How to Check Your TYPO3 Version And Why It Matters
“Hey, how do I check which TYPO3 version my site’s on?” Oh, that? Completely understandable question. Well, most people don't even think about checking. But yes, it matters. Your TYPO3 version shows if your site still gets security updates or runs on borrowed time.
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“Wait, seriously?”
Yes. Some versions get support for years, called LTS and ELTS (which we will get below), and others don't. And if you are running something old, you are missing out on features and performance, and could be wide open to security vulnerabilities.
"Ok…and how do I find out which one I have?"
No problem, I will show you a few quick and easy ways to find out. It doesn't matter if you have backend access, files, or are just on the front end. I will explain the version numbers, how to know if you are ok, and what to do next if you are not.
Hmm…Sounds good. Let’s go!
What Is a TYPO3 Version?
TYPO3 is a robust, open-source content management system (CMS). TYPO3 is used to develop websites of all shapes and sizes: from small company sites to massive enterprise platforms.
TYPO3 is known for being flexible. It can create websites for almost any need. It has security features that help prevent intrusions and attacks. Most importantly, TYPO3 is designed for complex content structures, but it can also support simpler ones.
Like all software, TYPO3 comes with a roadmap for development. Coding, debugging, and providing updates are part of any software's evolution.
New features are offered, performance and efficiency upgrades are possible, and upgrades or overhauls may happen. Whenever any updates occur, a new version is identified.
So, what does it mean when TYPO3 has a version update? A version usually comes out as: 13.4.1
That's semantic versioning, and simply puts:
- 13 → Major version (indicates significant changes/new features)
- 4 → Minor version (indicates minor updates/improvements)
- 1 → Patch version (indicates bug fixes/security updates)
The version of TYPO3 tells you if your TYPO3 installation is current or outdated.
And Why Does Your Version Matter?
Everything:
- to how secure your site is,
- whether or not your extensions will work
- whether or not you have an easy path to upgrade
If you have an older version of TYPO3, you could miss out on many upgrades or have plenty of security issues. Knowing your version lets you plan your TYPO3 upgrades wisely and avoid unwanted surprises.
Want to see how TYPO3 versioning is managed? The TYPO3 Roadmap will show you support and upgrade timelines planned for the latest version of TYPO3!
Types of TYPO3 Versions
TYPO3 does not just release random versions. There is a plan and two common types of releases:
1. LTS (Long Term Support)
If your goal is stability and you never worry about surprises, this is your desired version.
- Supported for a minimum of 3 years
- Regular bug and security fixes
- Works great for businesses or sites that can't afford any surprises.
2. Sprint Releases (Regular Releases)
Sprint releases are for early adopters or developers who want the new features first.
- Shorter support cycles
- Good for testing or future-proofing, but not suitable for long-term use for a live site.
TYPO3 also has something called ELTS (Extended Long Term Support). ELTS covers the older LTS versions that are officially expired but still need security updates. It's an additional, paid add-on for businesses not ready to upgrade.
How to Check Your TYPO3 Version?
Now that you understand why it is essential to know your TYPO3 version, let's get into how to find it.
There are three methods for finding your TYPO3 version. Some methods are high-speed, while others are technical, but we will keep it simple.
Method 1: The Fastest Way (If You Have Backend Access)
This is going to be the simplest method for you if you have access to login to the TYPO3 backend.
Here's how:
- Log in to begin administering your TYPO3 CMS; it's that easy.
- Scroll to the bottom right of the page.
- Generally, you will see the version number displayed there (v12.4.28).
- Or from the left-hand menu select the "About" module, and the version will be displayed at the top of the page.
Quick tip:
- If your backend looks clean and modern, run v10, v11, or v12.
- If your backend is old and clunky, you are likely running something older (whoa! risky!)
Not able to access the backend?
It could be that the website is crapped out, or you don't have the admin rights to log in. No worries, let's try one of the following two methods.
Method 2: Check Through the Files or Composer (For Developers & Tech Users)
This option is for you if you have access to the website's files or if it is a Composer-based solution.
Option 1: Look in the file system
The file is located in:
typo3/sysext/core/ext_emconf.php
Open the file and look for a line like the following:
'version' => '13.4.1',
Option 2: If your site is using Composer
- Open composer.json or composer.lock in the root folder.
Search for:
"typo3/cms-core"
- And you will see a version number listed next to it.
For command line users:
If you are in the terminal, run:
composer show typo3/cms-core
And it will show you the exact version in an instant.
Method 3: Use Browser Tools or External TYPO3 Checkers
This method is strictly for live sites when you don’t have backend or file access.
Option 1: Check the page source
- Open your site in your browser
- Right click → View Page Source
Search for a meta tag like:
<meta name="generator" content="TYPO3 CMS 12.4.28">
Not all sites have this, and most likely do not if the devs removed it for security. But if you don’t see it, don’t panic.
Option 2: Use an online TYPO3 version checker
A few online tools will crawl sites and determine the TYPO3 version based on what is found in the front end.
No matter where you are in your journey, you can plan for upgrades better once you have your version. You can also check security and avoid surprises.
Now That You Know Your Version, What’s Next?
Well done! So you have found out your TYPO3 version. Very nice. Now comes the big question:
Do you need to update? Or upgrade?
Let's take a look at this.
Step 1: Check If Your Version Is Still Supported
Take a look at the TYPO3 roadmap. It shows exactly which versions are actively maintained and until when. Here's the general idea:
- LTS versions (like 11.5 or 12.4) usually get more than 3 years of free support, including bug and security fixes.
- After that, you can pay for ELTS (Extended Long-Term Support) to continue receiving security updates while you plan a full upgrade.
- Older, unsupported versions (like v9 or earlier)? You're in the danger zone.
Step 2: Choose Your Next Move
If your version is still supported,
Good news! You are in the safe zone. Just make sure you are using the latest patch (e.g. 13.4.1, 13.4.2). These updates often contain important security fixes, and it's always good to stay up to date.
If your version is outdated or unsupported,
Now is the time to make a plan for the TYPO3 upgrade. You don't want to wait until something breaks.
- Check the current LTS version (at the moment this is TYPO3 v13.4).
- If you have an older version like v10 or v11 you may need to upgrade in stages (e.g. v10 → v11 → v12 → v13).
- When upgrading, pay attention to compatibility problems with PHP, MySQL and extensions.
Why It’s Risky to Stay on an Old Version
Sticking with an unsupported TYPO3 version may seem easier in the moment, but it can cost you a lot later.
- No security updates → Open to hackers
- Extensions no longer work → more bugs, less functionality
- No new features or improvements → You fall behind the competition
- Upgrades become more and more difficult over time → more costs, more work
And yes, these are not just "theoretical risks". Websites running on older TYPO3 versions have been plagued by real security issues that could have been avoided by simply staying up to date.
Double-Check Your Tech Stack
Before upgrading, make sure your server is ready for the new version:
- PHP version - TYPO3 v13 requires PHP 8.1 or higher.
- MySQL or MariaDB - Make sure your database version is compatible.
- Extensions - Some old extensions may not work on newer versions, so check compatibility.
It only takes a few minutes to make sure everything is in order, and it will save you a lot of headaches later.
Common Issues When Checking TYPO3 Version
When checking your TYPO3 version, problems can sometimes occur. Let's take a look at some common problems and how to solve them:
1. Backend Not Loading
If you cannot access the backend:
- Check the server logs for errors.
- Delete the TYPO3 cache or ask your hosting provider for help.
- Use other methods such as file checks or browser tools.
2. Files Inaccessible (Shared Hosting)
If you are using shared hosting and cannot access certain files:
- Check with your TYPO3 hosting provider about access.
- Use FTP or Composer if this is permitted.
3. Composer vs Non-Composer Confusion
If your setup is confusing (composer vs. non-composer):
- Search for composer.json to determine if you are using Composer.
- Non-Composer setups require you to check files like ext_emconf.php.
These are the most common hurdles when checking your TYPO3 version. Once you understand them, verification becomes much easier!
Final Thoughts
Knowing your TYPO3 version is essential for the security, functionality and long-term stability of your website. Whether you are using an LTS version or considering an upgrade: Staying up to date will ensure your website runs smoothly and securely.
Remember: thinking ahead and planning TYPO3 upgrades is the best way to avoid problems later on. This will save you time, money and stress in the future.
If you're not sure which TYPO3 version is best for you, don't hesitate to contact a TYPO3 agency who will be happy to help and advise you.
Do you have any questions? Write to us in the comments, we will be happy to help you!
FAQ's
You can check your TYPO3 version without logging in:
- Use the browser developer toolsSearch for the meta tag in the source code if it is available.
- Access to system filesIf you have access to the server, check files like ext_emconf.php or composer.json.
- Using external version control toolsSome online tools can scan the frontend of your website to give you an estimate, but they are not always 100% accurate.
LTS stands for Long-Term Support. TYPO3 LTS versions receive bug fixes and security updates for more than 3 years to keep your website secure and functional. After the initial support period, you can opt for Extended Long-Term Support (ELTS).
If you are using an outdated TYPO3 version, you are missing out on important security updates, new features and bug fixes. Your website could become vulnerable to attacks, lose functionality or experience performance issues.
Yes, in most cases you can update your TYPO3 version directly from the backend by using the Extension Manager or Composer (for Composer-based setups). However, a full update often requires manual intervention, especially for major version changes.
TYPO3 follows a regular release schedule. Major versions are usually released every year, while minor updates and patches to fix bugs and security issues are released regularly. LTS versions have a longer support period to ensure long-term stability.
Contact for Internet agency and TYPO3 projects
Sven Thelemann
Service Partner - Germany
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