Fix “remote: Permission to repository denied. URL returned error: 403” in Git

The “remote: Permission to repository denied. URL returned error: 403” error is a common issue when using Git with remote repositories on platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket. This HTTP 403 Forbidden error means Git couldn’t authenticate your access to the repository, preventing commands like git push or git clone. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, this error can halt your workflow, but it’s fixable with the right steps.

What Is the “remote: Permission to repository denied. URL returned error: 403” Error?

This error occurs when Git tries to access a remote repository (e.g., on GitHub) but the server denies permission, returning an HTTP 403 Forbidden status. It typically appears during commands like:

git push origin main

Output:

remote: Permission to username/repository.git denied to user.
fatal: unable to access 'https://github.com/username/repository.git/': The requested URL returned error: 403

Why Does This Error Happen?

The Git 403 error is usually caused by authentication or permission issues, including:

• Incorrect Credentials: Your Git client is using invalid or outdated credentials (e.g., username/password, access token).
• Insufficient Permissions: Your user account lacks access to the repository (e.g., not a collaborator or wrong permissions).
• Expired or Revoked Access Token: A personal access token (PAT) or SSH key has expired or been revoked.
• HTTPS vs. SSH Misconfiguration: Using HTTPS instead of SSH (or vice versa) with incorrect credentials.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA is enabled, and you’re trying to use a password instead of a token.
• IP Restrictions: The repository’s organization has IP whitelisting enabled, and your IP is blocked.
• Cached Credentials: Outdated credentials stored in your Git credential manager.

Let’s dive into the solutions to fix the Git 403 error and get your repository access back.

Step 1: Verify Your Repository Permissions

Before troubleshooting technical issues, confirm you have the necessary permissions to access the repository.

How to Check:

Log In to the Platform:

• For GitHub: Visit https://github.com/username/repository and check if you can access the repository.
• For GitLab: Visit https://gitlab.com/username/repository.
• For Bitbucket: Visit https://bitbucket.org/username/repository.

Check Your Role:

• Ensure you’re a collaborator, member, or owner of the repository.
• For organization repositories, verify your team permissions (e.g., Write or Admin access).

Contact the Repository Owner:
If you lack access, ask the owner to add you as a collaborator or grant appropriate permissions.

Why This Helps:

If you don’t have permission, no amount of credential fixes will resolve the error. Confirming access ensures you’re troubleshooting the right issue.

Step 2: Check Your Git Remote URL

The error may stem from using the wrong remote URL or protocol (HTTPS vs. SSH). Verify and update the URL.

How to Do It:

1. Check the Current Remote URL:

   git remote -v

Output example:

   origin  https://github.com/username/repository.git (fetch)
   origin  https://github.com/username/repository.git (push)

2. Switch to SSH (if using HTTPS):
   If HTTPS is causing issues, switch to SSH:

   git remote set-url origin git@github.com:username/repository.git

3. Switch to HTTPS (if using SSH):
   If SSH is failing, try HTTPS:

   git remote set-url origin https://github.com/username/repository.git

Why It Works:

HTTPS requires a username/password or PAT, while SSH uses a key pair. Switching protocols can bypass credential issues if one is misconfigured.

When to Use This:

• You’re unsure whether HTTPS or SSH is configured correctly.
• You want to try an alternative protocol before diving into credentials.

Step 3: Update or Set Up Authentication Credentials

Since August 2021, GitHub (and similar platforms) no longer accepts password-based authentication for HTTPS. You need a personal access token (PAT) or SSH key.

Fix for HTTPS: Use a Personal Access Token

Generate a PAT:

• GitHub: Go to Settings > Developer settings > Personal access tokens > Tokens (classic) > Generate new token. Select scopes like repo, workflow, and gist.
• GitLab: Go to Settings > Access Tokens > Add Personal Access Token.
• Bitbucket: Go to Personal settings > App passwords > Create app password.

Update Git Credentials:
Run a Git command (e.g., git push), and when prompted, use:

• Username: Your platform username (e.g., jhu3szh).
• Password: The PAT or app password.

Store the PAT:
Use Git’s credential helper to cache credentials:

   git config --global credential.helper store

Or use a credential manager (e.g., Git Credential Manager for Windows/macOS).

Fix for SSH: Set Up an SSH Key

1. Check for Existing SSH Keys:

   ls -al ~/.ssh

Look for files like id_rsa.pub or id_ed25519.pub.

2. Generate a New SSH Key (if none exist):

   ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your.email@example.com"

Press Enter to accept defaults.

3. Add the SSH Key to the Platform:

• Copy the public key:
  bash cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub
• GitHub: Go to Settings > SSH and GPG keys > New SSH key.
• GitLab: Go to Settings > SSH Keys.
• Bitbucket: Go to Personal settings > SSH keys.

3. Test SSH Connection:

   ssh -T git@github.com

Output should confirm authentication (e.g., “Hi username! You’ve successfully authenticated”).

Why It Works:

A valid PAT or SSH key ensures Git can authenticate with the remote server, resolving the 403 error.

When to Use This:

• You’re using HTTPS and haven’t set up a PAT.
• You’re using SSH but the key is missing, invalid, or not added to the platform.
• 2FA is enabled, requiring a token instead of a password.

Step 4: Clear Cached Credentials

Outdated or incorrect credentials stored in your Git credential manager can cause the 403 error.

How to Do It:

Check Cached Credentials:

   git config --get credential.helper

Common helpers are store, cache, or osxkeychain (macOS).

Clear Cached Credentials:

• macOS (Keychain):
  Open Keychain Access, search for github.com, and delete the entry.
• Windows (Credential Manager):
  Go to Control Panel > Credential Manager > Windows Credentials, remove GitHub entries.
• Linux (cache/store):
  Clear the cache:
  bash git credential-cache exit
  Or edit ~/.git-credentials to remove outdated entries.

Retry the Git Command:

   git push origin main

Enter your updated credentials (username and PAT).

Why It Works:

Removing stale credentials forces Git to prompt for new ones, ensuring the correct PAT or password is used.

When to Use This:

• You recently changed your password or PAT.
• You’re switching accounts on the same machine.
• Cached credentials are causing authentication failures.

Step 5: Check for Organization or IP Restrictions

If you’re accessing a repository owned by an organization, additional restrictions may apply.

How to Check:

Organization Permissions:

• Confirm you’re a member of the organization or team with Write access.
• Ask the organization admin to verify your role.

IP Whitelisting:

• Some organizations restrict repository access to specific IP addresses.
• Check with your admin or try accessing from a different network (e.g., disable VPN).

SAML SSO:

• If the organization uses SAML single sign-on, authenticate your session:
  • GitHub: Go to Settings > Developer settings > Personal access tokens, enable SSO for the organization.
  • GitLab: Ensure your PAT is authorized for SSO.

Why It Works:

Organization-level restrictions can block access even with valid credentials. Resolving these ensures your account has the necessary permissions.

When to Use This:

• The repository belongs to an organization.
• You’re on a restricted network or using a VPN.
• SSO is enabled for the repository.

Common Scenarios and Fixes

Here’s a quick reference table for different contexts where the Git 403 error occurs:

Debugging Tips for Persistent Issues

If the error persists, try these Git error fixing tips:

• Test Authentication:

  git ls-remote https://github.com/username/repository.git

A 403 error here confirms an authentication issue.

• Check Git Version:

  git --version

Update to the latest version (e.g., 2.47.0 as of October 2024):

  sudo apt update && sudo apt install git  # Ubuntu
  brew install git                        # macOS

• Inspect Remote URL:
  Ensure the repository URL matches the correct platform and username.
• Enable Debug Output:
  Run Git with verbose output:

  GIT_TRACE=1 git push

Look for clues in the authentication process.

• Check Platform Status:
  Visit GitHub Status, GitLab Status, or Bitbucket Status for outages.

Preventing Future Errors

To avoid the Git 403 error in the future:

• Use SSH for Simplicity: SSH keys are more reliable than HTTPS for long-term use.
• Store PATs Securely: Save PATs in a password manager and note their expiration dates.
• Regularly Check Permissions: Verify your access when joining new repositories or organizations.
• Update Git Regularly: Keep Git updated to benefit from bug fixes and improved authentication.
• Use a Credential Manager: Tools like Git Credential Manager simplify credential handling.
• Monitor Platform Announcements: Follow GitHub’s blog or equivalent for authentication changes.

FAQs About the Git 403 Error

Why does GitHub require a PAT instead of a password?

Since August 2021, GitHub disabled password-based authentication for HTTPS to improve security, requiring PATs or SSH keys.

Can I use the same PAT for multiple repositories?

Yes, a PAT with the repo scope works for all repositories you have access to on the platform.

What if I’m a collaborator but still get a 403 error?

Verify your permissions with the repository owner and ensure your PAT or SSH key is correctly configured.

Why does the error occur only on one machine?

Cached credentials or an outdated SSH key on that machine may be causing the issue. Clear the cache or regenerate the key.

How do I know if SSO is causing the error?

Check if the repository belongs to an organization with SAML SSO enabled. You’ll need to authorize your PAT for SSO.

Final Thoughts: Restore Your Git Access

The “remote: Permission to repository denied. URL returned error: 403” error can disrupt your workflow, but it’s usually a simple authentication or permission issue. By verifying your access, updating credentials, or switching protocols, you can resolve it quickly. For long-term stability, use SSH keys, store PATs securely, and keep your Git client updated.

Resource: For more Git troubleshooting, visit Git’s official documentation or explore Stack Overflow’s Git tag.