setting-up-ssh-authentication-for-github.md

title	Setting up SSH Authentication for GitHub
intro	Guide to set up SSH authentication for GitHub
redirect_from	/articles/setting-up-ssh-authentication-for-github /github/authenticating-to-github/setting-up-ssh-authentication-for-github
versions	fpt ghes ghec * * *
topics	SSH
shortTitle	Set up SSH Authentication
type	tutorial

Step-by-Step: Setting Up SSH Authentication for GitHub

This guide explains how to set up SSH and push code to GitHub step by step.

1. Generate SSH Key

Create a new SSH key for authentication.

ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your_email@example.com"

Press Enter to save the key in the default location (~/.ssh/id_ed25519).

Add a passphrase for extra security (optional).

2. Add SSH Key to SSH Agent

Start the SSH agent and add your private key for automatic authentication.

eval "$(ssh-agent -s)"      # Start the SSH agent
ssh-add ~/.ssh/id_ed25519   # Add the private key

3. Copy Public Key

Copy your public key to add it to GitHub.

cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub   # Show the public key

4. Add SSH Key to GitHub

Go to GitHub: Settings > SSH and GPG Keys > New SSH Key.

Paste your public key into the provided box and give it a title.

5. Test SSH Connection

Verify the connection to GitHub.

ssh -T git@github.com

You should see a message like: Hi username! You've successfully authenticated, but GitHub does not provide shell access.

6. Set SSH URL for Existing Repository

If the repository already exists and uses HTTPS, change it to SSH.

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

7. Clone Repository (Optional)

To download a repository using SSH:

git clone git@github.com:username/repository.git

8. Make Changes and Push

Stage your changes:

git add .

Commit your changes with a message:

git commit -m "Your commit message"

Push the changes to GitHub:

git push origin main