The Update check screen checks the installed JEM version against the update information published by the JEM project. It helps administrators see whether the site is running the latest compatible JEM release and provides links to release information, downloads, and Joomla's update screen.
Update check is an information screen. Before installing any update, make a full backup and test the update on a staging copy.
Where to Find This Screen
Open the Joomla administrator and go to Components → JEM → Update check. The screen is also available from the JEM control panel.
The screen loads update information from the JEM update XML file and compares it with the version installed on the site.
What It Checks
JEM reads the installed component version and compares it with the latest update entry that matches the current Joomla version.
| Item | Meaning |
|---|
| Installed Version |
The JEM version currently installed on the Joomla site. |
| Latest version |
The latest JEM release found in the update information for the compatible Joomla line. |
| Release date |
The release date published in the update information. |
| Changes |
A short list of release changes, plus a link to the full changelog when available. |
| Files |
Links to download or update JEM when a newer version is available. |
| Notes |
Release notes included in the update information. |
Possible Results
The screen can show different status messages depending on the version comparison and the update information returned by the server.
| Status | What it means | Recommended action |
|---|
| Latest version installed |
The installed JEM version matches the latest compatible release. |
No update is required. Keep checking periodically. |
| New version available |
The installed JEM version is older than the latest compatible release. |
Read the changelog, back up the site, test on staging, then update. |
| Installed version is newer |
The installed version is newer than the version published in the update information. |
This can happen with beta, RC, development, or locally packaged builds. Check manually. |
| No compatible version |
No update entry is available for the current Joomla version. |
Check JEM and Joomla compatibility before updating manually. |
| Connection failed |
The update information could not be loaded from the JEM update server. |
Try again later and check server connectivity. |
Update Links
When update information is available, the screen can show links to:
- Changelog: opens the full release information.
- Download: opens the package download link from the update information.
- Update: opens Joomla's extension update screen filtered for JEM when an update is available.
Do not update directly on a production site without a verified backup. Major-version moves, such as Joomla 5 / JEM 4 to Joomla 6 / JEM 5, should follow the Upgrading and Updating documentation.
Version Compatibility
JEM releases are tied to Joomla major versions. The update check selects update information that matches the current Joomla platform when possible.
- JEM 4.5.x is the update line for Joomla 5.
- JEM 5.0.0 is the update line for Joomla 6.
- Do not install a JEM package built for a different Joomla major version.
If the site is moving from Joomla 5 to Joomla 6, update JEM to the final Joomla 5 compatible version first, migrate Joomla, and only then install the Joomla 6 compatible JEM package.
Recommended Update Workflow
- Open Update check and review the installed and latest versions.
- Open the changelog and read the release notes.
- Check the System requirements for the target JEM version.
- Make a full backup of files and database.
- Test the update on a staging copy.
- Update through Joomla's extension updater or install the full JEM package ZIP as instructed.
- Check the JEM dashboard, settings, frontend views, modules, plugins, and database status.
What Update Check Does Not Do
- It does not back up the site.
- It does not test template overrides or custom CSS.
- It does not verify every third-party extension on the Joomla site.
- It does not replace the Joomla updater or the JEM package installer.
- It does not guarantee that a major Joomla migration is ready.
After Updating JEM
After installing an update, return to the Update check screen to confirm that the installed version is reported correctly.
- Clear Joomla cache if old version information still appears.
- Check System → Maintenance → Database for schema warnings.
- Review JEM Settings for new or changed options.
- Check template overrides and custom CSS after major updates.
- Test frontend event lists, calendars, venue pages, modules, plugins, and registrations if used.
Troubleshooting
Update server currently not available
- Try again later.
- Check whether the server can make outbound HTTPS requests.
- Check firewall, hosting, proxy, or SSL certificate restrictions.
- Use the official JEM website manually if the site cannot reach the update XML.
No compatible JEM version is shown
- Check the Joomla major version running on the site.
- Check the System requirements page for the matching JEM line.
- Do not install a package for another Joomla major version.
The installed version appears newer than the latest release
This can happen when the site runs a beta, release candidate, development build, or locally packaged version. Check the package source and compare it with the official release notes.
Joomla updater does not show JEM
- Click Find Updates in Joomla's update screen.
- Clear Joomla update cache if needed.
- Install the full JEM package ZIP manually if the release instructions require it.
- Check that the package matches the current Joomla major version.
Related Project Notes
- #1552 is relevant to clarifying the JEM update and upgrade path in documentation.
- #2186 is useful when checking the backend after updates because it adds the Statistics panel.
- #2211 is relevant after updates when reviewing custom CSS management.
Related Documentation
