How to make an existing Git branch track a remote branch?

To make an existing Git branch track a remote branch, follow these steps:

1. Check Existing Remote Branches

First, ensure the remote branch exists:

git fetch origin  # Fetch latest remote branches
git branch -r     # List all remote branches

2. Link the Local Branch to a Remote Branch

Use the -u (or --set-upstream-to) flag to set the tracking relationship.

Command Syntax:

git branch -u <remote>/<remote-branch> <local-branch>

• Replace <remote> with the remote name (e.g., origin).
• Replace <remote-branch> with the remote branch name.
• Replace <local-branch> with your existing local branch name.

Example:

If your local branch is feature/login and the remote branch is origin/feature/login:

git branch -u origin/feature/login feature/login

Shortcut (if you’re already on the local branch):

git branch -u origin/feature/login

Alternative: Push and Set Upstream

If the remote branch doesn’t exist yet, create it and set tracking:

git push -u origin <local-branch>:<remote-branch>

Example:

git push -u origin feature/login:feature/login

3. Verify Tracking

Check if the branch is now tracking the remote:

git branch -vv

Output:

* feature/login  a1b2c3d [origin/feature/login] Commit message

Troubleshooting

1. Remote branch not found:

• Ensure you’ve run git fetch to update your local references.
• If the remote branch is missing, push it first:
  bash git push origin <local-branch>:<remote-branch>

1. Wrong upstream branch:

• Reset the upstream:
  bash git branch --unset-upstream # Remove current tracking git branch -u origin/desired-branch

Key Notes

• Use git pull/git push without arguments once tracking is set.
• To track a different remote branch later, repeat the -u step.