Your TYPO3 and PHP versions must fit together. TYPO3 v14 and v13 run on PHP 8.2 to 8.5. TYPO3 v12 runs on PHP 8.1 to 8.4, but its free support ended on 30 April 2026. Since the PHP2Shell security release of 21 October 2026, your PHP patch level matters as well.
Quick answer (checked 28 October 2026):
- TYPO3 v14 LTS: PHP 8.2 to 8.5 (recommended for new projects)
- TYPO3 v13 LTS: PHP 8.2 to 8.5
- TYPO3 v12: PHP 8.1 to 8.4 (free support ended on 30 April 2026, ELTS only)
- TYPO3 v11: PHP 7.4 to 8.3 (ELTS only)
- Safe PHP patch levels after PHP2Shell: 8.5.12, 8.4.27, 8.3.36 or 8.2.35 and newer
When a PHP version reaches End of Life (EOL), it no longer receives security updates. Newer TYPO3 releases also need modern PHP to run well. An outdated combination leads to extension conflicts, hosting limits and a larger attack surface.
This guide gives you the 2026 compatibility overview, a checker for your PHP version, the lifecycle dates and clear upgrade advice.
PHP2Shell: check your PHP patch level now
On 21 October 2026 the PHP team fixed two critical flaws, CVE-2026-109618 and CVE-2026-109619, known as PHP2Shell. Attacks have been seen since 17 October 2026. A TYPO3 version that supports your PHP branch is not enough: you need PHP 8.5.12, 8.4.27, 8.3.36 or 8.2.35 or newer. PHP 8.1 and older get no official fix. Check your PHP version or read our PHP2Shell guide for TYPO3.
TYPO3 & PHP Compatibility Overview (2026)
Below is the current compatibility status for active and legacy TYPO3 versions.
Currently Supported TYPO3 Versions
- TYPO3 v14 LTS
PHP 8.2–8.5
Recommended for new projects - TYPO3 v13 LTS
PHP 8.2–8.5
Proven choice for existing projects
The community supports two LTS versions at any time. For new installations in 2026, TYPO3 v13 or v14 on PHP 8.3 or newer is the preferred baseline.
Extended Support Only (ELTS)
- TYPO3 v12: PHP 8.1–8.4. Free community support ended on 30 April 2026.
- TYPO3 v11: PHP 7.4–8.3. Free support ended in October 2024.
Both versions only get security fixes through paid ELTS. Use this time to plan the upgrade.
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 need an upgrade plan.
Which TYPO3 Version Should You Run in 2026?
- Choose TYPO3 v14 for new projects and the longest support window.
- Choose TYPO3 v13 LTS if you want a proven release with security fixes until December 2027.
- Move off TYPO3 v12 and v11 as soon as possible. They only get paid ELTS fixes.
Use the latest supported TYPO3 version with PHP 8.3 or newer for security, performance and upgrade flexibility.
Official TYPO3 & PHP Compatibility Matrix
The table shows which PHP versions work with each TYPO3 release. Use it to check whether your setup is supported in 2026.
| TYPO3 Version | Supported PHP Versions | Support Status | Recommended for New Projects | Database Requirements |
| v14 LTS | 8.2 – 8.5 | LTS, security fixes until June 2029 | Yes | MySQL 8.0+ / MariaDB 10.5+ / PostgreSQL |
| v13 LTS | 8.2 – 8.5 | LTS, security fixes until December 2027 | Yes | MySQL 8.0.17+ / MariaDB 10.4.3+ / PostgreSQL 10+ |
| v12 | 8.1 – 8.4 | Free support ended 30 April 2026, ELTS only | No | MySQL 8.0+ / MariaDB 10.3+ |
| v11 | 7.4 – 8.3 | 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 |
Patch level matters too. Since PHP2Shell, PHP 8.5.12, 8.4.27, 8.3.36 and 8.2.35 are the first safe releases of their branch. PHP 8.1 and older are EOL and have no official fix, whatever TYPO3 version you run.
If your TYPO3 or PHP version is EOL, plan the upgrade without delay. For release dates, see the TYPO3 roadmap and the TYPO3 documentation.
Which PHP version runs with which TYPO3 version
Status as of 28 October 2026. PHP 8.2 security support ends on 31 December 2026 and PHP 8.3 on 31 December 2027. TYPO3 v12 and v11 get fixes only through paid ELTS.
Minimum, Recommended & Future PHP Versions for TYPO3 (2026)
When you plan 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 8.3 and above.
Minimum Required PHP Version
Each TYPO3 version has a defined minimum:
- TYPO3 v14 - PHP 8.2
- TYPO3 v13 - PHP 8.2
- TYPO3 v12 - PHP 8.1
- TYPO3 v11 (ELTS) - PHP 7.4
The minimum means the site runs. It does not mean the best performance or long-term security.
Recommended PHP Version for Production
For secure and stable production systems:
- TYPO3 v14 and v13 - PHP 8.4 or 8.3
- TYPO3 v12 - PHP 8.4 or 8.3, only until you upgrade
PHP 8.2 reaches end of life on 31 December 2026 (see PHP supported versions), so avoid it for new setups. PHP 8.3 gets security fixes until the end of 2027, PHP 8.4 until the end of 2028 and PHP 8.5 until the end of 2029. Always run the latest patch release of your branch.
PHP 8.4 and PHP 8.5 Compatibility
- TYPO3 v14 and v13 support PHP 8.4 and PHP 8.5.
- TYPO3 v12 supports up to PHP 8.4.
Before you move to a new PHP release:
- Confirm TYPO3 core support
- Check that your extensions support it
- Test in a staging environment
Skipping these checks can cause runtime and dependency errors.
Risks of Running PHP 8.1, 8.0 or 7.4
PHP 8.1 and older no longer get security maintenance, even where an older TYPO3 version still allows them:
- No official fix for PHP2Shell
- Higher vulnerability exposure
- Extension incompatibilities
- Hosting upgrade pressure
- Compliance concerns
For 2026 production environments, PHP 8.3 or higher is the secure baseline.
PHP2Shell Checker: Is Your PHP Version Safe?
Paste your PHP version, the output of php -v, or an X-Powered-By header. You see at once if you are affected and which TYPO3 versions run on your PHP. Read the full PHP2Shell guide for the five steps to secure a site.
Runs only in your browser; nothing is sent to us. Find your version in the TYPO3 backend under Admin Tools › Environment › Environment Status, in your hosting panel, or with the command below.
Check from your server (command line)
php -r 'echo PHP_VERSION, " ", PHP_SAPI, PHP_EOL;'The command-line PHP can differ from the PHP that serves your website. Compare it with the version in TYPO3 Admin Tools.
Other PHP2Shell checkers
External scanners guess the version from headers. Many TYPO3 sites hide it, and Linux distributions often ship the fix without changing the version number. Treat "unknown" as "not confirmed safe".
What Happens If You Run TYPO3 on an Unsupported PHP Version?
An unsupported PHP version may still run TYPO3, but it raises the risk a lot. Once PHP reaches End of Life (EOL), security updates stop and known flaws stay open. PHP2Shell is a current example: PHP 8.1 and older get no official fix.
Security Vulnerabilities
Without active security patches:
- Known exploits stay unpatched
- Automated attacks target outdated environments
- The risk of data breaches grows
Unsupported PHP widens your attack surface.
GDPR and Compliance Exposure
In regulated environments, outdated infrastructure raises compliance concerns:
- Failed security audits
- Questioned data protection practices
- Higher liability after incidents
Supported software is part of demonstrable risk management.
Hosting Provider Forced Upgrades
Hosting providers routinely drop EOL PHP versions.
This can lead to:
- 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 working
- Dependency conflicts increase
- Future updates become hard
This builds up technical debt.
Performance and Stability Loss
Older PHP versions lack the speed and memory improvements of newer releases.
The result:
- Slower response times
- Higher resource usage
- Lower stability
Upgrading PHP is often the simplest way to improve TYPO3 performance and reduce risk.
In short:
Unsupported PHP may look manageable today, but the security, compliance and operating risks grow over time. Check your PHP version now.
TYPO3 LTS and ELTS Lifecycle Explained
TYPO3 follows a clear and predictable release lifecycle. Knowing LTS and ELTS helps you plan and control risk.
How Long Does TYPO3 LTS Last?
Each Long Term Support (LTS) release provides:
- About 3 years of community support
- Regular bug fixes and security updates
- A stable base for enterprise sites
The community supports two LTS versions at any time. Current dates, according to TYPO3 News:
- TYPO3 v14: bug fixes until December 2027, security fixes until June 2029
- TYPO3 v13: security fixes until December 2027
- TYPO3 v12: free support ended on 30 April 2026
What ELTS Includes (and What It Does Not)
After the LTS phase ends, Extended Long Term Support (ELTS) is available as a paid program from TYPO3 GmbH. For TYPO3 v12 it covers up to three more years, with a fourth year for TYPO3 partners.
ELTS includes:
- Security fixes
- Critical patches
- A longer support window
ELTS does not include:
- New features
- Functional improvements
- Major compatibility upgrades
ELTS keeps security coverage in place, but it does not modernize the system.
When ELTS Makes Strategic Sense
ELTS can fit when:
- An immediate upgrade is not possible
- Internal resources are tight for now
- A structured migration plan is already running
In this case, ELTS is a controlled transition period.
When You Should Upgrade Instead
Upgrading is the better option when:
- You skipped several TYPO3 versions
- You need modern extensions
- You want better performance
- Long-term digital strategy is a priority
ELTS is a temporary safeguard. For business-critical systems, upgrading to a supported TYPO3 version is the more sustainable path.
Recommended Upgrade Paths in 2026
If your TYPO3 version is outdated, upgrading is risk management, not housekeeping. Here is what to do for your current setup.
If You Are on TYPO3 v9 or v10
- These versions are End of Life (EOL)
- Upgrade to TYPO3 v14 (preferred) or v13 LTS
- Do not keep them in production
If You Are on TYPO3 v11
- Only ELTS (security fixes only) is available
- Plan the upgrade to v14 or v13 now
- Use ELTS only as a temporary bridge
If You Are on TYPO3 v12
- Free support ended on 30 April 2026
- Upgrade to v13 or v14, or buy ELTS while you prepare
- Update PHP to a patched 8.3 or 8.4 release at once
If You Are on TYPO3 v13
- Fully supported, safe to run
- Use PHP 8.3 or 8.4 on the latest patch level
- Plan the move to v14 before December 2027
Planning a Multi-Version Upgrade
If you are several versions behind:
- Audit your extensions
- Test in staging
- Plan phased upgrades if needed
Structured upgrades reduce risk and downtime. Our TYPO3 team can help: request a free check.
Before you upgrade, confirm your current PHP version, including the patch number such as 8.3.36.
Not sure which TYPO3 version you run? Read how to check your TYPO3 version.
Check via TYPO3 Backend
- Log in to TYPO3
- Open Admin Tools › Environment › Environment Status, or the System Information item in the toolbar
- Read the listed PHP version
Check via Command Line
Run php -v on the server. The command-line PHP can differ from the PHP your web server uses, so compare it with the backend value.
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 to a safe setup. Then use the PHP2Shell checker above to see if your patch level is safe.
Server & Environment Requirements Beyond PHP
PHP compatibility alone is not enough. A stable TYPO3 installation also depends on correct server settings, database versions and matching components. The table shows the key requirements for 2026.
| Requirement Area | Minimum Requirement | Recommended for Production (2026) | Why It Matters |
| PHP Version | 8.2 (v14, v13), 8.1 (v12) | PHP 8.3 or 8.4 on the latest patch level | Security fixes and extension support |
| PHP Patch Level | Any release of a supported branch | 8.5.12, 8.4.27, 8.3.36 or 8.2.35 and newer | Closes the PHP2Shell flaws |
| 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 8.0.17+ (v13), 8.0+ (v14) | MySQL 8.0 or newer, latest stable | Performance, security updates and compatibility |
| Database (MariaDB) | MariaDB 10.3+ (v12), 10.4.3+ (v13), 10.5+ (v14) | Latest stable MariaDB release | Stable DBAL and schema handling |
| Composer Version | Composer 2.x | Latest Composer 2 release | Dependency management for modern TYPO3 setups |
| CLI vs Web PHP | Must match major version | Same PHP version for CLI and web server | Prevents upgrade and rollout conflicts |
| Memory Limit | 256MB | 512MB or higher (enterprise: 768MB+) | Prevents upgrade failures and backend crashes |
| PHP OPcache | Optional | Enabled and configured | Faster response times |
Even if your TYPO3 and PHP versions fit, a mismatched server setup can cause:
- Upgrade failures
- Extension conflicts
- Rollout issues
- Unstable performance
A clean environment reduces technical debt and makes upgrades smoother.
Why Upgrading TYPO3 Is a Strategic Decision (Not Just Technical)
Upgrading TYPO3 affects security, compliance, performance and long-term planning. It is a strategic decision, not only a technical update.
Security and Long-Term Risk Management
Outdated TYPO3 and PHP versions increase exposure to:
- Known vulnerabilities such as PHP2Shell
- Unsupported dependencies
- Audit and compliance risks
Regular upgrades reduce operational risk and support responsible IT governance. Security is a core operating requirement.
Performance Gains with PHP 8.x
Modern PHP versions (8.3+) deliver:
- Faster execution
- Better memory efficiency
- Better overall stability
Combined with newer TYPO3 improvements, this means faster backend work and a quicker frontend.
Extension Ecosystem Compatibility
TYPO3 extensions keep evolving. New releases target supported TYPO3 and PHP versions.
Staying current gives you:
- Access to new features
- Ongoing vendor support
- Fewer integration conflicts
Delaying upgrades increases technical debt.
A Stable Base for the Next Years
Running current TYPO3 and PHP versions:
- Simplifies later upgrades
- Reduces migration effort
- Keeps you inside the support window
For enterprise and regulated environments, predictable lifecycle management is essential. Upgrading TYPO3 is an investment in stability, security and reliable TYPO3 support & maintenance.
Request a Free PHP and TYPO3 Check
Tell us your website, PHP version and TYPO3 version, and choose a service. Our TYPO3 team replies within one business day.
Conclusion
TYPO3 and PHP compatibility is not a one-time decision. It needs lifecycle awareness, planning and timely upgrades. Supported versions give you security coverage, stable extensions and easier maintenance.
In 2026 and beyond, TYPO3 v13 or v14 on PHP 8.3 or newer, at the latest patch level, is the most reliable base. Once your technical base is current, the AI Foundation for TYPO3 gives you a structured way to add and govern AI features.
If your site runs on an outdated TYPO3 or an unsupported PHP version, a structured TYPO3 Upgrade is a necessary step. Not sure where you stand? Check your PHP version or request a free check.
FAQs
TYPO3 v13 needs PHP 8.2 or newer and runs on PHP 8.2 to 8.5. PHP 8.3 or 8.4 is the better choice for production, because PHP 8.2 reaches end of life on 31 December 2026.
No. PHP 8.0 reached end of life in 2023 and PHP 8.1 at the end of 2025. Use PHP 8.3 or newer. Only TYPO3 v12 and v11 (ELTS) still run on PHP 8.1.
Only TYPO3 v11 (under ELTS) supports PHP 7.4. Newer TYPO3 versions need PHP 8.1 or higher. PHP 7.4 is end of life and has no official PHP2Shell fix.
Yes. TYPO3 v14 and v13 support PHP 8.2 to 8.5. TYPO3 v12 supports up to PHP 8.4. Check your extensions and test in staging before you switch.
Once TYPO3 reaches End of Life:
- No security updates
- No bug fixes
- Higher vulnerability risk
An upgrade or ELTS is required to stay secure.
ELTS is useful as a short-term solution when an immediate upgrade is not possible. It provides security fixes but no new features or improvements.
TYPO3 v13 gets security fixes until the end of December 2027. After that, paid ELTS is available.
For long-term planning, follow the official TYPO3 roadmap.
Free community support for TYPO3 v12 ended on 30 April 2026. Security fixes now come only through paid ELTS. Plan the upgrade to TYPO3 v13 or v14.
PHP2Shell is the name for two critical PHP flaws, CVE-2026-109618 and CVE-2026-109619, fixed on 21 October 2026. TYPO3 runs on PHP, so every TYPO3 site on an unpatched PHP version is exposed. The TYPO3 version itself does not matter, the PHP patch level does.
Update to PHP 8.5.12, 8.4.27, 8.3.36 or 8.2.35, or any newer release of your branch. PHP 8.1 and older get no official fix. Use the checker on this page to test your version.
Sources and Further Reading
We checked the dates and version ranges in this guide on 28 October 2026 against these sources. We update the guide when TYPO3 or PHP change their support dates.
- TYPO3 News: TYPO3 v12 LTS end of free support
- TYPO3 Core Changelog: TYPO3 v13 system requirements
- TYPO3 Core Changelog: database engine version requirements
- TYPO3 Core Changelog: TYPO3 v12 system requirements
- get.typo3.org: TYPO3 11 ELTS requirements
- TYPO3 development roadmap
- PHP.net: supported PHP versions
- The PHP Foundation: today's PHP security release
Related guides: PHP2Shell: what TYPO3 site owners must do now, How to check your TYPO3 version, TYPO3 v14 guide and our TYPO3 upgrade service.
Wolfgang Weber
Brand & Communication LeadWolfgang Weber shapes TYPO3 with passion and expertise. As a TYPO3 enthusiast at T3Planet Shop, 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 enjoying football.
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