Overview
You can reload or restart Nginx from your panel or via SSH. Do this after changing a configuration file to make sure the new settings take effect.
This article contains examples using sudo/admin users. If you require sudo/admin access, you must upgrade to a Dedicated Server and add an admin user.
How do I reload Nginx?
Reloading is recommended as it keeps the server running while re-reading any configuration file updates. This is safer than restarting because if a syntax error is noticed in a config file, it will not proceed with the reload, allowing your server to remain running.
If you instead restart with a syntax error, your server may potentially not restart correctly.
How do I reload Nginx in the panel (Managed VPS and Dedicated Servers)?
To reload your server in the panel:
Navigate to the Servers & Usage page.
Click the 'vertical 3 dots' button to the right of the server you wish to reload.
Click the Reload HTTP button.
Wait 5 minutes for it to rebuild the configuration file.
How do I reload Nginx via SSH (Dedicated Servers only)?
You can restart Nginx with the following command after logging into your server via SSH with your admin user:
[server]$ sudo /etc/init.d/nginx reload
How do I restart Nginx?
The following sections explain how to restart Nginx from either the panel or via SSH.
How do I restart Nginx in the panel (Managed VPS and Dedicated Servers)?
To restart your server in the panel:
Navigate to the Servers & Usage page.
Click the 'vertical 3 dots' button to the right of the server you wish to restart.
Click the Restart Server button.
Wait 5 minutes for it to rebuild the configuration file.
How do I restart Nginx via SSH (Dedicated Servers only)?
You can restart Nginx with the following commands after logging into your server via SSH with your admin user:
[server]$ sudo /etc/init.d/nginx stop [server]$ sudo /etc/init.d/nginx start
