How to restart Apache on your VPS

Apache stops responding when configuration changes fail to load, memory limits are reached or processes become stuck. Restarting the service clears these issues and applies any pending configuration updates.

You will restart Apache using cPanel/WHM, Plesk or the command line. The method you choose depends on which control panel your VPS uses.

Restart Apache with cPanel/WHM

WHM provides a graphical interface for managing server services. You will search for Apache and trigger a restart through the service management area.

1. Log in to WHM.
   Access your WHM control panel using your server’s hostname and port 2087: https://yourhostname.com:2087
2. Search for Apache.
   Use the search bar at the top left of the WHM interface and type Apache. The search results will display relevant service options.
3. Open the restart services category.
   Click HTTP Server (Apache) under the Restart Services heading. This opens the Apache service management page.
4. Confirm the restart.
   A prompt appears asking you to confirm the restart. Click Yes to proceed. A loading bar indicates the restart is in progress.
5. Verify the restart completed.
   Once finished, you will see the message “Apache has successfully restarted!” Your Apache service is now running with a fresh process.

Restart Apache with Plesk

Plesk groups all server services in one management area. You will navigate to the services section and restart Apache using the control buttons.

1. Log in to Plesk.
   Access your Plesk control panel using your server’s hostname and port 8443: https://yourhostname.com:8443
2. Open Tools & Settings.
   In the left sidebar, locate the Server Management section and click Tools & Settings.
3. Navigate to Services Management.
   Under Server Management, click Services Management. This page lists all running services on your server including Apache.
4. Locate the Apache service.
   Find Web Server (Apache) in the services list. The position varies depending on your Plesk version.
5. Restart the service.
   Hover over Web Server (Apache) and click the cog icon labelled Restart the service. The restart process begins immediately and you will receive a confirmation message once complete.

Restart Apache via SSH

The command line offers two restart options. A graceful restart only affects idle processes and prevents interruption to active connections. A full restart stops and starts all Apache processes.

1. Connect to your VPS via SSH.
   Open your SSH client and connect using your server credentials. You need root access to restart Apache.
2. Run the restart command.
   Choose either a graceful or full restart depending on your needs.

For a graceful restart that only affects idle processes:

service httpd graceful

For a full restart that stops and starts all Apache processes:

service httpd restart

The command completes without output if successful. Apache is now running with updated configuration and cleared processes.

Wrapping up

You restarted Apache using your preferred control panel or the command line. Your web server now runs with a fresh process and any configuration changes have taken effect.

Monitor your sites over the next few minutes to confirm they load correctly. If Apache fails to restart or sites remain unavailable, check your error logs for configuration issues. Our VPS hosting includes full root access and control panel options.

If you run into any trouble, get in touch and our team will be happy to help.