[FIXED] How to Abort a Git Rebase or Fix 'No rebase in progress'
The status interactive rebase in progress (or the contradictory error fatal: No rebase in progress) occurs when running git rebase if Git encounters conflicts mid-sequence and halts execution pending manual resolution. If terminal sessions disconnect or .git/rebase-merge locks become stale, your repository remains locked in rebase state.
Quick Diagnostics
git rebase --continue or abort with git rebase --abortThe status interactive rebase in progress (or the contradictory error fatal: No rebase in progress) occurs when running git rebase if Git encounters conflicts mid-sequence and halts execution pending manual resolution. If terminal sessions disconnect or .git/rebase-merge locks become stale, your repository remains locked in rebase state.
Quick Solution (1 Minute):
- Abort rebase and restore pre-rebase branch state:
git rebase --abort- If git claims
No rebase in progressbut shell prompt is stuck, delete stale lock directories:rm -rf .git/rebase-apply .git/rebase-merge
Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1: Cleanly Abort the Rebase
To cancel all intermediate commit rewrites and return your branch to its exact state prior to running rebase:
git rebase --abort
Step 2: Force Clear Phantom Rebase State
If your shell prompt continues to display (main|REBASE 1/5) but running git rebase --abort responds with fatal: No rebase in progress:
Manually purge residual rebase tracking folders:
rm -rf .git/rebase-apply
rm -rf .git/rebase-merge
# Reset branch pointer to main
git checkout main
Step 3: Complete Rebase After Conflict Resolution
If you prefer to finish the rebase sequence rather than aborting:
-
1
Step 1
Resolve merge conflicts inside affected files. -
2
Step 2
Stage modified files:BASHgit add . -
3
Step 3
Continue the execution chain:BASHgit rebase --continue
Prevention Advice
Recommended security practices: