Knowledgebase

Using Redis on Firstserv Hosting

What is Redis?

Redis (Remote Dictionary Server) is an open-source, in-memory data store used as a:

• ✅ Cache
• ✅ Database
• ✅ Message broker

It supports a wide range of data structures, including:

• Strings, lists, and hashes
• Sets and sorted sets
• Bitmaps and geospatial data

👉 In most hosting environments, Redis is used as a high-performance caching layer alongside MySQL or MariaDB to improve website speed.

Why Use Redis?

Redis can significantly improve your website’s performance by:

• ✅ Reducing database load
• ✅ Speeding up page delivery
• ✅ Improving response times

⚡ Performance Benefits

• Uses in-memory storage (much faster than disk-based systems)
• Runs via a UNIX socket, avoiding slower TCP connections
• Often provides better performance than alternatives like Memcached

Resource Usage (Important)

Redis runs within your hosting environment and uses your allocated resources.

• ✅ Counts toward your CPU, memory, and I/O limits
• ⚠️ High-traffic or large sites may see increased resource usage

👉 Always monitor performance after enabling Redis

Does My Plan Support Redis?

Redis is only available on selected Firstserv hosting plans.

✅ Supported Plans

• Emerald
• Sapphire
• Diamond
• Tanzanite

How to Check Your Plan

1. Log in to your Firstserv Client Area
2. Go to My Services
3. Check your plan under Product / Service

If Redis Isn’t Available

You can:

• ✅ Upgrade your current hosting plan
• ✅ Order a new compatible plan

How to Enable Redis

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

• Access your cPanel account

Step 2: Enable Redis Instance

1. Go to:

   Advanced → Redis Manager
   

2. Click:

   Create Redis Instance
   

Step 3: Enable PHP Extension

1. Go to:

   Software → Select PHP Version
   

2. Under PHP Extensions, tick:

   redis
   

✅ Redis is now active on your hosting account

Using Redis with Your Website

After enabling Redis, you can connect it to your application.

✅ Common Use Case (WordPress)

• Use plugins such as:
  • LiteSpeed Cache
  • Redis Object Cache

👉 This enables object caching and improves performance

Restarting Redis

If you encounter issues, you can quickly restart the Redis service.

Steps

1. Go to:

   Advanced → Redis Manager
   

2. Click:

   Restart Redis Instance
   

✅ Changes take effect immediately

Disabling Redis

If needed, you can disable Redis:

Steps

1. Go to:

   Advanced → Redis Manager
   

2. Click:

   Disable Redis Instance
   

⚠️ Note

• Redis uses minimal resources when idle
• Disabling is usually not required unless troubleshooting

Summary

• Redis is a high-speed in-memory caching system
• Improves website performance and database efficiency
• Available on select Firstserv hosting plans
• Enabled via Redis Manager + PHP Selector in cPanel
• Can be restarted or disabled anytime

Need Help?

If you’re unsure whether Redis is suitable for your website or need help configuring it, the Firstserv support team is always happy to assist.