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What PHP Versions Does TYPO3 Support? (2026 Compatibility Guide)
Your TYPO3 and PHP versions must be compatible. If they are not, your website faces security vulnerabilities, performance instability, and compliance risks.
As of 2026:
- TYPO3 v13 supports PHP 8.2–8.3
- TYPO3 v12 supports PHP 8.1–8.2
- TYPO3 v11 (ELTS) supports PHP 7.4–8.2
When a PHP version reaches End of Life (EOL), it no longer receives security updates. At the same time, newer TYPO3 releases require modern PHP versions to run efficiently. An outdated combination can lead to extension conflicts, hosting restrictions, and increased attack surface.
This guide provides a clear 2026 compatibility overview, including supported versions, minimum requirements, lifecycle timelines, and upgrade recommendations.
TYPO3 & PHP Compatibility Overview (2026)
Below is the current compatibility status for active and legacy TYPO3 versions.
Currently Supported TYPO3 Versions
- TYPO3 v13.x
PHP 8.2–8.3
Recommended for new projects - TYPO3 v12 LTS
PHP 8.1–8.2
Stable long-term option - TYPO3 v11 (ELTS)
PHP 7.4–8.2
Security fixes only (paid ELTS)
For new installations in 2026, TYPO3 v13 on PHP 8.2 or higher is the preferred baseline.
Unsupported TYPO3 Versions (EOL)
The following versions are End of Life:
- TYPO3 v10 and older
- TYPO3 v9
- TYPO3 v8
- Any setup running PHP 7.3 or lower
Running EOL software means:
- No security patches
- Increased attack exposure
- Extension incompatibilities
- Compliance and hosting risks
These systems require an upgrade plan.
Which TYPO3 Version Should You Run in 2026?
- Choose TYPO3 v13 for long-term stability and future readiness.
- Choose TYPO3 v12 LTS if you need a conservative upgrade path.
- Avoid starting new projects on TYPO3 v11 (ELTS phase).
Use the latest supported TYPO3 version with PHP 8.2+ to ensure security, performance, and upgrade flexibility.
Official TYPO3 & PHP Compatibility Matrix
The table below provides a clear overview of which PHP versions are compatible with each TYPO3 release. Use this matrix to verify whether your current setup is supported and suitable for production use in 2026.
| TYPO3 Version | Supported PHP Versions | Support Status | Recommended for New Projects | Database Requirements |
| v13.x | 8.2 – 8.3 | Fully Supported | Yes | MySQL 8.0+ / MariaDB 10.4+ |
| v12 LTS | 8.1 – 8.2 | Long Term Support (LTS) | Yes | MySQL 8.0+ / MariaDB 10.3+ |
| v11 | 7.4 – 8.2 | Extended LTS (Paid, Security Fixes Only) | No | MySQL 5.7+ / MariaDB 10.2+ |
| v10 | 7.2 – 7.4 | End of Life (EOL) | No | MySQL 5.5 – 8.0 |
| v9 | 7.2 – 7.4 | End of Life (EOL) | No | MySQL 5.0 – 5.7 |
| v8 and older | 7.0 – 7.4 (varies by version) | End of Life (EOL) | No | Legacy MySQL versions |
If your TYPO3 version or PHP version falls into the EOL category, an upgrade strategy should be planned without delay to maintain security, compliance, and long-term stability.
For official lifecycle timelines and release schedules, refer to the TYPO3 roadmap:
https://typo3.com/typo3-cms/development-roadmap/roadmap
Minimum, Recommended & Future PHP Versions for TYPO3 (2026)
When planning your TYPO3 environment, two questions matter:
- What is the minimum PHP version for TYPO3?
- What is the best PHP version for TYPO3 in production?
In 2026, the clear direction is PHP 8.2 and above.
Minimum Required PHP Version
Each TYPO3 version has a defined minimum:
- TYPO3 v13 - PHP 8.2
- TYPO3 v12 LTS - PHP 8.1
- TYPO3 v11 (ELTS) - PHP 7.4
The minimum ensures compatibility, not optimal performance or long-term stability.
Recommended PHP Version for Production
For secure and stable production systems:
- TYPO3 v13 - PHP 8.2 or 8.3
- TYPO3 v12 - PHP 8.2
PHP 8.2 offers active security support, strong performance improvements, and broad extension compatibility. When possible, use the latest officially supported PHP version for your TYPO3 release.
PHP 8.3 and PHP 8.4 Compatibility
- TYPO3 v13 fully supports PHP 8.3.
- TYPO3 v12 supports up to PHP 8.2.
Before adopting newer PHP releases such as 8.4:
- Confirm TYPO3 core support
- Verify extension compatibility
- Test in a staging environment
Premature upgrades without validation can cause runtime and dependency issues.
Risks of Running PHP 8.0 or 7.4
Even if technically compatible with older TYPO3 versions, outdated PHP releases introduce risk:
- No active security maintenance
- Higher vulnerability exposure
- Extension incompatibilities
- Hosting upgrade pressure
- Compliance concerns
For 2026 production environments, PHP 8.2 or higher is the secure and future-ready baseline.
What Happens If You Run TYPO3 on an Unsupported PHP Version?
An unsupported PHP version may still allow TYPO3 to function, but it significantly increases operational risk. Once PHP reaches End of Life (EOL), security updates stop. The system remains exposed to known vulnerabilities.
The consequences are predictable.
Security Vulnerabilities
Without active security patches:
- Known exploits remain unpatched
- Automated attacks target outdated environments
- Risk of data breaches increases
Running unsupported PHP directly expands your attack surface.
GDPR and Compliance Exposure
In regulated environments, outdated infrastructure raises compliance concerns:
- Failed security audits
- Questioned data protection practices
- Increased liability after incidents
Maintaining supported software is part of demonstrable risk management.
Hosting Provider Forced Upgrades
Hosting providers routinely deprecate EOL PHP versions.
This can result in:
- Forced migrations
- Service interruptions
- Compatibility conflicts after server updates
Planned upgrades prevent reactive downtime.
Extension and Composer Conflicts
Modern TYPO3 extensions and Composer packages target supported PHP releases.
On outdated PHP:
- Extensions may stop functioning
- Dependency conflicts increase
- Future updates become difficult
This accelerates technical debt.
Performance and Stability Degradation
Older PHP versions lack performance and memory optimizations found in newer releases.
The result:
- Slower response times
- Higher resource usage
- Reduced system stability
Upgrading PHP is often the simplest way to improve TYPO3 performance and reduce risk.
In short:
Running TYPO3 on unsupported PHP may seem manageable today, but it creates security, compliance, and operational risks that grow over time.
TYPO3 LTS and ELTS Lifecycle Explained
TYPO3 follows a structured and predictable release lifecycle. Understanding LTS and ELTS is essential for long-term planning and risk control.
How Long Does TYPO3 LTS Last?
Each Long Term Support (LTS) release provides:
- Approximately 3 years of active maintenance
- Regular bug fixes and security updates
- A stable baseline for enterprise deployments
During this period, the TYPO3 core is fully maintained and suitable for production environments that require stability and predictable updates.
What ELTS Includes (and What It Does Not)
After the LTS phase ends, Extended Long Term Support (ELTS) is available as a paid program.
ELTS includes:
- Security fixes
- Critical patches
- Extended support window (typically up to 3 additional years)
ELTS does not include:
- New features
- Functional improvements
- Major compatibility upgrades
ELTS maintains security coverage, but it does not modernize the system.
When ELTS Makes Strategic Sense
ELTS can be appropriate when:
- An immediate upgrade is not feasible
- Internal resources are temporarily constrained
- A structured migration plan is in progress
In this context, ELTS serves as a controlled transition period.
When You Should Upgrade Instead
Upgrading is the preferred option when:
- Multiple TYPO3 versions have been skipped
- Modern extensions are required
- Performance improvements are needed
- Long-term digital strategy is a priority
ELTS is a temporary safeguard. For mission-critical systems, upgrading to a supported TYPO3 version is the more sustainable strategy.
Recommended Upgrade Paths in 2026
If your TYPO3 version is outdated, upgrading is not just technical housekeeping, it’s risk management. Here’s what to do based on your current setup, and how to quickly check your PHP version.
If You Are on TYPO3 v9 or v10
- These versions are End of Life (EOL)
- Upgrade to TYPO3 v13 (preferred) or v12 LTS
- Do not continue running them in production
If You Are on TYPO3 v11
- Currently in ELTS (security fixes only)
- Plan an upgrade to v13
- Use ELTS only as a temporary bridge
If You Are on TYPO3 v12
- Still supported (LTS)
- Safe to run
- Consider upgrading to v13 for long-term strategy
Planning a Multi-Version Upgrade
If you’re several versions behind:
- Audit extensions
- Test in staging
- Plan phased upgrades if needed
Structured upgrades reduce risk and downtime.
Before upgrading, confirm your current PHP version.
Check via TYPO3 Backend
- Log in to TYPO3
- Open System Information
- View the listed PHP version
Check via phpinfo File
Create a file named phpinfo.php with:
<?php phpinfo(); ?>
Open it in your browser to see the PHP version.
Security Best Practice After Checking
- Delete the
phpinfo.phpfile immediately - Do not leave diagnostic files on the server
Knowing your TYPO3 and PHP versions is the first step toward a safe, future-ready setup.
Server & Environment Requirements Beyond PHP
PHP compatibility alone is not enough. A stable TYPO3 installation also depends on correct server configuration, database versions, and system alignment. The table below summarizes the key environment requirements for 2026.
| Requirement Area | Minimum Requirement | Recommended for Production (2026) | Why It Matters |
| PHP Extensions | pdo_mysql, mbstring, intl, json, openssl, tokenizer, xml | All required extensions enabled + OPcache active | Missing extensions cause installation or runtime failures |
| Database (MySQL) | MySQL 8.0+ (for TYPO3 v13/v12) | MySQL 8.0 latest stable | Ensures performance, security updates, and compatibility |
| Database (MariaDB) | MariaDB 10.3+ (v12), 10.4+ (v13) | Latest stable MariaDB release | Required for stable DBAL and schema handling |
| Composer Version | Composer 2.x | Latest Composer 2 release | Required for dependency management and modern TYPO3 setups |
| CLI vs Web PHP | Must match major version | Same PHP version for CLI and web server | Prevents upgrade and deployment conflicts |
| Memory Limit | 256MB | 512MB or higher (enterprise: 768MB+) | Prevents upgrade failures and heavy backend crashes |
| PHP OPcache | Optional | Enabled and properly configured | Improves performance and response times |
Even if your TYPO3 and PHP versions are compatible, misaligned server configurations can cause:
- Upgrade failures
- Extension conflicts
- Deployment issues
- Performance instability
A properly configured environment reduces long-term technical debt and ensures smoother upgrades.
Why Upgrading TYPO3 Is a Strategic Decision (Not Just Technical)
Upgrading TYPO3 impacts security, compliance, performance, and long-term planning. It is not just a technical update, it is a strategic decision.
Security and Long-Term Risk Management
Outdated TYPO3 and PHP versions increase exposure to:
- Known vulnerabilities
- Unsupported dependencies
- Audit and compliance risks
Regular upgrades reduce operational risk and support responsible IT governance. Security is a core operational requirement.
Performance Gains with PHP 8.x
Modern PHP versions (8.2+) deliver:
- Faster execution
- Improved memory efficiency
- Better overall stability
Combined with newer TYPO3 improvements, this results in faster backend workflows and improved frontend performance.
Extension Ecosystem Compatibility
TYPO3 extensions evolve continuously. New releases target supported TYPO3 and PHP versions.
Staying updated ensures:
- Access to new features
- Ongoing vendor support
- Fewer integration conflicts
Delaying upgrades increases technical debt.
Future-Proofing Your Digital Infrastructure
Running current TYPO3 and PHP versions:
- Simplifies future upgrades
- Reduces migration complexity
- Maintains long-term support alignment
For enterprise and regulated environments, predictable lifecycle management is essential. Upgrading TYPO3 is not maintenance, it is an investment in long-term stability and control.
Conclusion
TYPO3 and PHP compatibility is not a one-time decision. It requires ongoing lifecycle awareness, structured planning, and timely upgrades. Running supported versions ensures security coverage, extension stability, and long-term maintainability.
In 2026 and beyond, aligning TYPO3 with PHP 8.2 or higher remains the most reliable foundation for a secure and future-ready installation.
If your installation runs on an outdated TYPO3 or unsupported PHP version, a structured TYPO3 Upgrade is not optional, it is a necessary step to maintain security, stability, and long-term maintainability.
FAQs
TYPO3 v13 requires PHP 8.2 or 8.3. PHP 8.2 is the minimum supported version.
No. PHP 8.0 is no longer recommended for production use. TYPO3 v13 and v12 require newer PHP versions for full support and security.
Only TYPO3 v11 (under ELTS) supports PHP 7.4. Newer TYPO3 versions require PHP 8.1 or higher.
Yes. TYPO3 v13 fully supports PHP 8.3. Always verify minor version compatibility before upgrading.
Once TYPO3 reaches End of Life:
- No security updates
- No bug fixes
- Increased vulnerability risk
An upgrade or ELTS is required to maintain security.
ELTS is useful as a short-term solution when immediate upgrades are not possible. It provides security fixes but does not include new features or improvements.
TYPO3 v13 follows the standard lifecycle:
- Around 3 years of LTS support
- Additional ELTS available (paid)
For long-term planning, monitor the official TYPO3 roadmap.
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Wolfgang Weber
Brand & Communication LeadWolfgang Weber shapes TYPO3 with passion and expertise. As TYPO3 enthusiast, he has contributed to TYPO3 projects that make websites faster and more secure. Outside of TYPO3, you'll probably find him exploring local cafés and…
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