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Troubleshooting: Unable to Delete a Docker Image Used by a Stopped Container on Ubuntu

Introduction​

When working with Docker on your Ubuntu system, you might encounter a situation where you're unable to delete a Docker image, even though you've stopped the container that was using it. This typically happens because a stopped container, while not running, still maintains a connection to the image it was created from. Docker preserves this link to allow you to restart or inspect the container later.

This guide will walk you through the simple steps to safely and completely remove a Docker image by first detaching it from its stopped container.

Understanding the Error Message​

When you attempt to remove the image, you will see an error message similar to this:

Error response from daemon: conflict: unable to delete a04352c09577 (must be forced) - image is being used by stopped container d13eb48bb62e

This message clearly indicates that the image with the ID a04352c09577 cannot be deleted because a stopped container with the ID d13eb48bb62e is still referencing it.

Step-by-Step Solution​

To resolve this, you'll need to remove the container first, and then you'll be free to delete the image.

While the error message indicates the container is already stopped, it's good practice to run the stop command to be certain. Use the container ID from the error message.

sudo docker container stop d13eb48bb62e

Step 2: Remove the Stopped Container​

Now, you need to permanently remove the container. This action will sever the link to the Docker image.

sudo docker container rm d13eb48bb62e

Once this command is successful, the container is deleted.

Step 3: Delete the Docker Image​

With the container removed, you can now successfully delete the Docker image. Use the image ID from the original error message.

sudo docker image remove a04352c09577

Step 4: Confirm the Image Deletion​

To verify that the image has been removed, you can list all the Docker images on your system.

sudo docker image list

The image with the ID a04352c09577 should no longer appear in the list.

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