Git Push Results in "Authentication Failed"

If you encounter an "Authentication Failed" error when trying to push changes to a Git repository, it usually indicates an issue with your credentials or authentication method. Here are several steps you can follow to troubleshoot and resolve this issue:

1. Check Your Credentials

1. Update Your Credentials

   If you’ve changed your password or credentials recently, make sure to update them. You can do this by setting new credentials in your Git configuration.

    

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   git config --global user.name "Your Name"
   git config --global user.email "your.email@example.com"
   

2. Check Stored Credentials

   Sometimes, stored credentials can become outdated or incorrect. Check your credentials manager:

- **Windows**: Open the Credential Manager and update or remove the stored Git credentials.
- **macOS**: Use the Keychain Access app to manage your credentials.
- **Linux**: Credentials might be stored in the `.git-credentials` file or a credentials manager like `gnome-keyring` or `kwallet`.

2. Check Your Remote URL

Ensure your remote URL is correct and uses the appropriate authentication method (HTTP/HTTPS or SSH).

1. Verify Remote URL

    

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   git remote -v
   

   Make sure the URL listed for the remote matches the repository URL you have access to.

2. Update Remote URL

   If needed, update the remote URL:

    

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   git remote set-url origin <new-url>
   

   Example:

    

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

3. Update Authentication Method

1. Using HTTPS

   If using HTTPS, you may need to use a personal access token (PAT) instead of your password. This is common with GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket.

- **Generate a PAT**: Follow the instructions on your Git hosting provider’s site (e.g., GitHub’s [personal access tokens documentation](https://docs.github.com/en/github/authenticating-to-github/creating-a-personal-access-token)).
- **Use PAT**: When prompted for your password, use the PAT.

1. Using SSH

   If using SSH, ensure your SSH key is properly set up and added to your SSH agent.

- **Check SSH Key**:

    ```
    ssh -T git@github.com
    ```

    This command should confirm that you have successfully authenticated with the Git host.

- **Add SSH Key to SSH Agent**:

    ```
    ssh-add ~/.ssh/id_rsa
    ```

- **Ensure SSH Key is Added to Your Git Host**: Make sure the SSH key is associated with your account on the Git hosting service (e.g., GitHub’s [SSH key management](https://docs.github.com/en/github/authenticating-to-github/adding-a-new-ssh-key-to-your-github-account)).

4. Check Your Git Configuration

Ensure that your Git configuration is set correctly for your user:

1. List Current Configuration:

    

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   git config --list
   

   Look for entries related to user credentials and remote URL settings.

2. Reconfigure Your Credentials:

    

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   git config --global credential.helper cache
   

   This caches your credentials for a short period.

5. Test and Push Again

After making the necessary updates, try pushing your changes again:

git push origin <branch>

Summary of Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check and Update Credentials:
   • Ensure credentials are correct and up-to-date.
2. Verify and Update Remote URL:
   • Confirm the remote URL and update if needed.
3. Update Authentication Method:
   • Use a personal access token for HTTPS.
   • Ensure SSH keys are correctly set up and added.
4. Check Git Configuration:
   • Verify and adjust your Git configuration if necessary.
5. Retry Push:
   • Test pushing changes again after making updates.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the "Authentication Failed" error and successfully push your changes to the Git repository.

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