How to fix the "unable to update local ref" error in Git?

Sometimes, when using the git pull or git push commands, a developer may get the "unable to update local ref" error. But what is it, and how to fix it?

This article explores why this error happens and shows multiple ways of solving it.

Let's get to it 😎.

Why does this error happen?

This error can happen for a few different reasons:

• A ref to a branch is either broken or corrupt.
• You have a loose commit, not referenced by any branch.

There are multiple ways of fixing this error.

Fix #1 - Delete the ref to master

To fix this error, you can remove the reference to the master Git branch and then re-fetch.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Navigate to the root folder of your git repository.

2. Delete the reference to the master branch, like so:

bashrm .git/refs/remotes/origin/master

3. Fetch the latest updates, like so:

bashgit fetch

If this solution doesn't work for you, try the next one.

Fix #2 - Use the git maintenance features

Another way of fixing this error involves using the git maintenance features.

⚠️ Before using those features, you need to back up your Git repository (just in case).

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Clean up unnecessary files and optimize the local repository, like so:

bashgit gc --prune=now

2. Clean up non-existing branches, like so:

bashgit remote prune origin

Fix #3 - Update the reference to your branch

Another way of fixing this error involves updating the reference to your local branch.

Here is how you can do it:

1. Update the reference to your local branch, like so:

bashgit update-ref -d refs/remotes/origin/[branch-name]

P.S. Replace the branch name, with the actual branch name that causes problems.

Final thoughts

If none of those solutions worked, try running the git pack-refs --all command.

You can also try re-cloning your Git repository, but you will lose your local progress.

Here are some other Git tutorials for you to enjoy:

• How to fix the "git add" command not working?
• How to fix the "host key verification failed git" error?
• How to stop tracking a file in Git?
• How to fix the "unlink of file failed" error in Git?

written by:

Tim Mouskhelichvili

Hello! I am Tim Mouskhelichvili, a Freelance Developer & Consultant from Montreal, Canada. I specialize in React, Node.js & TypeScript application development. If you need help on a project, please reach out, and let’s work together.

Contact Me