Resolving "GitLab Remote: HTTP Basic: Access Denied" Error on macOS

Introduction

When working with Git repositories, especially on platforms like GitLab, you might encounter authentication issues such as "HTTP Basic: Access denied." This error usually occurs during push or pull operations and can be frustrating. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to resolve this problem specifically for macOS users who are using HTTPS protocol with GitLab.

Understanding the Problem

The "Access Denied" error typically arises when Git cannot authenticate you against the remote repository server. The reasons could range from incorrect credentials to outdated cached credentials or misconfigured authentication helpers. Addressing these can help establish a smooth connection and successful communication with your GitLab repositories.

Solutions to Resolve the Issue

1. Use Personal Access Token Instead of Password

One of the most effective solutions is replacing your GitLab password with a personal access token, as modern security practices discourage using plain passwords for repository operations over HTTPS.

Steps:

• Generate a Personal Access Token:

  • Log in to your GitLab account.
  • Navigate to Settings -> Access Tokens.
  • Create a new token and ensure you select the api scope. This grants necessary permissions for read/write access.

• Use Token as Password:

  • When prompted for a password during a Git operation (e.g., git push, git pull), use this personal access token instead of your regular password.

This method enhances security and is recommended by many platforms, including GitLab.

2. Clear Cached Credentials

Git may cache your credentials locally or in the macOS Keychain, causing authentication issues if these are outdated or incorrect.

Steps:

• Unset Credential Helper:

  • Open Terminal and execute:

    git config --system --unset credential.helper
    

  • This command removes any globally set credential helper that might be storing your credentials improperly.

• Manually Clear Keychain (Optional):

  • If you suspect the macOS Keychain has cached incorrect credentials, open Keychain Access and search for entries related to GitLab or GitHub. Remove any such entries.

3. Reset Credential Helper

If issues persist after clearing cached credentials, resetting the credential helper can help ensure it functions correctly.

Steps:

• Unset Global Credential Helper:

  • Execute in Terminal:

    git config --global --unset credential.helper
    

• Set New Credential Helper (Optional):

  • You might consider setting a new credential helper to avoid future issues. For example, use cache for temporary storage with expiry:

    git config --global credential.helper cache
    

Additional Considerations

If you are still encountering issues after trying these solutions:

• Check URL Format:

  • Ensure that the remote repository URL is correctly formatted and includes HTTPS.

• Verify Git Configuration:

  • Run git config --list to inspect your Git configuration for any anomalies.

Conclusion

By using a personal access token, clearing cached credentials, or resetting credential helpers, you can resolve the "HTTP Basic: Access Denied" error on macOS when working with GitLab. These practices not only solve authentication issues but also improve security by encouraging the use of tokens over plain passwords. Adopting these solutions will streamline your workflow and minimize disruptions during repository operations.