How to Remove Network in Docker: Simple Commands Explained

To remove a network in Docker, use the command docker network rm <network_name>. Make sure no containers are connected to the network before removing it, or the command will fail.

Syntax

The basic syntax to remove a Docker network is:

• docker network rm <network_name_or_id>: Removes the specified network by its name or ID.

You must specify the exact network name or ID. The network must not be in use by any container.

bash

docker network rm my-network

Example

This example shows how to create a network, list networks, and then remove the created network.

bash

docker network create my-network
docker network ls
docker network rm my-network
docker network ls

Output

a1b2c3d4e5f6
NETWORK ID     NAME         DRIVER    SCOPE
...
my-network     bridge       local
...
NETWORK ID     NAME         DRIVER    SCOPE
...

Common Pitfalls

Trying to remove a network that is still used by running containers will fail with an error.

Example error: Error response from daemon: network my-network has active endpoints

To fix this, stop or disconnect containers from the network before removing it.

bash

docker network rm my-network
# Error: network my-network has active endpoints

docker network disconnect my-network container_id
# Then remove network

docker network rm my-network

Output

Error response from daemon: network my-network has active endpoints
network my-network

Quick Reference

Command	Description
docker network ls	List all Docker networks
docker network create	Create a new Docker network
docker network rm	Remove a Docker network by name or ID
docker network disconnect	Disconnect a container from a network

Key Takeaways

Use docker network rm <network_name> to remove a Docker network.

Ensure no containers are connected to the network before removal.

If removal fails, disconnect or stop containers using the network first.

List networks with docker network ls to confirm network names.

Removing default networks like 'bridge' is not allowed.