How To Fix Unable To Restart Python Applications

🐍❌ Issue: Unable to Restart Python Applications in Python Selector

When trying to restart a Python app via CloudLinux’s Python Selector in cPanel, you might see this error:

ERROR in Python Selector WEB:
No such application (or application not configured) "testpythonapp"

🌐 Environment:

• ✅ CloudLinux OS

• ✅ Python Selector enabled

• ❌ App not restarting or reporting config issues

🛠️ Solution

This issue is usually related to file permission or conflicts with existing virtual environments.

📁 Step 1: Check .cl.selector/htaccess_cache File Ownership

Make sure the htaccess_cache file inside the user’s .cl.selector directory is owned by the user, not root.

Example:

Look for:

🧼 If it's not owned by the user, fix it with:

⚠️ Step 2: Handle Existing Virtual Environment Conflicts

If you encounter a second error like:

Virtual environment already exists (/home/USERNAME/virtualenv/APPNAME/3.9)
Probably it is used by another application. Please, remove directory if it is no longer needed.

You’ll need to back up and remove the existing virtual environment and .htaccess file.

🧹 Step 3: Remove (Backup) Virtualenv and .htaccess

Replace USERNAME, APPNAME, and domain.tld accordingly:

💡 Tip: Always back up instead of deleting, in case you need to recover the environment.

🔄 Step 4: Recreate the Python App via cPanel

• Log in to cPanel

• Go to Setup Python App

• Recreate the Python application

• Reinstall any needed modules using the interface

✅ Done!

The app should now start without issues, and you’ll be able to manage it via the Python Selector interface again.