Set up an SSH key for GitHub

Push and pull without typing a password. Generate a key, add it to GitHub, and test it.

4 min5 stepsmacOS · Linux · Windows

Generate a key
Press Enter to accept the default file, then choose a passphrase.
$ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C ""
Copy the public key
On Windows use the PowerShell version from the SSH commands.
$pbcopy < ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub
Add it to GitHub
GitHub → Settings → SSH and GPG keys → New SSH key. Paste and save.
4
Test the connection
Type yes if asked to trust GitHub’s fingerprint.
$ssh -T git@github.com
```
Hi you! You've successfully authenticated, but GitHub does not provide shell access.
```
Switch an existing repo to SSH
Point the remote at the SSH address.
$git remote set-url origin

Generate a key