Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: Docker daemon incorrectly responds with API version error

Docker API version error on Pop!_OS

Quick Answer: Check if Docker daemon.json file has an API version defined, and try setting the DOCKER_API_VERSION environment variable to 1.44.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 🛑 Root Causes of the Error
  2. 🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes
  3. ✨ Wrapping Up

The Docker daemon incorrectly responds with an API version error when attempting to run a container using Docker Compose. This issue affects users who are running a compatible version of Docker and Docker Compose, but still encounter this problem.

This error can be frustrating for developers and system administrators as it prevents them from successfully running their containers. In this guide, we will explore the root causes of this issue and provide solutions to resolve it.

🛑 Root Causes of the Error

  • The primary reason for this error is that the Docker client version is too old. The minimum supported API version required by the Docker daemon is 1.44, but the client version is lower than this threshold.
  • An alternative reason could be a misconfigured environment variable or daemon.json file that specifies an incorrect API version.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Verified Fixes

Update Docker Client Version

  1. Step 1: Open a terminal and run the command `sudo apt update` to ensure your package list is up-to-date.
  2. Step 2: Run the command `sudo apt install docker-ce` to upgrade the Docker client version. This may take some time depending on the speed of your internet connection.
  3. Step 3: Once the installation is complete, restart the Docker service by running `sudo systemctl restart docker`. This will apply the changes to the Docker daemon.

Downgrade Docker (Alternative Solution)

  1. Step 1: Open a terminal and run the command `sudo apt purge docker-ce` to remove the current version of Docker.
  2. Step 2: Run the command `sudo apt install docker-ce ` to downgrade Docker to a compatible version. Replace `` with the latest available version from the Docker website.

✨ Wrapping Up

To resolve the Docker daemon incorrectly responding with an API version error, you can try updating your Docker client version or downgrading Docker to a compatible version. If you choose to update, make sure to restart the Docker service after installation. Alternatively, if you prefer to stay up-to-date, downgrading Docker may be a viable solution. In any case, it is recommended to consult the official Docker documentation for further assistance and to ensure your system is running with the latest versions of Docker and Docker Compose.

Did this fix your problem?

If not, try searching for specific error codes.

🔍 Search Error Database

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🛠️ Related Fixes

How to Fix: Pc crashes shortly after launching game (rainbow

Fix Pc crashes shortly after launching game (rainbow six siege). Compl

How to Fix: Installing an APK on a locked down phone

Installing an APK on a locked down phone: Try using a rooted device, e

How to Fix: New PC build- no signal and no clue

Fix New PC build- no signal and no clue. Complete troubleshooting guid