Rails: ActiveRecord::PendingMigrationError — Migrations are pending. To resolve this issue, run: bin/rails db:migrate
The database schema is behind the migration files in the app.
Exact message you may see
Migrations are pendingTo resolve this issue, run: bin/rails db:migrate
Seen on:
Ruby
Meaning
After pulling code with new migrations, deploying, or switching branches, Rails detects unapplied migrations and stops in development/test.
Common causes
- New migrations not yet run
- Test database not prepared
- Branch switch with different migrations
- Deploy script missing db:migrate
⚡ Quick fix
- Run bin/rails db:migrate
- For tests: bin/rails db:test:prepare
- Add db:migrate to deployment
Detailed fix by platform
Shell
- ruby
bin/rails db:migrate bin/rails db:migrate:status RAILS_ENV=test bin/rails db:prepare
How to diagnose
- Status — db:migrate:status
- Env — Which environment?
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Where this error sits
Origin: Application & API. Errors that are often confused with or caused by this one (click to open):
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Last updated 15 Oct 2026