Ubuntu Linux

Manage Apache Services on Ubuntu: Start, Stop, Restart, Reload

Written by

Richard

Jul 3, 2023 Updated Mar 19, 2026 3 min read

How to Install Google Chrome on Ubuntu Linux

You manage Apache services on Ubuntu using the `systemctl` command to control the Apache HTTP Server, a popular open-source web server used to deliver website content.

This powerful command allows you to easily start, stop, restart, or reload Apache, ensuring your website remains accessible and configuration changes are applied without interruption.

For example, on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, you’ll use specific `systemctl` commands to manage Apache effectively, keeping your web server operational and up-to-date.

⚡ Quick Answer

Control Apache services on Ubuntu using `systemctl` commands. Use `sudo systemctl start apache2` to start, `sudo systemctl stop apache2` to stop, `sudo systemctl restart apache2` to restart, and `sudo systemctl reload apache2` to apply configuration changes without a full stop.

Stop, Start, Restart, and Reload Apache services

As mentioned above, you should know the basics of managing an Apache web server. The related posts and steps below will go a long way in helping you get to your goals.

Start Apache services on Ubuntu Linux

Let’s begin with starting Apache services on Ubuntu Linux. You can use the command below to start Apache services and their associated processes. You’ll find this command works reliably.

🐧Bash / Shell

sudo systemctl start apache2

There’s also another way to start Apache services and processes with this command.

🐧Bash / Shell

sudo /etc/init.d/apache2 start

Stop Apache services on Ubuntu Linux

Now, let’s look at stopping Apache services. On Ubuntu Linux, you can stop Apache services using the command below. It’s worth noting that this same command can also stop Apache processes.

🐧Bash / Shell

sudo systemctl stop apache2

Here’s another command you can use to stop Apache services and processes.

🐧Bash / Shell

sudo /etc/init.d/apache2 stop

Restart Apache services on Ubuntu Linux

Sometimes, you might prefer to restart Apache without a full shutdown and startup. In those situations, the restart option is what you need.

Here’s how you do it.

🐧Bash / Shell

sudo systemctl restart apache2
or
sudo /etc/init.d/apache2 restart

Reload Apache services on Ubuntu Linux

You can reload Apache services to gracefully apply new configuration changes without stopping the web server. This command applies new configurations without completely stopping the web server. It’s a gentler restart that affects only the child processes, loads the new settings, and then restarts them.

You can only use the reload command if Apache is already running.

Here’s how to use the reload command.

🐧Bash / Shell

sudo systemctl reload apache2

You can execute these operations with the Apache web server to start, stop, restart, and reload its services.

start: Starts the process.
stop: Stops the process.
restart: It will stop the process and start it again.
reload: This performs a graceful restart. This stops the child processes only, loads the new config, and starts the child processes.

That’s it!

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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