How do I ignore files Git already tracks?

Confirm the file is tracked

Check whether Git already tracks the path:

git ls-files -- path/to/file

If Git prints the path, the file is tracked. Add a suitable rule to your project’s .gitignore, then remove only the indexed copy:

git rm --cached -- path/to/file

--cached keeps the local working copy. Check git status and the staged diff before committing. Teammates who pull this commit may see the file removed from their working tree, so coordinate when it matters.

For a directory

Check exactly which tracked paths the directory contains before using the recursive form:

git ls-files -- path/to/directory
git rm -r --cached -- path/to/directory

If a secret was committed

Removing a secret from the latest commit does not erase old history. Rotate the exposed credential and follow your hosting provider’s incident guidance. A later .gitignore rule only helps prevent accidental future additions.