---
title: How to enbale Swap on Linux
---
# How to enable Swap for a Linux VPS Without Interruption
This guide explains how to add Swap memory to a VPS that is currently under load and lacks any Swap. Follow these steps carefully to avoid disruptions.
---
## Step 1: Check Current Swap Status
First, check the current Swap status:
```bash
sudo swapon --show
```
If the output is empty, it means the server has no active Swap.
---
## Step 2: Check Disk Space
Ensure there is enough free space on the disk for creating a Swap file. Use the following command:
```bash
df -h
```
---
## Step 3: Create a Swap File
Create a new Swap file. In this example, we’ll create a 2GB Swap file:
```bash
sudo fallocate -l 2G /swapfile
```
If the above command is not supported, use:
```bash
sudo dd if=/dev/zero of=/swapfile bs=1M count=2048
```
---
## Step 4: Set File Permissions
Secure the Swap file by restricting access:
```bash
sudo chmod 600 /swapfile
```
---
## Step 5: Configure the File as Swap
Set the newly created file as a Swap file:
```bash
sudo mkswap /swapfile
```
---
## Step 6: Enable Swap
Activate the Swap file:
```bash
sudo swapon /swapfile
```
Now verify the Swap status again to ensure it is active:
```bash
sudo swapon --show
```
---
## Step 7: Make Swap Permanent
To ensure Swap remains active after a reboot, add the Swap file to the `fstab` file:
```bash
echo '/swapfile none swap sw 0 0' | sudo tee -a /etc/fstab
```
---
## Final Notes
- **Appropriate Swap Size**: Choose the Swap size based on your server’s needs and available resources.
- **Monitor Swap Usage**: After creating the Swap, monitor its usage using tools like `htop` or `free`.
We hope this guide helps you efficiently manage your server! 😊