Find the previous branch tip after a bad reset.
Section: Decision Guide
Use reflog after a mistaken reset
bash
bash
git reflogExplanation
If you used the wrong reset mode or target, reflog is usually the fastest path back.
Learn the surrounding workflow
Compare similar commands or jump into common fixes when this command is part of a bigger troubleshooting path.
Related commands
Same sheet · prioritizing Decision Guide
Mental model for reset vs restore vs revert
Quick decision guide for the three similarly named commands.
Create a safety branch before destructive changes
Save a recovery pointer before hard reset or risky history edits.
Reset out of a conflicted merge state
Try to leave local changes intact while backing out of a merge-like operation.
Undo last commit but keep everything staged
Move HEAD back one commit while preserving index and working tree.
Undo last commit and unstage changes
Move HEAD back one commit and leave changes in the working tree.
Discard last commit and local changes
Move HEAD back one commit and discard index and working tree changes.