How to fix failed to create endpoint mycontainer on network bridge: network endpoint already attached to network in Docker

DockerINTERMEDIATEMEDIUMUpdated Dec 1, 2025· 251 views

This error occurs when Docker cannot create a network endpoint for a container because an endpoint with the same name already exists on the network, usually due to a stale endpoint left behind after a container was improperly removed or the Docker daemon state became inconsistent.

Quick fix

Fixes failed to create endpoint mycontainer on network bridge: network endpoint already attached to network

docker network inspect bridge
  1. Identify the orphaned endpoint
  2. Force disconnect the endpoint from the network
  3. Verify the endpoint was removed
  4. Retry starting your container
docker — error
docker network inspect bridge
failed to create endpoint mycontainer on network bridge: network endpoint already attached to network

What this error means

When you start a Docker container, the Docker daemon creates a network endpoint that connects the container to the specified network (usually the default bridge network). This endpoint is identified by the container name. The 'failed to create endpoint' error with 'network endpoint already attached' indicates that Docker's internal database still contains a reference to an endpoint with that container name, even though the container itself may no longer exist. This typically happens when a container is forcefully killed, the Docker daemon crashes, or there's a race condition during container cleanup. The orphaned endpoint blocks new containers from using the same name on that network.

Typical symptoms

  • Container fails to start with 'failed to create endpoint' error
  • Error message mentions 'network endpoint already attached to network'
  • The container name appears in 'docker network inspect bridge' even though 'docker ps -a' shows no such container
  • Restarting Docker or the system temporarily fixes the issue
  • Problem occurs after forcefully killing containers or Docker daemon crashes

Common causes

  1. Container was removed with 'docker rm -f' without proper cleanup
  2. Docker daemon crashed or was killed while containers were running
  3. Race condition during container stop/remove operations
  4. Kernel update without system reboot leaving network state inconsistent
  5. Stale entries in Docker's network database
  6. Container removal interrupted before network endpoint cleanup completed

How to fix "failed to create endpoint mycontainer on network bridge: network endpoint already attached to network"

1Identify the orphaned endpoint

First, confirm the orphaned endpoint exists:

bash
docker network inspect bridge

Look for your container name in the 'Containers' section. If it appears here but docker ps -a doesn't show the container, you have an orphaned endpoint.

2Force disconnect the endpoint from the network

Use the force flag to disconnect the orphaned endpoint:

bash
docker network disconnect --force bridge <container_name>

Replace <container_name> with the name shown in the error message (e.g., 'mycontainer'). The --force flag allows disconnecting even when the container no longer exists.

3Verify the endpoint was removed

Confirm the endpoint is no longer attached:

bash
docker network inspect bridge

The container name should no longer appear in the 'Containers' section.

4Retry starting your container

Now try running your container again:

bash
docker run --name mycontainer <your_image>

The container should start successfully without the endpoint error.

5Alternative: Restart Docker daemon

If the force disconnect doesn't work, restart the Docker daemon:

bash
sudo systemctl restart docker

This clears stale network state but will stop all running containers.

6Nuclear option: Prune Docker networks

If issues persist, prune all unused networks:

bash
docker network prune

Warning: This removes all networks not used by at least one container. Only use if you don't have important custom networks.

Advanced notes

Root cause analysis: This issue is tracked in several GitHub issues (moby/moby #33156, docker/cli #1891, moby/moby #23302). The underlying problem is that Docker's network driver occasionally fails to clean up endpoints when containers are removed, especially during abnormal termination.

Prevention tips:
- Always stop containers gracefully before removing: docker stop <container> && docker rm <container>
- Avoid using docker rm -f unless necessary
- After kernel updates, reboot the system before running Docker
- Consider using docker-compose down which handles cleanup more reliably

Windows-specific fix: If you're on Windows and encounter this error with HNS (Host Networking Service):

powershell
Stop-Service docker
Stop-Service hns
Start-Service hns
Start-Service docker
docker network prune

Persistent issues: If the problem keeps recurring, check for:
- Insufficient disk space causing cleanup failures
- SELinux or AppArmor blocking network operations
- Outdated Docker version with known bugs

Frequently asked questions

What does "failed to create endpoint mycontainer on network bridge: network endpo" mean?
When you start a Docker container, the Docker daemon creates a network endpoint that connects the container to the specified network (usually the default bridge network). This endpoint is identified by the container name. The 'failed to create endpoint' error with 'network endpoint already attached' indicates that Docker's internal database still contains a reference to an endpoint with that container name, even though the container itself may no longer exist.
How do I fix "failed to create endpoint mycontainer on network bridge: network endpo"?
This error occurs when Docker cannot create a network endpoint for a container because an endpoint with the same name already exists on the network, usually due to a stale endpoint left behind after a container was improperly removed or the Docker daemon state became inconsistent.
What causes "failed to create endpoint mycontainer on network bridge: network endpo"?
Container was removed with 'docker rm -f' without proper cleanup Docker daemon crashed or was killed while containers were running Race condition during container stop/remove operations
Is the "failed to create endpoint mycontainer on network bridge: network endpo" error serious?
It is a medium-severity error — more of a blocker than a risk. The steps above resolve it.

Official resources & further reading