How to use the SSH reboot command

Knowing how to use the SSH reboot command lets you restart your server safely without leaving the terminal. A reboot is often the quickest way to apply a kernel update, clear a stuck process, or finish an installation. In this article, we will show you how to use the SSH reboot command with clear examples.

How to use the SSH reboot command

In short, reboot restarts the whole machine. It requires root or sudo access, so it is available on a VPS or dedicated server, not on shared hosting. To get started, connect over SSH, then run one of the commands below.

Basic reboot usage

First, if you are logged in as root, simply run the command. If you are a regular user with privileges, add sudo:

reboot
sudo reboot

Restart with the shutdown command

Next, the shutdown command can also restart the server. Use -r for reboot and now to do it immediately:

shutdown -r now

Schedule a reboot

Additionally, you can delay the restart to a quieter time. The example below reboots in ten minutes and sends a message to logged-in users:

shutdown -r +10 "Server will reboot for maintenance"

Finally, to cancel a scheduled restart before it runs, use shutdown -c.

Because a reboot disconnects every service and active session, always save your work and warn other users first. Your SSH session will drop during the restart and reconnect once the server is back online, usually within a minute or two. If a service does not start automatically after boot, check its status with systemctl to confirm everything came back up as expected.

Need more help?

Master the basic Linux commands with examples on a SSH shared hosting account, or get full root control with a JetHost VPS. With root access and full Linux terminal support, you can run the SSH reboot command on your own server whenever you need it.