How to Install and Configure Elasticsearch on Magento 2: A Step-by-Step Guide

Elasticsearch is an open-source, RESTful search and analytics engine that is widely used to enhance the search functionality of online stores. For Magento 2 stores, Elasticsearch improves search speed and provides more relevant search results, significantly boosting the customer experience. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of installing and configuring Elasticsearch on Magento 2.

Why Use Elasticsearch with Magento 2?

Elasticsearch is an essential tool for Magento 2 stores as it offers faster search functionality, better scalability, and more advanced search features. Here are some of the benefits of integrating Elasticsearch with your Magento 2 store:

• Improved Search Speed: Elasticsearch optimizes the search query, delivering results almost instantly.
• Better Search Accuracy: It provides advanced search features like fuzzy matching and autocomplete, ensuring that customers can find products quickly.
• Scalability: Elasticsearch can handle large volumes of data, making it suitable for stores with extensive product catalogs.

How to Install Elasticsearch on Magento 2

Follow these simple steps to install and configure Elasticsearch on Magento 2:

Step 1: Install Elasticsearch on Your Server

1. Check system requirements: Before you begin, make sure your server meets the requirements for installing Elasticsearch. Magento 2 typically supports Elasticsearch versions 5.x and 7.x, so ensure you’re using a compatible version.
2. Download and Install Elasticsearch: Depending on your server’s operating system, you can download and install Elasticsearch using package managers such as APT for Ubuntu or YUM for CentOS. You can also install Elasticsearch manually by following the instructions on the Elasticsearch website.
   For Ubuntu (example), you can run the following commands:
   bash
   sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get install elasticsearch
3. Start Elasticsearch: Once installed, you can start Elasticsearch using the command:
   bash
   sudo service elasticsearch start
   Verify that Elasticsearch is running by accessing the URL http://localhost:9200/ in your browser or via curl:
   bash
   curl http://localhost:9200/

Step 2: Install Magento 2 Elasticsearch Extension

Magento 2 comes with built-in support for Elasticsearch, but you need to ensure that the Elasticsearch extension is enabled. For Magento 2 Elasticsearch setup, this extension is usually installed by default. If it’s not, follow these steps:

1. Verify if Elasticsearch is enabled: Go to Stores > Configuration > Catalog > Catalog Search and check if the Elasticsearch section is visible.
2. Enable Elasticsearch in Magento: If Elasticsearch is not enabled, you can do so via the command line by running the following command from the Magento root directory:
   bash
   php bin/magento setup:config:set –search-engine=elasticsearch7
   Replace elasticsearch7 with the appropriate version number if you’re using a different version.

Step 3: Configure Elasticsearch in Magento 2

1. Log in to Magento Admin: After installing Elasticsearch, log in to the Magento admin panel.
2. Navigate to Search Settings: Go to Stores > Configuration > Catalog > Catalog Search.
3. Set Elasticsearch as the Search Engine: Under the Search Engine dropdown, select Elasticsearch (you may choose the specific version installed, such as Elasticsearch 7).
4. Configure Server Settings: In the Elasticsearch Server Hostname field, enter the IP address or domain of your Elasticsearch server (typically localhost or the IP address of the server).
5. Set Index Prefix: In the Index Prefix field, you can define a prefix for your Magento indexes (e.g., magento_).
6. Test Connection: Click the Test Connection button to verify if Magento can connect to Elasticsearch. If successful, you should see a confirmation message.
7. Save Settings: Once the configuration is complete, click Save Config to apply the changes.

Step 4: Reindex Data

After setting up Elasticsearch in Magento, you need to reindex your data to ensure that the catalog is properly indexed for faster search:

bash

php bin/magento indexer:reindex

This will reindex your product and category data to be compatible with Elasticsearch.

Conclusion

Setting up and configuring Elasticsearch in Magento 2 is a straightforward process that can dramatically improve the search capabilities of your store. By following these steps—installing Elasticsearch, configuring it in Magento 2, and reindexing your data—you’ll be able to provide a faster, more efficient search experience for your customers, boosting both user satisfaction and sales.