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Updating your GitHub access credentials

In this article

GitHub credentials include not only your password, but also the access tokens, SSH keys, and application API tokens you use to communicate with GitHub. Should you have the need, you can reset all of these access credentials yourself.

Requesting a new password

  1. To request a new password, visit https://github.com/password_reset.
  2. Enter the email address associated with your account on GitHub.com, then click Send password reset email. The email will be sent to the backup email address if you have one configured. Password reset email request dialog
  3. We'll email you a link that will allow you to reset your password. You must click on this link within 3 hours of receiving the email. If you didn't receive an email from us, make sure to check your spam folder.
  4. If you have enabled two-factor authentication, you will be prompted for your 2FA credentials. Type your authentication code or one of your recovery codes and click Verify. If you have added a security key to your account, you can insert the key and click Use security key instead of typing an authentication code. Two-factor authentication prompt
  5. Type a new password, confirm your new password, and click Change password. For help creating a strong password, see "Creating a strong password." Password recovery box

To avoid losing your password in the future, we suggest using a secure password manager, like LastPass or 1Password.

Changing an existing password

When you type a password to sign in, create an account, or change your password, GitHub will check if the password you entered is considered weak according to datasets like HaveIBeenPwned. The password may be identified as weak even if you have never used that password before.

GitHub only inspects the password at the time you type it, and never stores the password you entered in plaintext. For more information, see HaveIBeenPwned.

  1. Sign in to GitHub.

  2. In the upper-right corner of any page, click your profile photo, then click Settings.

    Settings icon in the user bar

  3. In the "Access" section of the sidebar, click Password and authentication.

  4. Under "Change password", type your old password, a strong new password, and confirm your new password. For help creating a strong password, see "Creating a strong password"

  5. Click Update password.

For greater security, enable two-factor authentication in addition to changing your password. See About two-factor authentication for more details.

Updating your access tokens

See "Reviewing your authorized integrations" for instructions on reviewing and deleting access tokens. To generate new access tokens, see "Creating a personal access token."

If you have reset your account password and would also like to trigger a sign-out from the GitHub Mobile app, you can revoke your authorization of the "GitHub iOS" or "GitHub Android" OAuth App. For additional information, see "Reviewing your authorized integrations."

Updating your SSH keys

See "Reviewing your SSH keys" for instructions on reviewing and deleting SSH keys. To generate and add new SSH keys, see "Generating an SSH key."

Resetting API tokens

If you have any applications registered with GitHub, you'll want to reset their OAuth tokens. For more information, see the "Reset an authorization" endpoint.

Preventing unauthorized access

For more tips on securing your account and preventing unauthorized access, see "Preventing unauthorized access."