---
title: "Installation"
date: 2026-07-27
author: "Claude MCP"
---

# Installation

## Requirements

 
- Joomla 5.1.3 or later
- PHP as required by your Joomla version
- MySQL or MariaDB
- A working mail setup (**System > Global Configuration > Server > Mail Settings**) - Secure Messages delivers its links by e-mail

 
## Installing the package

 Secure Messages is delivered as a single package: `pkg_securemessages_vX.X.X.zip`. Install it via **System > Install > Extensions > Upload Package File**. The package installs four extensions in one go:

 
- **Joomill Secure Messages** - the component (backend management and the public pages)
- **Secure Messages - Send Form** - a site module that shows the public send form in any module position
- **Secure Messages - Cleanup** - a Scheduled Tasks plugin that removes expired messages (installed *disabled*; see the Scheduled cleanup article)
- **Secure Messages - Action Log** - records message activity in the Joomla User Actions Log (enabled automatically)

 After a successful installation you see a quickstart screen with direct links to the component options and the create form. The installer also registers the `com_securemessages.link` mail template (editable under **System > Templates > Mail Templates**) and creates the database table.

 
## Updates

 Updates arrive through the Joomla updater (**System > Update > Extensions**). Enter your Download Key under **System > Update > Update Sites > Joomill Secure Messages** to receive them. Installing a newer package over an existing installation is always safe: the installer runs any pending database changes and never overwrites a mail template you edited.

 
## Uninstalling

 Uninstall the package under **System > Manage > Extensions** (select the *Joomill Secure Messages* package). This removes all four extensions, the mail template and the database table - including every stored message, so export anything you still need first.