systemctl restart Linux Command
Stops and then starts a systemd service.
What does systemctl restart do?
Stops and then starts a systemd service.
Syntax
systemctl restart service_namePractical example
sudo systemctl restart sshQuestions about systemctl restart
How do I restart a service with systemctl?
Use `sudo systemctl restart service_name` to stop and start a service. This is equivalent to running stop then start.
When should I use restart vs reload?
Use `restart` for a full restart (stop+start). Use `reload` to re-read config without downtime. Many services support reload for config changes.
How do I reload a service configuration?
Use `sudo systemctl reload service_name` to tell the service to re-read its configuration without stopping.
How do I restart multiple services?
Use `sudo systemctl restart service1 service2 service3` to restart multiple services in a single command.
What happens if restart fails?
systemd will report the failure. Use `systemctl status service_name` and `journalctl -u service_name` to diagnose the issue.
How do I see if a service needs restarting?
Use `needs-restarting -s` to see services that need restarting after updates, or `needs-restarting -r` to restart them automatically.
How do I restart a service and check status?
Use `sudo systemctl restart service_name && systemctl status service_name` to restart and immediately check the result.
How do I restart all failed services?
Use `sudo systemctl restart --failed` to restart all services that are currently in a failed state.
Related Service Commands
systemctl stopStops a running systemd service immediately.
systemctl enableEnables a service to start automatically at boot time.
systemctl startStarts a systemd service immediately.
systemctl disableDisables a service from starting automatically at boot.
journalctlQueries and displays logs from the systemd journal.
systemctl statusShows the current status, recent logs, and PID of a systemd service.