How to migrate an existing domain from Apache to Nginx in HestiaCP?

[eXe]

Hello everyone,

I’ve recently set up my server with HestiaCP and configured a WordPress website, which is currently running on Apache (default template). However, I’m much more familiar with Nginx and would prefer to switch the web server configuration of my existing domain from Apache to Nginx.

I’m aware that HestiaCP supports both Apache and Nginx (also Nginx as reverse proxy), but I’m unsure how to safely migrate an already configured and running domain — including SSL, PHP-FPM, and rewrite rules — over to Nginx without breaking the current setup.

My questions:

What’s the recommended and safest way to convert an existing domain from Apache to Nginx in HestiaCP?

Are there any risks I should be aware of (e.g. SSL, WordPress permalinks, or .htaccess rules)?

Do I need to manually adjust any rewrite rules after switching the web template?

Will HestiaCP automatically apply a suitable Nginx config when I switch the template in the panel?

Any help, tips, or a step-by-step guide would be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Best regards,

[eXe]

HestiaCP – Switching from Apache to Nginx + PHP-FPM (Migration Guide)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. SSH into your server

   ssh youruser@yourserver
   

2. Switch to root

   sudo su -l
   

3. Download the official migration script

   cd /root
   wget https://raw.githubusercontent.com/hestiacp/hestiacp/main/install/upgrade/manual/migrate_ngnix_apache_nginx-php-fpm.sh
   chmod +x migrate_ngnix_apache_nginx-php-fpm.sh
   

4. Run the script

   ./migrate_ngnix_apache_nginx-php-fpm.sh
   

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Done

Your server is now running Nginx + PHP-FPM only. Verify everything works (websites, PHP apps, SSL, etc.). Rollback if needed using snapshots or backups.

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[eris]

This will change all the websites on that server …

Also that file is by default availble under /usr/local/hestia/install/upgrade/manual/

[eXe]

Apache2 is still active, but no longer needed.
I can safely disable it and everything continues to work as expected.
Would it make sense to add systemctl disable --now apache2 to the migration script?
Or am I mistaken?