How To Fix “git authentication failed” Error?
Last Updated :
15 Apr, 2025
The "git authentication failed" error is a common issue that developers encounter when trying to interact with remote Git repositories, such as when pushing or pulling code from GitHub or GitLab. This error occurs when Git fails to authenticate the user while attempting to connect to a remote repository.
Common Causes of the "Git Authentication Failed" Error
- Incorrect Username or Password: Mistyped username or password.
- Expired or Revoked Tokens: OAuth tokens or SSH keys may expire or get revoked.
- Configuration Issues: Incorrect Git configuration settings.
- 2-Factor Authentication (2FA): Additional authentication steps not handled by Git.
How to Fix the Git Authentication Failed Error
1. Check Your Credentials
The first step to resolving this error is to ensure that the correct username and password are being used. If you recently changed your password, update it in your Git configuration.
Re-enter Your Credentials:
git config --global --unset user.name
git config --global --unset user.email
git config --global user.name "your_username"
git config --global user.email "[email protected]"
2. Use a Personal Access Token (PAT)
Many platforms like GitHub no longer accept passwords for Git operations. Instead, they require a Personal Access Token (PAT).
Generate a PAT on GitHub:
- Go to your GitHub account settings.
- Navigate to "Developer settings" > "Personal access tokens."
- Generate a new token with the required scopes (e.g., repo for repository access).
Use PAT for Git Operations:
When prompted for a password, use the PAT instead of your GitHub password.
3. Configure SSH Key Authentication
Using SSH keys is a secure way to authenticate Git operations without repeatedly entering your credentials.
Generate a New SSH Key:
ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -C "[email protected]"
Add the SSH Key to the SSH Agent:
eval "$(ssh-agent -s)"
ssh-add ~/.ssh/id_rsa
Add the SSH Key to Your GitHub Account: Copy the SSH key to your clipboard:
cat ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub
Add it to your GitHub account under "Settings" > "SSH and GPG keys."
Change the Remote URL to Use SSH:
git remote set-url origin [email protected]:username/repository.git
4. Update Stored Credentials
If you're using a credential helper, update your stored credentials.
For macOS (using Keychain):
git credential-osxkeychain erase
For Windows (using Credential Manager):
git credential-manager erase
After clearing the credentials, Git will prompt you to enter them again during the next operation.
5. Disable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
If your platform uses 2FA, ensure that Git operations can handle it. If not, you might need to generate a PAT.
For GitHub:
Follow the steps to generate a PAT with appropriate scopes as mentioned earlier.
6. Update Git
Ensure you're using the latest version of Git, as updates often include important security and functionality improvements.
Update Git on macOS:
brew upgrade git
Update Git on Windows:
Download and install the latest version from the official Git website.
Best Practices to Prevent Git Authentication Failed
Here are a few best practices to follow to avoid encountering authentication failures again in the future:
1. Use SSH for Authentication
- SSH is more secure and avoids the need for entering credentials repeatedly.
- Always configure SSH keys and use them to interact with Git repositories.
2. Use Personal Access Tokens (PAT)
- GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket now require PATs for HTTPS authentication when 2FA is enabled.
- Ensure that you store your tokens securely and regenerate them periodically.
3. Use Git's Credential Helper
- Configure Git to cache your credentials securely to avoid having to re-enter them repeatedly:
4. Update Git Regularly
Keep your Git installation up-to-date to ensure compatibility with modern authentication methods and security features.
Conclusion
The "Git Authentication Failed" error can be caused by several factors, including incorrect credentials, outdated cached passwords, and issues with two-factor authentication. By following the steps above, you should be able to resolve the error.
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