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Docker3 min read2026-03-01

Docker Image Not Found Error

Fix 'Error response from daemon: pull access denied for xyz, repository does not exist or may require docker login'.

Error Code / Stack Trace

Error response from daemon: pull access denied for my-private-repo/app, repository does not exist or may require 'docker login'

Problem Overview

Docker client cannot pull the requested image from Docker Hub or a private registry.

Why Does This Happen?

  • Typo in image name, namespace, or tag.
  • The image resides in a private registry and you are not authenticated.
  • The tag has been deprecated or deleted.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Authenticate with docker login

Log into the registry before pulling private images.

bash
docker login

Step 2: Verify exact tag on Docker Hub

Ensure the tag exists rather than relying on default ':latest'.

bash
docker pull node:20-alpine

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • •Assuming ':latest' always exists for every image on Docker Hub.

Prevention & Best Practices

  • Pin explicit image digest or semantic version tags in production.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I pull from a custom container registry like GitHub (GHCR)?

Prefix the image with the registry host: docker pull ghcr.io/username/image:tag after running docker login ghcr.io.

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