Solving Kubectl Error: exec plugin: invalid apiversion “client.authentication.k8s.io/v1alpha1”

An automated method for managing, scaling, and deploying containerized applications is called Kubernetes. One of the key components of Kubernetes is the kubectl command-line tool, which allows you to manage and interact with your cluster.

If you are encountering an error message that reads kubectl error: exec plugin: invalid apiVersion “client.authentication.k8s.io/v1alpha1” while using kubectl, it means that the version of kubectl you are using is incompatible with the API version of your Kubernetes cluster.

In Kubernetes, an API version refers to the version of the Kubernetes API that a resource or plugin uses. The API version is specified in the apiVersion field of a resource definition file, such as a YAML file for deployment or service.

Causes of Kubectl Error: exec plugin: invalid apiversion “client.authentication.k8s.io/v1alpha1”

The error message indicates that kubectl is trying to use an API version client.authentication.k8s.io/v1alpha1 that is not supported by your cluster. This can be due to a few reasons:

• You are using an outdated version of kubectl: The API version supported by your kubectl version may not be compatible with the version of your Kubernetes cluster.
• Your cluster has been upgraded to a newer version of the Kubernetes API that is not compatible with your kubectl  version: The API version supported by your kubectl version may not be compatible with the version of your Kubernetes cluster after an upgrade.

How to Resolve the Error on Kubectl Command

To resolve this error, you have a few options:

• Upgrade your kubectl version: This will ensure that your kubectl version is compatible with the API version of your Kubernetes cluster.
• Update your resource definition files to use an older API version that is compatible with your kubectl version: This will ensure that your resource definition files are compatible with the API version supported by your kubectl version.
• Upgrade your Kubernetes cluster: This will ensure that the API version supported by your cluster is compatible with your kubectl version.
• Use the below-mentioned commands to resolve this error, here we are reducing the cluster version.

cd
mv kubectl kubectl_1.24
mv bin bin_1.24 
curl -O https://s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/amazon-eks/1.23.15/2023-01-11/bin/linux/amd64/kubectl
chmod +x ./kubectl
mkdir -p $HOME/bin && cp ./kubectl $HOME/bin/kubectl && export PATH=$PATH:$HOME/bin
kubectl version

In conclusion, the error message “error: exec plugin: invalid apiVersion client.authentication.k8s.io/v1alpha1” occurs when the kubectl the version you are using is incompatible with the API version of your Kubernetes cluster. To resolve this error, you can upgrade your kubectl version, update your resource definition files, or upgrade your Kubernetes cluster to ensure compatibility.

Related Post

• [Solved] The connection to the server localhost:8080 was refused – did you specify the right host or port?
• [Solved] Error from server (ServiceUnavailable): the server is currently unable to handle the request (get nodes.metrics.k8s.io)
• How To Setup A Three Node Kubernetes Cluster For CKA: Step By Step
• Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA): Step-by-Step Activity Guide (Hands-on Lab)
• CKA Certification Exam (Certified Kubernetes Administrator)
• Kubernetes for Beginners – A Complete Beginners Guide
• Kubernetes Dashboard: An Overview, Installation, and Accessing
• CKA/CKAD Exam Questions & Answers 2022
• Docker Container Lifecycle Management: Create, Run, Pause, Stop And Delete
• CKA vs CKAD vs CKS – Differences & Which Exam is Best For You?
• Etcd Backup And Restore In Kubernetes: Step By Step

Join FREE Class

Begin your journey towards becoming a Certified Kubernetes Administrator [CKA]  from our Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) training program. To know about the Roles and Responsibilities of a Kubernetes administrator, why learn Docker and Kubernetes, and Job opportunities for Kubernetes administrator in the market. Also, know about the Hands-On labs you must perform to clear the Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) Certification exam by registering for our FREE class.