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Docker.errors.dockerexception: Error while fetching server API version

docker
docker-errors
docker-exception
docker-troubleshooting
Alex KataevbyAlex Kataev·Nov 13, 2024
TLDR

To resolve docker.errors.DockerException ensure the Docker is running:

# If it ain't running, you ain't going anywhere
sudo systemctl start docker

For permission woes, add your user to the Docker group:

# Fear not, I will add you to the cool kids club!
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

(This will require you to logout and login again). With a hotter-than-the-sun custom Docker socket, set DOCKER_HOST:

# Turn that socket into an inferno!
export DOCKER_HOST=unix:///custom/docker.sock

Are You Daemon’s Favorite?

Checking the Status

Make sure that your Docker daemon is active and not throwing a daemon doesn't give a damn fit.

# 'Cuz if the devil's busy, we're in trouble!
systemctl status docker

If the daemon is chilling out and not running, command it to serve you:

# In the game of daemons, you either run or you die. There's no middle ground.
sudo systemctl start docker

Fixing Permission Issues

Permission issues with docker.sock could play a role. Feel free to remind it who the boss is:

# "I'm the captain now!" -The User, probably
sudo chown $USER /var/run/docker.sock

Let’s patch things up by restarting the Docker service:

# Rebooting...because turning it off and on again always helps!
sudo service docker restart

Compatibilities and Incompatibilities

OS and Docker Compatibility

Stand eye-to-eye with your OS. Would it befriend Docker or kick it out of the party?

Updating Docker

Consider updating Docker. Not only will it handle your compatibility issues, but also ensure that your Docker is as fast as a cheetah and as safe as a bank vault.

Dealing with Windows

To my Windows peeps, remember to enable Docker Desktop's WSL Integration. Verify Docker plays nice with your specific distribution in your WSL settings.

User Group Management

Adding User to Docker Group

Maybe Inviting your user to the Docker group will cheer things up! But don't forget to logout and login again.

# Welcome aboard, matey!  
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

Refreshing Permissions

Changes to the user group requires a service restart to refresh permissions:

# Out with the old, in with the new
sudo service docker restart

Troubleshoot Connectivity

Connection Trouble

Investigate network connectivity issues between Docker and the API.

Checking Logs

Extract valuable information by diving into Docker logs:

# Spilling the secrets
docker logs [container_id]

Plan B

If the traditional methods are not working, it’s time to get creative! Look for other ways like switching port or socket.

Advanced Tactics

Volume & Mount Checks

Review the volume and mount setup.

Firewall Settings

Double-check your firewall settings.

Docker Reinstallation

When things don’t seem to work, start fresh! Delete Docker and install it again.

# Out with the old, in with the...also old but new to you  
sudo apt-get remove docker docker-engine docker.io containerd runc
sudo apt-get install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io