How to Enable mod_rewrite in Apache on Ubuntu

How to Enable mod_rewrite in Apache on Ubuntu

Works on Ubuntu 18.04, 20.04, 22.04, 24.04+
Compatible with Apache 2.4+

Step 1: Install Apache (If Not Already)

If Apache isn't installed yet:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install apache2 -y

Check Apache status:

sudo systemctl status apache2

Step 2: Enable mod_rewrite Module

Run the following command:

sudo a2enmod rewrite

Step 3: Configure Apache to Allow .htaccess Overrides

Open your Apache config file. If you're using the default site:

sudo nano /etc/apache2/sites-available/000-default.conf

Inside the <VirtualHost *:80> block, add or edit this section:

<Directory /var/www/html>
    AllowOverride All
</Directory>

This allows .htaccess files in your /var/www/html directory to work.

Step 4: Restart Apache

Apply the changes by restarting Apache:

sudo systemctl restart apache2

 Step 5: Create a Test .htaccess File (Optional)

You can test if mod_rewrite works by creating a .htaccess file:

sudo nano /var/www/html/.htaccess

Paste the following:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteRule ^hello$ test.html [L]

Now, create a file:

echo "It works!" | sudo tee /var/www/html/test.html

Visit:
http://localhost/hello
You should see the contents of test.html.

Done!

mod_rewrite is now enabled and working on your Apache server! You can now use .htaccess files and pretty URLs in your web apps.