[FIXED] Git Push fatal: Repository not found Error

The fatal: Repository not found error is a common issue encountered by Git users when trying to push their local changes to a remote repository.

This error typically occurs when the remote repository specified in the Git configuration cannot be found or accessed.

It looks something like this:

In this troubleshooting guide, we will explore several solutions to help you resolve this error and successfully push your changes.

Let’s dive into the different fixes ranked from best to worst.

Solution 1: Double-check the remote repository URL

Double-checking the remote repository URL is the first step in troubleshooting the fatal: Repository not found error.

Follow these steps to ensure the URL is correct:

1. Verify the URL you are using to push to the repository.
2. Check for any typos or misspellings in the repository name or URL.
3. Confirm that the repository exists and you have the necessary permissions to access it.

Code Example:

git remote -v

Solution 2: Ensure the correct remote is configured

To resolve the error, make sure the remote repository is correctly configured in your local Git repository.

Follow these steps:

1. Use the git remote -v command to view the list of remotes.
2. Check if the remote repository URL is listed correctly.
3. If the URL is incorrect, add or update the remote URL using the git remote add or git remote set-url command.

Code Example:

git remote add origin <repository_url>

Solution 3: Verify your authentication and access rights

Authentication and access rights are essential for accessing the remote repository.

Follow these steps to verify your credentials:

1. Ensure you have the necessary authentication credentials to access the remote repository.
2. Check if your SSH keys or username/password authentication are correctly configured.
3. If using HTTPS, verify that you have the appropriate access rights and credentials.

Solution 4: Check the network connectivity and firewall settings

Network connectivity and firewall settings can sometimes interfere with Git’s communication to the remote repository.

Follow these steps to troubleshoot:

1. Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
2. Verify that there are no network or firewall restrictions preventing your Git client from accessing the remote repository.
3. Temporarily disable any firewalls or VPNs to check if they are causing the issue.

Solution 5: Confirm the repository’s existence

Ensure that the repository exists on the hosting platform.

Follow these steps to confirm:

1. Visit the hosting platform (e.g., GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket) and verify the repository’s existence.
2. Double-check the repository name and spelling.
3. If the repository does not exist, create it on the hosting platform.

Solution 6: Retry the Git push command

After implementing the necessary fixes, retry the Git push command to check if the issue is resolved.

For example:

git push origin master

How to Resolve Push Error in Git?

To resolve push errors in Git, you can take several steps to troubleshoot and fix the issue.

Here are some common solutions along with code examples:

Pull changes before pushing

If you encounter a push error due to diverged histories or conflicts, it’s recommended to pull the latest changes from the remote repository before pushing your own changes.

This allows you to incorporate the remote changes into your local branch.

Use the following commands:

   git pull origin <branch_name>
   git push origin <branch_name>

This will fetch the latest changes from the remote repository, merge them into your local branch, and then push your changes.

Force push

In certain cases, you may need to force push your changes to the remote repository, especially if you have made significant changes or want to overwrite the remote branch entirely.

However, be cautious when using this approach as it can discard other developers’ work.

To force push, use the following command:

   git push -f origin <branch_name>

This will overwrite the remote branch with your local branch’s commit history.

Verify remote configuration

Ensure that the remote repository is correctly configured in your local Git repository.

Double-check the remote URL using the git remote -v command.

If needed, update the remote URL using the following command:

   git remote set-url origin <new_remote_url>

This ensures that your local repository is pointing to the correct remote repository.

Check authentication and permissions

If you’re facing authentication-related errors or permission issues, verify that you have the appropriate credentials and permissions to push to the remote repository.

Check your authentication method (SSH or HTTPS) and ensure that you have the necessary access rights.

You may need to update or reconfigure your authentication settings.

Check network connectivity

If you’re experiencing network-related issues, check your internet connection and ensure that you have a stable connection. Temporary network disruptions or firewall settings can impact Git’s ability to communicate with the remote repository.

These are some general solutions to resolve push errors in Git.

Depending on the specific error you encounter, you may need to apply additional troubleshooting steps or seek further assistance.

Remember to carefully review the error message provided by Git, as it often provides useful information for diagnosing and resolving the issue.

Why Is My Repository Not Found in Git?

There could be several reasons why your repository is not found. Here are some common explanations for this issue:

1. Incorrect repository URL: Ensure that you have provided the correct URL for the repository. Check for any typos or errors in the URL. Double-check the spelling, capitalization, and any special characters in the repository name or URL.
2. Repository does not exist: Verify that the repository you are trying to access actually exists. It’s possible that you may have mistyped the repository name or it hasn’t been created yet. Check the hosting platform (e.g., GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket) to confirm if the repository exists. If it doesn’t, create the repository on the hosting platform.
3. Insufficient permissions: If you have the correct URL and the repository exists, it’s possible that you don’t have the necessary permissions to access the repository. Review your access rights or check with the repository owner or administrator to ensure you have the appropriate permissions to view or clone the repository.
4. Network or connectivity issues: Sometimes, network connectivity problems can prevent your Git client from accessing the remote repository. Check your internet connection and ensure that you have a stable and active network connection. Additionally, firewalls or proxy settings can sometimes interfere with accessing the repository. Verify that your network settings allow access to the repository.
5. Private repository: If the repository is marked as private, it may not be visible or accessible to everyone. Make sure you have the required access credentials, such as username and password, SSH keys, or personal access tokens, depending on the authentication method used for the repository.
6. Repository has been deleted or moved: If you had previously accessed the repository but it is no longer found, it’s possible that the repository has been deleted or moved to a different location. Verify with the repository owner or administrator if any changes have been made to the repository’s status or location.

It’s essential to carefully review the error message you receive when encountering a repository not found issue, as it may provide more specific details about the cause.

By considering these possible reasons and cross-checking the repository details and access permissions, you can troubleshoot and address the “repository not found” issue effectively.

Wrapping Up

Encountering the fatal: Repository not found error during a Git push can be frustrating, but with the right troubleshooting steps, it can be resolved. By double-checking the remote repository URL, verifying authentication and access rights, checking network connectivity and firewall settings, confirming the repository’s existence, and retrying the Git push, you can overcome this error and successfully push your changes. Remember to pay attention to the details, such as the URL, authentication credentials, and network connectivity, to ensure a smooth Git experience.