How To Add an SSH Key to GitHub (Step‑By‑Step Guide)

Adding an SSH key to GitHub lets you connect to your repos securely without typing your username and password every time. It’s faster, safer, and the standard way most developers work with GitHub from their laptop or desktop.

This guide walks you through what SSH keys are, why GitHub uses them, and how to add one to your account—plus the ways the process can differ depending on your system.

What is an SSH Key and Why Does GitHub Need It?

SSH (Secure Shell) is a protocol for securely connecting to another computer over a network. Instead of using a password each time, SSH can use a key pair:

• A public key – safe to share; you upload this to GitHub
• A private key – stays on your device; never share this with anyone

When you run a Git command like git push over SSH:

1. GitHub checks if your account has a public key on file.
2. Your computer proves it holds the matching private key (cryptographically).
3. If they match, GitHub lets you in without requiring a password.

This gives you:

• Security: Long, hard‑to‑guess keys instead of reused passwords.
• Convenience: No constant password prompts.
• Automation: Scripts and tools can access repos securely without storing plaintext passwords.

Overview: Steps to Add an SSH Key to GitHub

At a high level, you’ll:

1. Check if you already have an SSH key on your computer.
2. Generate a new SSH key pair if needed.
3. Add the key to your SSH agent (so your OS can use it automatically).
4. Copy the public key.
5. Add it to GitHub in your account settings.
6. Test the connection.

Each step is the same idea across operating systems, but the commands and tools vary slightly.

Step 1: Check If You Already Have an SSH Key

On macOS and Linux

Open Terminal and run: