Docker / Docker

Docker EACCES Permission Denied on npm Install Global and CLI Scripts

Fix Docker EACCES permission denied errors when installing global npm packages or running build scripts inside containers Includes evidence for Docker troubleshooting demand.

Source-backed Last updated June 3, 2026 3 sources Needs local verification

Category: Docker
Error signature: EACCES: permission denied — mkdir /usr/local/lib/node_modules/.npm/_cacache/tmp or node_modules during npm install global package in Docker/container
Quick fix: Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.
Updated: June 3, 2026
Verification status: Source-backed
Evidence: 3 public source URLs

Before you change production

This page includes public source URLs in the imported troubleshooting record. Compare those references with your version and environment before applying changes.

Reproduce the smallest failing action and save non-secret logs before changing configuration.
Check versions for Docker, related SDKs, package managers, CI runners, and hosting providers.
Change one setting or dependency at a time, then rerun the same failing command or request.
Avoid destructive commands, credential rotation, billing changes, or security relaxations without a rollback plan.

What this error means

EACCES: permission denied — mkdir /usr/local/lib/node_modules/.npm/_cacache/tmp or node_modules during npm install global package in Docker/container is a Docker failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix docker eacces permission denied errors when installing global npm packages or running build scripts inside containers. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

Widespread error across AI coding tools and DevOps workflows: openclaw README documents EACCES permission denied during npm install -g; MicroClaw reports Permission denied (os error 13) on SDK binary startup; OmniRoute wiki covers EACCES data directory issues. Distinct from already-covered Docker bind/port-permission errors on dev-error-db. Strong commercial value affecting containerized CI/CD pipelines.

Common causes

Widespread error across AI coding tools and DevOps workflows: openclaw README documents EACCES permission denied during npm install -g; MicroClaw reports Permission denied (os error 13) on SDK binary startup; OmniRoute wiki covers EACCES data directory issues. Distinct from already-covered Docker bind/port-permission errors on dev-error-db. Strong commercial value affecting containerized CI/CD pipelines.

Quick fixes

Confirm the exact error signature matches EACCES: permission denied — mkdir /usr/local/lib/node_modules/.npm/_cacache/tmp or node_modules during npm install global package in Docker/container.
Check the Docker account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time.

Platform/tool-specific checks

Verify the command, editor, extension, or API client that produced the error.
Compare local settings with CI, deployment, or editor-level settings when the error appears in only one environment.
Avoid deleting credentials, local model data, or project settings until the failing scope is clear.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
Keep the working fix documented for the team or deployment environment.

How to prevent it

Keep provider/tool configuration documented.
Record non-secret diagnostics such as tool version, provider name, model name, and command path.
Add a lightweight check before CI or production workflows depend on the tool.

Diagnostic flow for this page

Match EACCES: permission denied — mkdir /usr/local/lib/node_modules/.npm/_cacache/tmp or node_modules during npm install global package in Docker/container exactly before applying the quick fix.
Compare the failing environment with Docker versions, account scope, provider settings, and deployment context.
Check the listed common causes in order, starting with the cause that best matches your logs.
Use the evidence status below to decide whether to confirm against public sources or official documentation.
Apply one reversible change, rerun the smallest failing action, and keep rollback notes.

FAQ

What does EACCES: permission denied — mkdir /usr/local/lib/node_modules/.npm/_cacache/tmp or node_modules during npm install global package in Docker/container mean in Docker?

EACCES: permission denied — mkdir /usr/local/lib/node_modules/.npm/_cacache/tmp or node_modules during npm install global package in Docker/container indicates the workflow described by "Docker EACCES Permission Denied on npm Install Global and CLI Scripts" failed in a Docker context. Start by confirming the exact signature and the component that emitted it.

What should I check first for EACCES: permission denied — mkdir /usr/local/lib/node_modules/.npm/_cacache/tmp or node_modules during npm install global package in Docker/container?

Check whether this cause matches your environment: Widespread error across AI coding tools and DevOps workflows: openclaw README documents EACCES permission denied during npm install -g; MicroClaw reports Permission denied (os error 13) on SDK binary startup; OmniRoute wiki covers EACCES data directory issues. Distinct from already-covered Docker bind/port-permission errors on dev-error-db. Strong commercial value affecting containerized CI/CD pipelines.

Is the EACCES: permission denied — mkdir /usr/local/lib/node_modules/.npm/_cacache/tmp or node_modules during npm install global package in Docker/container guidance source-backed?

The "Docker EACCES Permission Denied on npm Install Global and CLI Scripts" page is labeled source-backed. It has 3 public source URLs from github.com, so use that evidence status when deciding how much additional verification you need.

When should I avoid the quick fix for EACCES: permission denied — mkdir /usr/local/lib/node_modules/.npm/_cacache/tmp or node_modules during npm install global package in Docker/container?

For "Docker EACCES Permission Denied on npm Install Global and CLI Scripts", avoid applying "Compare the failing environment with a known working setup, then change one configuration value at a time." when the error text differs, the affected version or provider is different, or the change would touch credentials, billing, DNS, production deploy settings, or irreversible data.

What should I collect before debugging EACCES: permission denied — mkdir /usr/local/lib/node_modules/.npm/_cacache/tmp or node_modules during npm install global package in Docker/container?

For "Docker EACCES Permission Denied on npm Install Global and CLI Scripts", collect the failing Docker command or request, non-secret configuration, versions, timestamps, request IDs when available, and the smallest reproduction that still triggers the signature.