The brew services start postgresql error typically occurs when using Homebrew to manage PostgreSQL services on macOS. Read the article to know more. Bobcares, as a part of our PostgreSQL Support offers solutions to every query that comes our way.

Overview

1. How to fix “brew services start postgresql” error?
2. Causes & Fixes

How to fix “brew services start postgresql” error?

This message means that the database server we loaded with Homebrew, PostgreSQL, could not be started when we tried to use the brew services start postgresql command to start it.

Causes & Fixes

Cause 1: Permission problems may prevent the PostgreSQL service from starting. Before starting services, make sure we have the required approvals.

Fix 1: To increase the privileges, try sudo:

sudo brew services start postgresql

Cause 2: The service might not start if there is a problem with the PostgreSQL settings.

Fix 2: Check the PostgreSQL logs for any issues related to setup using the below code. Then, fix any error found from the log.

tail -f /usr/local/var/log/postgres.log

Cause 3: It can be not possible for PostgreSQL to start if another service uses the default port (5432).

Fix 3: Use the following to see which process makes use of the port:

lsof -i :5432

If needed, modify the PostgreSQL port in the postgresql.conf config file.

Cause 4: PostgreSQL must first be setup in order to function.

Fix 4: We must do the following if the database hasn’t been initialized:

initdb /usr/local/var/postgres

Cause 5: Problems with the Homebrew services itself may occur at times.

Fix 5: It may be helpful to restart the Homebrew services:

brew services restart postgresql

Cause 6: Outdated Homebrew and PostgreSQL versions.

Fix 6: Run the following commands to update:

brew update
brew upgrade postgresql

Cause 7: Postgres Issues.

Fix 7: Reinstalling PostgreSQL can fix the problem if all else fails:

brew uninstall postgresql
brew install postgresql
brew services start postgresql

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Conclusion

By following these steps from our Experts, we should be able to resolve the brew services start postgresql error and get the PostgreSQL service running smoothly.