Git: How to set GitHub credentials for macOS

Join the AI Workshop to learn more about AI and how it can be applied to web development. Next cohort February 1st, 2026

The AI-first Web Development BOOTCAMP cohort starts February 24th, 2026. 10 weeks of intensive training and hands-on projects.


Set up GitHub authentication so you can use it from VS Code or the command line.

I normally use the GitHub Desktop app to interact with my GitHub account, the only place I use for Git repositories for all my code and websites.

But there are times you need to use the git command line, or perhaps the Git integration in VS Code.

Without these steps, you’d get an authentication issue if you try.

Let’s set it up.

I assume you have Homebrew installed.

From the command line, run:

brew install gh

and then use the gh tool:

gh auth login

Then answer a few questions.

Choose HTTPS:

Choose Y:

And proceed to login with the browser:

Click Authorize GitHub:

And you’re set:

Go back to your terminal or VS Code, and things will work as expected.

Lessons in this unit:

0: Introduction
1: Installing Git
2: Initialize a repository
3: Commit changes
4: Branches
5: Push and pull
6: Working with a remote
7: Solving conflicts
8: .gitignore
9: How to add a Git remote
10: How to remove a Git remote
11: ▶︎ How to set GitHub credentials for macOS