How to Fix the “remote: Write access to repository not granted. fatal: unable to access” Error in Git

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Have you ever tried pushing code to a Git repository only to be stopped by the frustrating error: “remote: Write access to repository not granted. fatal: unable to access”? If so, you’re not alone. This error is a common roadblock for developers, especially those new to Git or working on collaborative projects. It pops up when Git denies your attempt to push changes due to insufficient permissions or configuration issues.

In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll break down what causes the Git write access error, how to troubleshoot it, and step-by-step solutions to get you back to coding. Whether you’re a student learning version control or a developer joining a new team, this post will help you resolve the issue quickly and understand how to avoid it in the future.

What Does the “Write Access to Repository Not Granted” Error Mean?

The Git write access error occurs when you try to push changes to a remote repository (like on GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket) but lack the necessary permissions or proper setup. Essentially, Git is telling you, “Hey, you don’t have the authority to make changes here!” This could happen for several reasons, which we’ll explore below.

By the end of this post, you’ll know:

  • Why this error happens.
  • How to check your access and configuration.
  • Simple steps to fix the issue and prevent it moving forward.

Let’s dive into the causes and solutions!

Why Does the Git Write Access Error Happen?

Before fixing the problem, let’s understand what triggers the Git write access error. Here are the most common reasons:

1. Insufficient Repository Permissions

You may not have write access to the repository. This is common in:

  • Team projects: If you’re a collaborator but haven’t been granted push permissions.
  • Organization repositories: Admins often restrict write access to specific users or teams.
  • Forked repositories: You might be trying to push to the original repo instead of your fork.

2. Incorrect Remote URL

The remote repository URL might be misconfigured, or you’re trying to push to a repository you don’t have access to. For example, using an HTTPS URL without proper authentication can cause this error.

3. Authentication Issues

Git requires authentication to verify your identity. Problems like:

  • Expired or invalid credentials (e.g., personal access tokens or SSH keys).
  • Incorrectly configured Git credentials on your local machine.
  • Using HTTPS instead of SSH (or vice versa) without proper setup.

4. Incorrect Branch Protections

Some repositories have branch protection rules that restrict who can push to certain branches (e.g., main or master). If you’re trying to push to a protected branch without permission, you’ll see the Git write access error.

5. Misconfigured Fork or Upstream Repository

If you’re working with a forked repository, you might accidentally try to push to the upstream repository (the original one) instead of your fork, where you have write access.

How to Fix the “remote: Write access to repository not granted” Error

Now that we know the causes, let’s walk through the solutions. Follow these steps in order, as they address the most common issues first. Each step is explained simply, so even if you’re new to Git, you can follow along.

Step 1: Verify Your Repository Permissions

The first thing to check is whether you have write access to the repository.

  • For GitHub:
  1. Go to the repository’s page on GitHub.
  2. Click the Settings tab (you may need admin access to view this).
  3. Under Manage access, check if your GitHub username is listed with Write or Admin permissions.
  4. If you don’t see your name or only have Read access, ask the repository owner or admin to grant you write access.
  • For GitLab:
  1. Navigate to the project’s Members section.
  2. Check your role (e.g., Developer, Maintainer). Only Developer or higher roles typically have push access.
  3. Request a role upgrade from the project owner if needed.
  • For Bitbucket:
  1. Go to Repository settings > User and group access.
  2. Ensure your account has Write or Admin permissions.

Pro Tip: If you’re working on a forked repository, push changes to your fork (where you have full access) instead of the upstream repository.

Step 2: Check the Remote URL

If your permissions are correct, verify that you’re pushing to the right repository. Run this command in your terminal to see the remote URL:

git remote -v

This will display the fetch and push URLs for your repository. For example:

origin  https://github.com/username/your-repo.git (fetch)
origin  https://github.com/username/your-repo.git (push)
  • If the URL points to someone else’s repository (e.g., https://github.com/other-user/repo.git), you may not have write access.
  • If you’re working with a fork, ensure the URL points to your fork (e.g., https://github.com/your-username/repo.git).

To update the remote URL, use:

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

Replace the URL with the correct one for your repository or fork.

Step 3: Authenticate Properly

Authentication issues are a frequent cause of the Git write access error. Depending on whether you’re using HTTPS or SSH, follow these steps:

For HTTPS Users

GitHub and other platforms no longer support password-based authentication for HTTPS. Instead, you need a personal access token (PAT) or Git credential manager.

  1. Generate a Personal Access Token:
  • On GitHub: Go to Settings > Developer settings > Personal access tokens > Tokens (classic) > Generate new token.
  • Select scopes like repo for full repository access.
  • Copy the token and store it securely.
  1. Use the Token:
  • When pushing, Git may prompt for a username and password.
  • Enter your GitHub username and use the PAT as the password.
  • Alternatively, cache the credentials using:
    bash git config credential.helper store
  1. Check Credential Manager:
  • If you’re using a credential manager (e.g., Git Credential Manager Core), ensure it’s configured correctly.
  • On Windows/Mac, clear old credentials from your system’s credential manager and re-authenticate.

For SSH Users

SSH keys provide a secure way to authenticate without repeated logins.

  1. Check for SSH Keys:
  • Run ls -al ~/.ssh to see if you have SSH keys (e.g., id_rsa.pub).
  • If none exist, generate one:
    bash ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -C "your_email@example.com"
  1. Add SSH Key to the Repository Host:
  • Copy your public key: cat ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub.
  • On GitHub: Go to Settings > SSH and GPG keys > New SSH key and paste the key.
  • For GitLab/Bitbucket, follow similar steps in their settings.
  1. Test SSH Connection:
  • Run ssh -T git@github.com (or equivalent for GitLab/Bitbucket).
  • If successful, you’ll see a message like: “Hi username! You’ve successfully authenticated.”
  1. Ensure SSH URL:
  • Check the remote URL (git remote -v). It should look like git@github.com:username/repo.git.
  • If it’s HTTPS, switch to SSH:
    bash git remote set-url origin git@github.com:username/repo.git

Step 4: Check Branch Protection Rules

If you have write access but still see the Git write access error, the branch you’re pushing to might be protected.

  • On GitHub:
  1. Go to the repository’s Settings > Branches > Branch protection rules.
  2. Check if the branch (e.g., main) has restrictions like “Require pull request reviews before merging.”
  3. If protected, you can’t push directly. Instead, create a new branch, push your changes there, and open a pull request:
    bash git checkout -b new-branch git push origin new-branch
  • On GitLab/Bitbucket: Similar settings exist under Repository settings or Project settings. Check with your admin if you need direct push access.

Step 5: Push to the Correct Repository (Fork vs. Upstream)

If you’re working with a forked repository, ensure you’re pushing to your fork, not the upstream repository.

  1. Check your remotes:
   git remote -v
  1. If you only see the upstream repository, add your fork as a remote:
   git remote add my-fork https://github.com/your-username/repo.git
  1. Push to your fork:
   git push my-fork main
  1. Create a pull request from your fork to the upstream repository to contribute your changes.

Step 6: Test Your Push

After applying the above fixes, try pushing again:

git push origin main

If the Git write access error persists, double-check:

  • Your permissions with the repository owner.
  • That your credentials or SSH keys are correctly configured.
  • The branch you’re pushing to isn’t protected.

Best Practices to Avoid the Git Write Access Error

To prevent the Git write access error in the future, follow these tips:

  • Always verify permissions: Before starting work, confirm you have write access or know the contribution process (e.g., forking and pull requests).
  • Use SSH for easier authentication: SSH keys eliminate the need for repeated logins and are more secure.
  • Check branch rules: Understand the repository’s branch protection settings to avoid pushing to restricted branches.
  • Keep credentials updated: Regularly check that your PATs or SSH keys haven’t expired.
  • Communicate with your team: If you’re part of a collaborative project, clarify your role and access with the repository owner.

Conclusion

The “remote: Write access to repository not granted. fatal: unable to access” error can be a headache, but it’s usually caused by simple issues like missing permissions, incorrect URLs, or authentication problems. By following the steps above—checking permissions, verifying the remote URL, setting up authentication, and respecting branch protections—you can resolve the error and get back to coding.

If you’re still stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to your repository admin or team lead for help. Ready to push your code without errors? Try these fixes and let us know how it goes in the comments below!

Call-to-Action: Bookmark this guide for quick reference the next time you hit a Git error. Share it with your team to save them from the same headache!

FAQs

What does “remote: Write access to repository not granted” mean in Git?

This error means you don’t have permission to push changes to the remote repository. It could be due to insufficient access rights, incorrect authentication, or trying to push to a protected branch.

How do I get write access to a Git repository?

Ask the repository owner or admin to grant you Write or Admin permissions. On GitHub, this is done under Settings > Manage access. For GitLab/Bitbucket, check the Members or User access settings.

Why am I getting a Git write access error on a forked repository?

You might be trying to push to the original (upstream) repository instead of your fork. Ensure your remote URL points to your fork and push there, then create a pull request to contribute.

Can I fix the Git write access error without admin help?

If the issue is due to authentication (e.g., invalid PAT or SSH key), you can fix it yourself by updating your credentials. However, if it’s a permissions issue, you’ll need the repository admin to grant access.

How do I know if a branch is protected in Git?

Check the repository’s settings on the hosting platform (e.g., GitHub’s Branches tab). Protected branches often require pull requests and may restrict direct pushes.

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