How to fix ErrImagePull: rpc error: code = Unknown desc = Error response from daemon: manifest not found in Kubernetes

KubernetesBEGINNERMEDIUMUpdated Dec 6, 2025· 97 views

Error when image does not exist in registry

Quick fix

Fixes ErrImagePull: rpc error: code = Unknown desc = Error response from daemon: manifest not found

  1. Verify image exists
  2. List tags
  3. Update reference
  4. Configure auth
  5. Restart pod
kubernetes — error
# ErrImagePull: rpc error: code = Unknown desc = Error response from daemon: manif
ErrImagePull: rpc error: code = Unknown desc = Error response from daemon: manifest not found

What this error means

Kubernetes contacted registry but image does not exist

Typical symptoms

  • ImagePullBackOff
  • 404 error
  • container fails
  • works locally
  • pending deployment

Common causes

  1. missing tag
  2. deleted image
  3. wrong registry
  4. typo
  5. private without auth
  6. region mismatch

How to fix "ErrImagePull: rpc error: code = Unknown desc = Error response from daemon: manifest not found"

1Verify image exists

docker pull image:tag

2List tags

Check registry for available tags

3Update reference

kubectl set image

4Configure auth

Create imagePullSecret

5Restart pod

kubectl delete pod

Advanced notes

Use specific version tags. Pin to digest.

Frequently asked questions

What does "ErrImagePull: rpc error: code = Unknown desc = Error response from dae" mean?
Kubernetes contacted registry but image does not exist
How do I fix "ErrImagePull: rpc error: code = Unknown desc = Error response from dae"?
Error when image does not exist in registry
What causes "ErrImagePull: rpc error: code = Unknown desc = Error response from dae"?
missing tag deleted image wrong registry
Is the "ErrImagePull: rpc error: code = Unknown desc = Error response from dae" error serious?
It is a medium-severity error — more of a blocker than a risk. The steps above resolve it.

Official resources & further reading