Force Bundler Version Ignore Lockfile | Generated by AI
Question: How to run bundle install regardless of the Bundler version specified in the lockfile (ignore the “lockfile was generated with Bundler 2.6.2” warning and use current Bundler version)?
Answer:
Here are the main ways to force bundle install to use your current Bundler version (in your case Bundler 4.0.3) and ignore the version written in Gemfile.lock:
Recommended / cleanest solutions (2024–2026 style)
- Most modern & recommended way (Bundler ≥ 2.3+)
bundle install --ignore-bundler-version
This is exactly what the flag was created for.
- Very common workaround (works in all recent versions)
bundle _4.0.3_ install
# or if you want to be more generic:
bundle exec bundle install
- Update lockfile to current Bundler version (usually what you want long-term)
# Option A - cleanest
rm Gemfile.lock
bundle install
# Option B - keep most of the lockfile
bundle update --bundler
Quick comparison
| Method | Keeps existing lockfile versions? | Updates lockfile Bundler version? | Recommended for? |
|---|---|---|---|
bundle install --ignore-bundler-version |
Yes | No | CI, quick one-time run |
bundle _4.0.3_ install |
Yes | No | Quick fix, scripts |
bundle update --bundler |
Yes | Yes | Normal development flow |
rm Gemfile.lock && bundle install |
No (regenerates) | Yes | When you want fresh resolution |
What most developers do in 2025–2026
# One-time / CI / don't care about exact Bundler version in lock
bundle install --ignore-bundler-version
# Normal development – keep lockfile up to date
bundle update --bundler
# then commit the updated Gemfile.lock
Bonus – set it globally (if you hate seeing the warning forever)
bundle config set --global ignore_bundler_version true
Then normal bundle install will no longer complain.
Pick whichever matches your situation:
- Just want it to run now →
--ignore-bundler-version - Want to fix it properly →
bundle update --bundler
Good luck!