Can't Update Route 66 due to PHP and PHP update crashes site

Hi Dalana,

Thanks for the explanation — I understand why this is frustrating.

Route 66 v2.x does require PHP 8.2 or later, which is why Joomla blocks the update while you’re on an older PHP version. Unfortunately, the PHP upgrade has to happen first.

Regarding the site crashing on PHP 8.2: at this stage we can’t be sure what is failing. It could be Route 66 v1.12.0, another extension, or custom code on the site.

To help identify the issue, please do the following before switching PHP again:

1. Go to System → Global Configuration
2. Set Error Reporting to Maximum and Debug System to Yes
3. Switch PHP to 8.2
4. Reload the site and copy the exact error message you see

A white screen usually just means errors are hidden.

You do not need to uninstall Route 66, and your existing data (inputs, scores, etc.) will not be lost during the update once the issue is resolved.

Send me the error output and I’ll take a look so we can determine the correct next steps.

Best regards,  
Lefteris

Hi Dalana,

Thanks for the error message.

The message “The MySQLi extension is not available” means that some required PHP extensions are not enabled in your PHP 8.2 configuration. This is not specific to Route 66; Joomla itself requires these extensions to function.

You just need to enable them in your hosting control panel (or PHP configuration).

According to the official Joomla requirements, the following PHP modules are required or recommended:  
https://manual.joomla.org/docs/get-started/technical-requirements/ 

Required:

• json
• simplexml
• dom
• zlib
• gd
• mysqli / mysqlnd or pdo_mysql

Recommended:

• mbstring

Once the MySQLi (or PDO MySQL) extension is enabled for PHP 8.2, the site should load normally. After that, you’ll be able to proceed with updating Route 66 to v2.x.

If you’re unsure where to enable these, your hosting provider should be able to assist quickly.

Best regards,  
Lefteris