What causes "HEAD detached at abc1234"?

Running git checkout directly Checking out a tag (git checkout v1.0.0) Running git bisect

Git Error2 Fixes Available

You are in 'detached HEAD' state

HEAD detached at abc1234

What does this error mean?

Detached HEAD means your working directory is pointing to a specific commit rather than a branch. Any commits you make in this state will not belong to any branch and can be lost when you switch branches.

Common Causes

Running git checkout <commit-hash> directly
Checking out a tag (git checkout v1.0.0)
Running git bisect

How to Fix It (2 Solutions)

Return to your branch

If you haven't made any commits in detached HEAD state, just switch back.

Code

git checkout main
# or
git switch main

Save your work by creating a new branch

If you made commits in detached HEAD state, create a branch to save them.

Code

git checkout -b my-new-branch
# Now your commits are safe on the new branch

Related Errors

Git

CONFLICT — Merge conflict in file

View fix

Git

git push rejected — failed to push some refs

View fix

Git

fatal: refusing to merge unrelated histories

View fix

Browse all error fixes