How to set up Apache to start automatically on macOS boot

Running a local Apache server on macOS simplifies development and testing for web applications. The operating system includes Apache by default, but it does not start on boot. This results in manual restarts whenever the machine is powered off or rebooted.

Enabling persistent uptime streamlines workflows that rely on a local Apache service. Developers and administrators benefit from automated server initialization, which minimizes downtime and ensures services remain available for testing or building complex projects.

A reliable approach uses the launchd service in macOS. This mechanism manages daemons and background processes at boot, allowing Apache to run without manual intervention. Configuring launchd to load the correct Apache service definition provides a consistent, repeatable startup process.

Steps to configure automatic Apache startup on macOS:

Launch Terminal application.
Check if current Apache configuration is valid.

Related: How to test your Apache configuration
Start httpd process manually to use Apache immediately.
```
$ sudo apachectl -k start
```

Check if httpd process successfully run.

ps -aef | grep httpd
    0   161     1   0 Sun04AM ??         0:04.05 /usr/sbin/httpd -D FOREGROUND
  501   800   161   0 Sun04AM ??         0:02.54 /usr/sbin/httpd -D FOREGROUND
  501  1007   161   0 Sun04AM ??         0:02.62 /usr/sbin/httpd -D FOREGROUND
  501  1381   161   0 Sun07AM ??         0:01.71 /usr/sbin/httpd -D FOREGROUND
  501  4472   161   0 Tue07AM ??         0:01.74 /usr/sbin/httpd -D FOREGROUND
  501  4473   161   0 Tue07AM ??         0:01.17 /usr/sbin/httpd -D FOREGROUND
  501  4474   161   0 Tue07AM ??         0:01.06 /usr/sbin/httpd -D FOREGROUND

Use launchctl to load the Apache service for automatic startup.

$ sudo launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/org.apache.httpd.plist
Password:

Unload the Apache service from launchd if automatic startup is no longer required.

$ sudo launchctl unload -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/org.apache.httpd.plist

Author: Mohd Shakir Zakaria
Mohd Shakir Zakaria is a cloud architect with deep roots in software development and open-source advocacy. Certified in AWS, Red Hat, VMware, ITIL, and Linux, he specializes in designing and managing robust cloud and on-premises infrastructures.

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