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Restart a Homebrew Service with brew services

Stop and start a Homebrew-managed background service in one step so config changes take effect.

macOSbrewservicesTerminalMedium risk
Run brew services restart redis (or any formula) to bounce the service and re-register it to launch at login.

01Command

Command
$ brew services restart <formula>

02What it does

Formulae such as redis, postgresql and nginx register their background daemons with launchd through brew services. The restart subcommand stops the service if it is running, starts it again immediately, and keeps it registered to launch at login, so you do not have to touch launchctl yourself. brew services list shows every managed service and whether it is started, stopped, or in error.

03Risk

RiskMedium risk
Requirements["Homebrew installed"]
!Warning: Running brew services with sudo installs the service system-wide under /Library/LaunchDaemons for all users; without sudo it is a user agent. Pick one style and stay consistent, or you can end up with two copies trying to use the same port.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

  • brew(1) manpage source (Homebrew/brew)
    HB · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: The command reference includes the brew services restart section: stop (if necessary) and start the service immediately, registering it to launch at login or boot.
  • brew(1) — The Package Manager for Everywhere
    HB · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: The manpage documents "[sudo] brew services restart (formula|--all)": "Stop (if necessary) and start the service formula immediately and register it to launch at login (or boot)."

Last verified: 2026-09-19 · Category: System & Settings

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