TL;DR
To list Tmux sessions, you can try these three methods:
- Use the command
tmux list-sessions
in the Terminal to quickly list active Tmux sessions. - Press
Ctrl-b
followed by s within a Tmux session to access a session selection menu and switch between sessions. - Press
Ctrl-b
followed by:
to enter the Tmux command prompt, then enter the commandlist-sessions
to view active sessions.
Continue reading the article below to discover three methods to list Tmux sessions and common errors that can occur when listing sessions.
Managing multiple terminal sessions can be overwhelming, but Tmux makes it easier. If you’ve struggled to keep track of different tasks in your terminal, this post is for you. I’ll show you how to list Tmux sessions and fix common errors, so you can manage your sessions better and keep your workflow smooth. Let’s explore and make your terminal experience more manageable and efficient.
What is Tmux?
Tmux is a terminal multiplexer. It lets you run multiple terminal sessions within a single window. You can switch between these sessions easily, split your window into panes, and even detach from a session, leaving it running in the background. Tmux helps you manage various tasks in one terminal window, making your workflow more efficient.
Using Tmux offers several advantages:
- Session Management: Keep multiple terminal sessions open and switch between them without losing your work.
- Increased Productivity: Split your window into multiple panes, allowing you to monitor different tasks simultaneously.
- Persistence: Detach from a session and leave it running. You can reattach later, picking up exactly where you left off.
- Remote Work: Tmux sessions continue to run even if your connection drops, making it ideal for remote work.
How to List Tmux Sessions?
To list tmux sessions, simply open your terminal and enter the command tmux list-sessions
. This will display all active tmux sessions, showing their names, window counts, and statuses. It’s an effective way to quickly see all the tmux environments you have running and choose which one to access or manage.
That was the quick answer. Here is the detailed step-by-step guide of three different methods to Tmux list all sessions.
1. Command Line
Using the command line to show Tmux sessions is quick and straightforward. This method is ideal for users who prefer a command-driven approach or need to incorporate session listing into scripts or automation workflows. Follow these steps to list Tmux sessions:
- Open your Terminal by pressing
Ctrl+Alt+T
.

- Enter the following command:
tmux list-sessions
The Terminal will list all active Tmux sessions, including their session IDs and attached clients.

2. Tmux Shortcut
The Tmux shortcut provides a convenient way to check Tmux sessions while working within a Tmux session. This method is useful when you are already inside a Tmux session and want to quickly switch to a different session without leaving your current Terminal environment. Here are the steps to do it:
- Start or attach to a Tmux session. While inside the Tmux session, press
Ctrl-b
. This will activate the Tmux command prompt. - Release
Ctrl-b
and then press s.

- A session selection menu will appear, showing all available Tmux sessions. Use the arrow keys to navigate through the list of sessions. Once you have highlighted the desired session, press Enter to select it.

3. Tmux Command Prompt
Accessing the Tmux command prompt allows you to execute Tmux commands directly and efficiently. This method is beneficial when you want to interact with Tmux through a dedicated prompt, enabling you to see Tmux sessions and perform other Tmux operations seamlessly. Follow these steps:
- Attach to a Tmux session and press
Ctrl-b
to activate the Tmux command prompt. - Release
Ctrl-b
and then type :. The command prompt will now be ready to accept Tmux commands. - Enter the following command to list sessions:
list-sessions

- Tmux will list all active sessions, including their session IDs and attached clients.

How to Attach a Tmux Session?
Attaching to a tmux session allows you to reconnect to an existing session that may have been detached or left running in the background. This feature is particularly useful for returning to your work environment exactly as you left it, whether it was on purpose or because of a disconnected remote session. Here’s how to attach to an existing tmux session:
- Start by opening a Terminal window.
- Before you can attach to a session, you need to know what sessions are available. Type the following command:
tmux list-sessions
This command will display all existing sessions, showing their names and some additional details.

If you have multiple sessions, identify the one you want to attach to from the list. Each session will typically be identified by a name or number.
- If no sessions exist, it will return nothing, and you’ll need to start a new session by simply typing:
tmux

- To attach to a session, use the attach-session command followed by the -t option, which stands for target:
tmux attach-session -t session-name
Replace session-name with the name or number of the session you want to attach to.

- If the session name is a number, you can simplify the command to:
tmux a -t 0

To learn how to detach a Tmux session, read this detailed guide on how to detach a Tmux session.
4 Common Errors When Listing Sessions in Tmux
When listing Tmux sessions, it’s possible to encounter a few common errors. By being aware of these common errors and their solutions, you can troubleshoot and overcome any issues you may encounter while attempting to list Tmux sessions effectively. Here are four errors you may come across and their possible solutions:
1. 💡“No sessions found” Error
This error occurs when listing Tmux sessions, but no active sessions are available. It typically happens when Tmux has not started or all existing sessions have been terminated.
- To resolve this error, you can start a new Tmux session using the
tmux new-session
command or check for existing sessions using commands liketmux list-sessions
ortmux ls
to ensure that there are active sessions before attempting to list them.
2. ❓ “Unknown command list-sessions” Error
If you encounter the error message “Unknown command ‘list-sessions'”, it suggests that Tmux does not recognize the command you used to list sessions. This issue can occur due to a typo in the command or if you are using an outdated version of Tmux that does not support the specific command.
- Double-check the command syntax, ensuring proper capitalization and spacing. Additionally, consult the Tmux documentation or use alternative commands such as ls or list-s that may be compatible with your Tmux version.
3. ⚠️ Tmux not installed or not in PATH Error
This error occurs when Tmux is not installed on your system, or the Tmux executable is not in the system’s PATH variable. Ensure that Tmux is installed using the appropriate package manager for your operating system.
- If Tmux is already installed, verify that the Tmux executable is added to the system’s PATH variable, which allows the system to locate and execute the Tmux command. If necessary, modify your PATH variable or consult the documentation for your operating system on how to set the PATH correctly.
4. 🔒 Insufficient permissions
When encountering an “insufficient permissions” error, it indicates that the user running the command does not have the necessary permissions to access or interact with Tmux sessions. This error can arise if the user does not have the appropriate rights to execute Tmux commands or access the Tmux socket files.
- To resolve this issue, ensure that the user has the required permissions. If available, you can try running the Tmux commands with elevated privileges using sudo or other administrative tools. If you’re working in a shared environment or on a managed system, contact the system administrator for assistance in obtaining the necessary permissions.
Tmux List Sessions: Summing Up
In this article, I’ve shown you various methods to list Tmux sessions and troubleshoot common errors. Whether you prefer using the command line, shortcuts, or the Tmux command prompt, you now have the tools to manage your Tmux sessions effectively.
If you want to further enhance your Tmux skills, you might be interested in these topics:
- Adjusting Tmux pane size can help you better control your terminal layout.
- Learning how to scroll in Tmux allows you to review previous output without leaving the session.
- Knowing how to kill a Tmux session ensures you can manage your workspaces effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I rename a Tmux session?
tmux rename-session new_name
. This allows you to give your session a more descriptive or meaningful name. Renaming sessions can be helpful when you want to identify and manage your sessions easily. Remember to list the sessions using tmux list-sessions
or tmux ls
to verify the updated name.Is it possible to share a Tmux session with other users?
tmux new-session -s session_name
or attach to an existing session with tmux attach-session -t session_name
. Share the session name with others who want to join, and they can attach to the session using tmux attach-session -t session_name
in their own Terminals.Can I customize the appearance of Tmux session status bars?
(~/.tmux.conf)
and add directives for colors, information display, or theme customization. With these customization options, you can create a personalized and visually appealing status bar that suits your preferences and enhances your Tmux experience.