Whether you are working on a client’s project or developing a closed-source application, private repositories help keep your code secure and under control. Unlike public repositories, private repos require authenticated access. In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up access to private Git repositories, so you can clone, pull, and push with confidence.
What Is a Private Git Repository?
A private repository is a Git repository that is not publicly accessible. It’s used to:
Secure source code
Control access to collaborators
Prevent unauthorized forks or downloads
Git platforms like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket support private repositories with flexible permission controls.
Requirements Before You Begin
To access a private repository, you will need:
A valid Git account (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, etc.)
Access permissions to the repository (granted by the owner)
Git installed on your local machine
SSH key or personal access token (depending on authentication method)
Step 1: Choose Your Authentication Method
You can access private repos using:
Option A: SSH Key Authentication (Recommended for developers)
Check for an existing SSH key:
Generate a new SSH key if none exists:
Add the SSH key to your Git platform:
Copy the key:
Go to your Git account settings → SSH & GPG keys → Add New Key
Paste your public key
Test the connection:
Replace github.com with your Git platform (e.g., git@gitlab.com)
Option B: Personal Access Token (HTTPS authentication)
If you prefer or are required to use HTTPS:
Log in to your Git account
Go to Developer Settings > Personal Access Tokens
Generate a new token with necessary scopes (repo, read/write access)
Use this token as your password when cloning or pushing:
When prompted for a password, paste the access token instead.
Step 2: Clone the Private Repository
Once access is set up:
using SSH:
Using HTTPS + Token:
(You’ll be prompted for your username and token)
Step 3: Pull, Push, and Collaborate
Once cloned, you can start working with the repo:
Pull changes:
Push updates:
Add new remote (if not cloned initially):
Troubleshooting Access Issues
Problem | Solution |
Permission denied (publickey) | Check if SSH key is added to your Git account |
Authentication failed | Ensure token is valid and has the right scopes |
403 Forbidden error | Confirm you’ve been granted access to the repo |
SSH key still not working | Check if the key is added to your ssh-agent |
Security Tips
Never share your private SSH key or access token
Revoke old or unused tokens
Use .gitignore to exclude sensitive files from commits
Regularly update your authentication credentials
Setting up access to private Git repositories ensures you can work securely and collaboratively on protected projects. Whether you use SSH keys or personal access tokens, taking the time to configure your access correctly will save you hours of troubleshooting and help you maintain secure development workflows.