Rename a Git branch name locally and remotely

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DateMar 24, 2025

Renaming a Git branch is a common task for developers who want to maintain clarity in their project structure. Whether you need to correct a typo, follow new naming conventions, or improve git rename branch local organization, Git provides simple ways to rename branches both locally and remotely.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to rename a Git branch locally and push the changes to the remote repository. We’ll also cover how to update references to ensure a change branch name in git smooth transition without disrupting collaboration. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to change the branch name in Git, whether working alone or in a team.

This tutorial will cover:

  • How to change a branch name in Git locally
  • How to push the renamed branch to remote and delete the old one
  • How to update tracking branches and avoid common errors

What Are Git Branches?

Git branches are an essential feature of Git that allow developers to work on different versions of a project simultaneously. They help manage changes without affecting the main how to change branch name in git codebase, making collaboration and experimentation easier.

Understanding Git Branches

A branch in Git represents a separate line of development within a repository. By default, every repository starts with a primary branch, commonly named main or master. Developers can git rename branch local create new branches to work on features, bug fixes, or experiments without interfering with the main branch.

For example, if you’re working on a new feature, you can create a branch, make changes, and then merge it back into the main branch once it’s ready. This keeps the main codebase clean and stable.

Why Use Git Branches?

  1. Parallel Development – Multiple developers can work on different features simultaneously.
  2. Code Isolation – Changes in one branch don’t affect the main branch until merged.
  3. Easy Experimentation – Developers can try new ideas without modifying the main project.
  4. Efficient Collaboration – Team members can review and test code before merging.

Common Git Branch Operations

  • Creating a Branch – Use git branch <branch-name> to create a new branch.
  • Switching Branches – Use git checkout <branch-name> or git switch <branch-name>.
  • Merging Branches – Use git merge <branch-name> to merge changes into another branch.
  • Deleting a Branch – Use git branch -d <branch-name> to delete a local branch.

Renaming a Git Branch

Sometimes, you may need to rename a Git branch to maintain clarity in your project. You can rename a Git branch locally using:

sh

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git branch -m old-branch-name new-branch-name

To update the branch name remotely, follow these steps:

Delete the old branch on the remote repository:

sh
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git push origin –delete old-branch-name

Push the new branch and set the upstream:

sh
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git push origin new-branch-name

git branch –unset-upstream

git push –set-upstream origin new-branch-name

This ensures that the branch name is updated both locally and remotely. If you’re wondering how to change the branch name in Git, following these steps will help maintain an organized repository.

Git branches are a powerful tool for managing project development. Whether you’re working solo or in a team, understanding how to change branch name in git and using them effectively can greatly enhance your workflow.

Renaming a Git Branch

Renaming a Git branch is a common requirement when working on a project. Whether you need to correct a typo, follow new naming conventions, or better organize your repository, Git makes it easy to rename branches both locally and remotely.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to change branch name in git how to rename a Git branch locally and push the changes to the remote repository.

How to Rename a Git Branch Locally

If you want to rename the branch you’re currently on, use the following command:

sh

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git branch -m new-branch-name

If you are renaming a branch that you’re not currently on, run:

sh

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git branch -m old-branch-name new-branch-name

This will rename the branch locally, but the remote repository still has the old name.

Updating the Remote Repository

After renaming the branch locally, follow these steps to update the remote branch:

Delete the old branch from the remote repository:

sh
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git push origin –delete old-branch-name

Push the renamed branch to the remote repository:

sh
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git push origin new-branch-name

Set the new branch to track the remote branch:

sh
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git branch –unset-upstream  

git push –set-upstream origin new-branch-name

Following these steps ensures that both your local and remote repositories reflect the updated branch name.

Why Rename a Git Branch?

Renaming a branch is useful in several situations, such as:

  • Standardizing branch naming conventions
  • Correcting a misspelled branch name
  • Improving project organization
  • Aligning with team workflows

If you’ve been wondering how to change the branch name in Git, these simple steps will help you manage your repository efficiently.

Conclusion

Renaming a Git department is a not unusual project for builders who want to maintain readability in their mission shape. Whether you need to accurate a typo, observe new naming conventions, or improve agency, Git presents easy approaches to rename git rename branch local branches both domestically and remotely.

In this manual, we’ll stroll you through the way to rename a Git branch regionally and push the modifications change branch name in git to the far off repository. We’ll additionally cover a way to update references to make sure a clean transition without disrupting collaboration. By the way, you’ll recognise precisely how to alternate the branch call in Git, whether operating by myself or in a crew.

If you’re wondering how to change the branch name in Git, remember to:

  1. Rename the branch locally using git branch -m old-name new-name.
  2. Delete the old branch from the remote repository with git push origin –delete old-name.
  3. Push the renamed branch and set it to track the remote repository using git push –set-upstream origin new-name.

By following these steps, you can effectively rename a Git branch remotely and prevent any confusion or errors in your repository.

Understanding how to change the branch name in Git is crucial for maintaining a well-structured development environment. Whether working individually or in a team, renaming branches rename git branch remote correctly helps keep your workflow clean and manageable.

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