docker daemon not running - Cannot connect to Docker daemon

root@linuxfix:~/docker_daemon_not_running$

docker daemon not running

Cannot connect to Docker daemon

Solutions

Prerequisites: Start by updating your system to resolve common issues and ensure the solutions provided below are compatible with your current environment.

check_latest_version && sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Start Docker service

Start and enable Docker:

sudo systemctl start docker

sudo systemctl enable docker

sudo systemctl status docker

Add user to docker group

Grant Docker permissions:

sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

newgrp docker

groups $USER

Check Docker socket

Verify socket permissions:

ls -la /var/run/docker.sock

sudo chmod 666 /var/run/docker.sock

What is docker daemon not running?

Docker service is not running or user lacks permissions to access Docker socket.

Common scenarios: Docker service stopped, permission issues, or socket not accessible.

Common Causes

Docker service not started
User not in docker group
Docker socket permissions
Docker daemon crashed

Debugging Tips

docker version

ps aux | grep docker

journalctl -u docker

Prevention

Auto-start Docker service
Proper user permissions
Monitor Docker health

Additional Resources

Docker Documentation

Docker installation and setup

docker daemon service permissions