Update a Container Image¶

When to Use This Guide¶

Use this guide when you need to deploy a new version of an application by updating the container image used by a deployment.

This commonly happens when:

• releasing a new application version
• patching vulnerabilities
• deploying bug fixes

kubectl set image deployment <deployment-name> <container>=<image>:<tag>

Step 1 — Check Current Image¶

Inspect the deployment configuration.

kubectl describe deployment web-app

Look for:

Image: web-app:v1

Step 2 — Update the Image¶

Deploy a new container version.

kubectl set image deployment web-app web-app=web-app:v2

Example output:

deployment.apps/web-app image updated

Step 3 — Monitor the Rollout¶

Watch the deployment update.

kubectl rollout status deployment web-app

Step 4 — Verify Pods¶

Check that new pods are running.

kubectl get pods

Pods should now use the updated image.

Common Issues¶

Pods Fail After Image Update

If pods crash after the update, check logs.

kubectl logs <pod-name>

If necessary, roll back the deployment.

kubectl rollout undo deployment web-app

Quick Update Workflow

kubectl set image deployment web-app web-app=web-app:v2
kubectl rollout status deployment web-app
kubectl get pods

Related Guides¶

Deployment Management

• Scale a Deployment
• Restart a Deployment
• Roll Back a Deployment

Troubleshooting

• Debug a Crashing Pod