How to Delete Systemd Service File in Linux

Removing a Systemd Service File is a critical task for Linux administrators that demands precision and care. When a service is no longer needed, removing its file and configuration can free up system resources and prevent potential issues arising from its improper operation. In this article, we will thoroughly explore the process of removing a Systemd Service file, from stopping the service to verifying its successful removal.

What is a Systemd Service?

Systemd is an initialization and service management system in Linux that replaces traditional systems like SysVinit. Systemd services are managed through unit files, which contain instructions on how and when to start, stop, and restart services. These files have a .service extension and are located in specific directories such as /etc/systemd/system/ and /lib/systemd/system/.

When and Why Should You Remove a Systemd Service?

Removing a Systemd Service file may be necessary for several reasons:

• Eliminating Unnecessary Services: The service is no longer required or has been replaced by a more efficient alternative.
• Freeing Up System Resources: Disabling unused services can help reduce system load.
• Troubleshooting Issues: If a service is malfunctioning or conflicting with other services, its removal may resolve the problem.
• Updating Configurations: Sometimes it’s necessary to remove an old version of a service before installing an updated one.

Steps to Remove a Systemd Service

Determining the Location of the Service File

Systemd service files can be located in several places in the file system:

• /etc/systemd/system/ — for services installed or configured manually.
• /lib/systemd/system/ — for services installed via packages.

First, determine the location of the service file you want to remove. This can be done using the command:

This command will output information about the current status of the service, as well as the location of its file.

Stopping the service

Before deleting the service file, you must stop the service to prevent problems with dependent processes. To do this, run the command:

This command will stop the service, but it may still be included in the startup.

Disabling a service

To prevent a service from starting automatically at system boot, disable it:

This command will remove the symbolic link that enables the service at system boot.

Removing a Service File

Once the service is stopped and disabled, you can safely remove the service file:

Make sure you remove the correct file to avoid accidentally removing an important service.

Reloading the Systemd daemon

After deleting a service file, you must reload the Systemd daemon for the changes to take effect:

This command refreshes Systemd’s internal data and cleans up references to the deleted service files.

Verifying successful removal

After reloading the Systemd daemon, verify that the service has been removed and is no longer listed in the active services:

If the command does not output any results, the service has been successfully removed.