Last Updated on 2 days by Sachin G
The docker push Command is a fundamental part of working with Docker images, allowing you to upload container images from your local machine to a remote container registry. Whether you’re pushing to Docker Hub for public access or a private registry for internal deployments, mastering this command is essential for DevOps engineers and developers.
In our previous Docker Basics tutorial, we covered docker build and docker tag commands. Now, we’ll focus on docker push command syntax, real-world usage examples, and common troubleshooting tips to make your image publishing process smooth and error-free.
By the end of this guide, you’ll learn:
- How to use
docker pushfor Docker Hub and private registries - How to push multiple tags
- How to fix authentication and tag-related errors
- Best practices from production environments
Understanding the Docker Push Command Syntax
The basic syntax for pushing an image is:
docker push [OPTIONS] NAME[:TAG]- NAME – The image name, including the registry path (e.g.,
docker.io/username/image-name)
- TAG – Optional, defaults to
latestif omitted.
- OPTIONS – Optional flags for special use cases.
Example:
docker push username/myapp:1.0Step 1 – Tag Your Image Before Pushing
Before using docker push, ensure your image has the correct repository and tag.
docker tag myapp:latest username/myapp:1.0This uses the docker tag command to assign the correct registry path.
Step 2 – Authenticate to the Registry
You must log in to the registry before pushing.
docker loginFor Docker Hub, use your username and password. For a private registry, specify the registry URL:
docker login myregistry.example.comStep 3 – Push the Image
For Docker Hub:
docker push username/myapp:1.0For Private Registry:
docker push myregistry.example.com/project/myapp:1.0Pushing Multiple Tags
You can push multiple tags of the same image:
docker push username/myapp:1.0
docker push username/myapp:latestCommon Errors & Troubleshooting
1. Authentication Error
- Cause: Not logged in or wrong credentials.
- Fix: Run
docker loginagain and verify registry credentials.
2. No Tag Specified
- Cause: Attempting to push without tagging the image first.
- Fix: Use
docker tagbefore pushing.
3. Registry Connection Error
- Cause: Wrong registry URL or network issue.
- Fix: Verify registry endpoint and internet connection.
From my experience deploying Docker images in enterprise projects, here are key takeaways:
“Always tag images with version numbers, not just
latest. This avoids unexpected overwrites and ensures reproducibility in deployments.”Also, test push commands in a Docker Playground or lab environment before executing on production registries.
FAQ – Docker Push Command
A: Docker defaults to latest, but it’s better to specify a tag for clarity.
A: Yes, if the image name includes the registry path and tag.
A: Docker Hub offers free public repositories; private repos have limits unless on a paid plan.
No, Docker caches login credentials until they expire.
latest.
Specify the registry address in the image name.
The Docker push command is a must-know for container deployment workflows. Whether pushing to Docker Hub for public projects or a private registry for internal apps, understanding proper syntax, tagging, and authentication will make your process seamless.
Want to quickly find the right container image? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to search Docker Container Images in a Docker Registry and discover efficient ways to locate images in remote registries.
I’m Sachin Gupta — a freelance IT support specialist and founder of techtransit.org. I’m certified in Linux, Ansible, OpenShift (Red Hat), cPanel, and ITIL, with over 15 years of hands-on experience. I create beginner-friendly Linux tutorials, help with Ansible automation, and offer IT support on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and PeoplePerHour. Follow Tech Transit for practical tips, hosting guides, and real-world Linux expertise!