How to Fix the “Repository Not Found” Error on GitHub

When working with GitHub, you may encounter the frustrating “Repository Not Found” error. This issue can arise due to several factors, but don’t worry — this guide will walk you through the various solutions, including a step-by-step explanation of how I resolved it when I faced the same problem.

1. Check the Repository URL

The first thing to check is whether you’re using the correct repository URL. This error often occurs due to a simple typo or an incorrect URL.

• Solution: Double-check the URL of the repository. You can easily find this by going to your repository on GitHub, clicking the green “Code” button, and copying the HTTPS or SSH link. Make sure the link is exactly correct, as even a minor discrepancy can lead to the error.

git remote set-url origin https://github.com/yourusername/reponame.git

2. Verify Repository Existence and Case Sensitivity

Another common cause is that the repository might not exist, has been deleted, or its name has been changed. Additionally, GitHub repository names are case-sensitive, so even a small difference in capitalization can cause issues.

• Solution: Check that the repository exists under your GitHub account and that the name is spelled and capitalized correctly. If it’s a private repository, ensure that you have the right permissions.

3. Confirm You Have the Right Permissions

If you’re trying to access a repository you don’t own, you need to make sure you have the necessary permissions. If it’s a private repository, the owner needs to grant you access.

• Solution: Verify that you have access to the repository. If you don’t, request access from the repository owner.

4. Handle Multiple GitHub Accounts (My Experience)

Now, let me share a solution that worked for me. I ran into the “Repository Not Found” error because I have two GitHub accounts. I was trying to connect a project to a repository belonging to a different account than the one currently logged into my system, which caused the error.

Here’s how I fixed it:

• Step 1: First, I realized that GitHub was trying to authenticate using the credentials from the wrong account. So, I needed to remove the stored credentials from my system.
• Step 2: I went to the Control Panel on my Windows system, then navigated to User Account. Under the Windows Credentials section, I found the stored GitHub credentials and removed the one associated with the old account.

• Step 3: After removing the credentials, I opened my project in VS Code and tried to push my changes again. This time, GitHub prompted me to log in. I entered the credentials for the correct account, and the project connected successfully to the right repository.

This process is especially useful if you frequently switch between multiple GitHub accounts.

5. Set Up Personal Access Tokens (PAT) Instead of Passwords

If you’re using HTTPS and have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled, you’ll need to use a Personal Access Token (PAT) instead of your password. This token serves as a secure alternative and prevents the “Repository Not Found” error.

• Solution: Generate a PAT from your GitHub account settings and use it in place of your password when prompted by Git. Here’s how to set it up:

git remote set-url origin https://<your_token>@github.com/yourusername/reponame.git

6. Update or Re-add Your Remote URL

Sometimes, the remote URL might not be set up correctly or needs to be updated, especially after changing the repository’s location or ownership.

• Solution: Verify your remote URLs using:

git remote -v

If you find any issues, you can update or re-add the correct URL:

git remote set-url origin https://github.com/yourusername/reponame.git

If necessary, you can remove the existing remote and add it again:

git remote remove origin git remote add origin https://github.com/yourusername/reponame.git

Conclusion

The “Repository Not Found” error can be caused by various factors, ranging from a simple typo in the URL to more complex issues like permission problems or multiple GitHub accounts. By following the solutions outlined above, you can quickly resolve this issue and get back to working on your projects.

If you encounter this problem, remember to check your URL, repository existence, permissions, and credentials. If you’re managing multiple GitHub accounts, like I do, be mindful of which account is logged in to avoid this error in the future.

Happy coding!