How to delete a Git branch locally and remotely?

How to delete a Git branch locally and remotely?

Delete a local branch
Safe delete (recommended)
Deletes the branch only if it’s already merged.

git branch -d branch_name

Force delete (even if not merged)
Use this carefully:

git branch -D branch_name

Delete a remote branch

git push origin --delete branch_name

Delete local + remote together (common workflow)

git branch -d branch_name
git push origin --delete branch_name

Important

• You cannot delete the branch you are currently on

git checkout main

• Replace branch_name with your actual branch name
• origin is the default remote — change it if needed

Verify deletion

List local branches

git branch

List remote branches

git branch -r

Clean up stale remote branches

git fetch -p

Quick Action Command

1. Delete local (safe): git branch -d branch
2. Delete local (force): git branch -D branch
3. Delete remote: git push origin --delete branch
4. Cleanup: git fetch -p