What happens to the stash entry when git stash pop conflicts?

When git stash pop conflicts, Git usually keeps the stash entry instead of dropping it. Verify with git stash list before running any cleanup commands.

Should I use git stash apply instead of pop when risk is high?

Yes. git stash apply keeps the stash entry by default, which gives you a safer recovery path if conflicts or wrong-branch application happen.

How do I recover if I dropped the stash accidentally?

Use git reflog to locate the related commits, then create a rescue branch from the matching hash and reapply the required changes.

Git Stash Pop Conflict Recovery: Resolve, Keep, or Reapply Safely (2026)

Published February 27, 2026 · 7 min read

Need a fast file-level comparison while resolving conflicts? Open Git Diff Viewer to inspect current vs expected changes before staging conflict resolutions.

A stash pop conflict is recoverable if you avoid destructive cleanup and checkpoint your state before re-running commands. This guide gives a deterministic flow you can use under pressure.

First 60 seconds after conflict
Resolve in-place safely
Abort and reapply without data loss
Recover a dropped stash
Prevention checklist

1. First 60 seconds after conflict

Do not run broad reset commands immediately. First, confirm exactly what Git kept.

git status

git stash list

git diff --name-only --diff-filter=U

Warning: Avoid git reset --hard until you have a recovery branch or patch file. It can destroy the only copy of conflict-local edits.

2. Resolve in-place safely

If the current branch is correct, keep conflict resolution local and explicit:

# review conflict files
 git diff --name-only --diff-filter=U

# edit conflict markers, then stage resolved files
 git add path/to/conflicted-file

# verify no unresolved files remain
 git diff --name-only --diff-filter=U

# commit the resolved state
 git commit -m "resolve stash pop conflicts"

After commit, verify whether the stash entry still exists. If it does and is no longer needed, drop it explicitly.

git stash list
# if still present and no longer needed:
git stash drop stash@{0}

3. Abort and reapply without data loss

If you popped on the wrong branch or the conflict surface is too large, checkpoint first and restart with apply instead of pop.

# create a safety branch from current HEAD
 git switch -c rescue/stash-conflict-$(date +%Y%m%d-%H%M)

# optional: save local conflict edits as a patch
 git diff > /tmp/stash-conflict.patch

Then return to your intended branch and apply the stash in a reversible way:

git switch your-target-branch

git stash apply stash@{0}

Tip: Prefer stash apply during risky recovery because it keeps the stash entry available for a second attempt.

4. Recover a dropped stash

If the stash was dropped and you still need the content, use reflog-based recovery:

# inspect recent reflog entries
 git reflog --date=iso

# create a rescue branch at the candidate commit
 git switch -c rescue/stash-recovery <reflog-hash>

For deeper reflog workflows, use Git Reflog Recovery Guide. For broad conflict handling, see Git Merge Conflicts Guide.

5. Prevention checklist

Prefer git stash apply over pop when branch context is uncertain.
Always check git branch --show-current before applying stash.
Create a quick rescue branch before conflict-heavy operations.
Drop stash entries explicitly after verification, not preemptively.

FAQ

Why did git stash pop not remove my stash entry?

When conflicts occur, Git generally keeps the stash entry so you can retry. Confirm with git stash list before cleanup.

Can I convert a risky pop workflow into a safer apply workflow?

Yes. Resolve or checkpoint the current state, switch to the correct branch, and re-run with git stash apply stash@{n}.

What is the safest rollback point during conflict recovery?

A dedicated rescue branch created immediately after the conflict gives you a stable rollback point without losing current edits.