In this blog post, I will show you how to clone a private repository from GitHub using different methods and tools. Whether you are using HTTPS or SSH, command line or GUI, Windows or Linux, you will find a solution that works for you.

If you want to clone a private repository from GitHub, you might encounter some challenges. Unlike public repositories, which are accessible to anyone, private repositories require authentication and permission to access. Let’s get started!

GitHub Repository

1. How to clone your private repository?

You can clone a private repository from your account and you can also clone a private repository from organization if you’re its owner or member.

git clone https://<pat>@github.com/<your account or organization>/<repo>.git

To clone a private repository from your account or organization, you need to generate a PAT(Personal Access Token) on your Github account, and add it to the command above. Organization doesn’t have PAT generator. PAT is Personal Access Token.

2. How you generate a PAT on your Github account:

  1. Go to “Settings”.

Settings

  1. Scroll down then go to “Developer settings”.

Developer Settings

  1. Press “Personal access tokens” then press “Generate new token”.

Generate New Token

  1. Fill “Note” then check “repo”. “repo” is not checked, you cannot clone a private repository.

Repo

  1. Scroll down then press “Generate token”.

Generate Token

  1. Finally, a PAT is generated.

PAT

3. The command with the PAT generated above to clone your private repository:

git clone https://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@github.com/<your account or organization>/<repo>.git