Spin up a free Joomla test site in one click
Tired of setting up local installs or testing on a live site? JInstant gives you a clean, disposable Joomla test site online in seconds. No hosting, no setup, no cleanup.
How it works, in three steps.
Select your desired Joomla, and PHP versions
Choose your Joomla release and PHP version.
We create your test site in seconds
We create a clean, isolated install for you in seconds. No hosting or config.
Instantly log in with a 1-click magic link
We email a private magic link that instantly logs you in.
Setting up Joomla test sites used to take too long.
JInstant gives you a Joomla test site in seconds. Nothing to download, nothing to configure, no waiting.
The old way
Lots of setup before you could start, and nothing you could share with a teammate.
The JInstant way
Pick your versions, click once, and a live Joomla install is waiting with a link you can pass to anyone.
A full Joomla install, ready to use.
Every test site is a full install you control. Upload extensions, test what you need, then walk away.
Bring your own plugins
Upload any extension, template or package and test it against a clean install.
Supported versions
Joomla 6.1 and 5.4 supported, each with its officially supported PHP versions.
Fully isolated
Every test site is its own container, and it disappears on its own in 4h.
Private admin link
A signed URL straight to the administrator panel lands in your inbox in seconds.
What can you do with a Joomla test site?
Use a disposable Joomla sandbox to test extensions, try updates, evaluate templates, reproduce bugs, or demo and learn Joomla online. Then let it disappear.
Test an extension or plugin
Install any extension or plugin on a clean Joomla and confirm it works before it touches your live site.
Test an update or new version
Spin up Joomla 6.1 or 5.4 and rehearse an update, or confirm your site works on a newer release, with nothing at risk.
Evaluate a template
Try a new template or theme on a fresh install to see how it really looks and behaves.
Reproduce a client bug
Recreate an issue on a clean Joomla sandbox to isolate whether it is an extension, the template or the config.
Learn or demo Joomla
Explore the Joomla administrator or run a quick online demo, with no XAMPP, MAMP or local install.
Try a different PHP version
Run the same Joomla on another PHP version to catch compatibility issues before you upgrade your host.
Trial a risky change safely
Test a config change, patch or third-party tweak on a disposable site instead of your live one.
Prototype a site idea
Mock up menus, content or a site structure as a quick throwaway prototype, with nothing to clean up.
Every time I wanted to test a plugin, debug a client issue, or try a new update, I had to set up a test site first. That meant downloading Joomla, creating a database, copy/pasting files, and running the Joomla installer each time. It took me 5 to 10 minutes every single time, before I could even begin.
And when I finished testing, I had to delete the whole thing to clean up my machine. Doing that a few times a day, the wasted time really added up.
I just wanted a fresh site I could open with one click, use it for as long as I needed, and never have to clean up afterwards.
So I built JInstant. It’s the tool I always wished I had, and I hope it saves you the time it used to cost me.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about spinning up a free Joomla test site.
Is JInstant free?
Yes. JInstant is completely free to use. You can have up to 3 disposable Joomla test sites active at once, and spin up new ones anytime once you delete or they auto-expire.
How long does a test site last?
Every test site lasts 4 hours, then it cleans itself up automatically, so there is nothing to tear down.
Which Joomla and PHP versions can I use?
You can spin up Joomla 6.1 or 5.4, each on the PHP versions that release officially supports.
Can I test a Joomla update or upgrade?
Yes. Launch a clean Joomla 5.4 or 6.1 site and check that your extensions and templates still work, or rehearse an update, before you change anything on your live site.
Can I install my own extension or template?
Yes. Upload any extension, template or package and test it against a clean, isolated Joomla install.
Can I access the Joomla administrator?
Yes. Every test site comes with a private magic link that logs you straight into the Joomla administrator, so you have full admin control.
Is JInstant a Joomla sandbox or playground?
Yes. Each test site is a full, isolated Joomla sandbox where you can try anything against a clean install, then throw it away.
Do I need to sign up to create a test site?
Just enter your email and we send a one-click magic link to your test site. There is no long signup form to fill in.
Do I need XAMPP, MAMP or any local setup?
No. Everything runs in your browser, so there is no XAMPP, MAMP, database or configuration to set up.
Is JInstant affiliated with the Joomla project?
No. JInstant is an independent tool for testing Joomla and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Joomla project or Open Source Matters.