the provider offers compatible PHP and database versions, the required extensions, sufficient memory, reliable backups, and reasonable CPU/I/O limits.

Is Apache required for Joomla 6?

No. Joomla supports Apache, Nginx, and Microsoft IIS — the rewrite configuration just depends on which one you use.

How can I check whether my extensions support PHP 8.4?

Check each developer's documentation and changelog, then test the full site on a staging environment before changing the PHP version on production.

Final Verdict

PHP 8.3.0 is the minimum supported PHP version, and PHP 8.4 is recommended for new Joomla 6 websites. Joomla recommends at least 256 MB of PHP memory, and the database version needs to be checked carefully alongside the required PHP extensions. Hosting buyers should evaluate more than disk space and bandwidth — backups, staging, logs, PHP controls, and disclosed resource limits all matter. Existing websites should test every template and extension before upgrading production.

A hosting plan is ready for Joomla 6 when it meets the official software requirements and gives you the tools to run a reliable production website. Before purchasing, confirm the PHP version, database version, PHP extensions, memory limit, backup system, staging options, and server resource limits — if a provider doesn't publish these details, ask their support team for written confirmation before you order.

✅ Last verified with Joomla 6.1.x — August 2026