Managing access to GitHub is a critical task, especially for IT admins who deal with multiple accounts and security measures, and often find themselves troubleshooting issues. In this guide, we'll cover how to recover a GitHub account in case of lost credentials, forgotten passwords, or two-factor authentication (2FA) failures. The goal is to ensure you know all the available options so that you can restore access to an account easily.
If you ever lose access to your GitHub account, then there are a variety of ways to recover your account. Each method aims to help you regain control, whether through 2FA codes, email verification, or support requests. Understanding these options and knowing how to use them is essential for any IT admin overseeing GitHub accounts.
The first step is to determine which recovery options you still have access to. Do you still have your two-factor recovery codes? Is your backup email address still accessible? Let's take a closer look at what each recovery option needs.
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your GitHub account by requiring you to provide a second form of verification, usually in the form of a code sent to your device. Recovery codes are one-time-use backup codes that you generate and save when enabling 2FA. These codes are like your insurance policy if you lose access to your authenticator app.
If you cannot access your authenticator app or device, use one of your saved 2FA recovery codes. Here are the steps to recover using a 2FA recovery code:
1. Go to GitHub's login page.
2. Enter your username and password.
This image shows a red box highlighting the 'Sign in' button on GitHub's login page, guiding users to click it after entering login details.
3. When prompted for your 2FA code, click on Use a recovery code.
The above image shows the GitHub Two-Factor Authentication page with the 'Use a recovery code' option highlighted to help users recover their account.
4. Enter one of your saved codes to regain access.
In this image, the 'Recovery code' box is shown on GitHub’s 2FA recovery screen, where users can enter one of their saved codes to verify their identity.
These codes are only usable once, so make sure you save all 16 recovery codes securely in a password manager or in another secure location.
After you use a recovery code, it's wise to generate a new set to ensure you’re not left without options in the future. To regenerate new recovery codes:
1. Go to Settings in your GitHub account.
2. Click on Password and authentication.
This screenshot features the 'Password and authentication' section of GitHub settings. It shows where users can regenerate new recovery codes after using the old ones.
3. Under Recovery codes, click View and Generate new recovery codes.
This above image shows the Recovery options section of a settings page in GitHub.
This image shows the 'View and Generate new recovery codes' option under the 'Recovery codes' section in GitHub settings. This allows users to regenerate new codes for future use.
4. Save these codes in a secure location.
If you do not have access to your 2FA device or codes, you might still be able to use your linked email for recovery. If you have a verified email address associated with your GitHub account, follow these steps:
1. Click on Forgot password? on the login page.
2. Enter your verified email address and click Send password reset email.
The "Reset your password" page on GitHub allows users to enter their verified email address and click the highlighted "Send password reset email" button to receive a reset link.
3. Follow the instructions in the email to reset your password.
The email from GitHub contains the necessary steps to reset your password. Follow the instructions to regain access to your account.
This method works only if you have verified email addresses linked to your account. Make sure to keep multiple verified email addresses associated with your GitHub account to provide fallback options.
In the 'Emails' section of account settings on GitHub, users can add multiple verified email addresses to improve recovery options.
You can add verified email addresses on your Github Account Settings page under the Emails Section.
If you've configured a security key or passkey for GitHub, you can use that key to recover access.
1. Insert your physical security key into your device
This image shows the process of inserting a physical security key into your device for GitHub account recovery. Using a security key helps regain access to your account.
2. Follow the prompt to authenticate using the key.
The above image shows the prompt to authenticate using a passkey from another device, with instructions to scan a QR code or insert and touch a USB security key for GitHub account recovery.
3. If you’ve registered a passkey, you can use it directly during the sign-in process.
Security keys are a convenient fallback if you lose your primary device.
If you’ve lost both your 2FA credentials and recovery codes, you can request support directly from GitHub. Here’s how:
1. Click Forgot password? on the login page.
2. Enter your email address and click Send password reset email.
3. After resetting your password, click on Start a 2FA recovery request.
The above image displays the 'Open a support ticket' page on GitHub, where users can enter their username, email, and account recovery details.
4. Verify your identity using one of the available methods, like a previously verified device or an SSH key.
This image shows the GitHub account recovery page prompting users to verify their identity using an alternative factor such as a device, SSH key, or personal access token. It includes a "Contact support" option for further assistance.
GitHub Support will review your request within three to five business days, and they may ask for additional information to verify your identity.
GitHub needs to confirm your identity to prevent unauthorized access. During this period, you may need to provide details such as:
Providing these verification factors expedites the process and reassures GitHub that it’s indeed you attempting to regain access.
One of the best strategies for avoiding a lockout is setting up multiple 2FA methods. You can configure both a TOTP app and a security key for redundancy. Here’s how:
1. Go to the Password and authentication settings.
GitHub settings allow you to add different 2FA methods, such as an authenticator app and security keys. It also provides instructions on setting up backup options to ensure you don't get locked out of your account.
2. Enable 2FA using a TOTP app like Google Authenticator.
This image shows the GitHub 2FA setup process where users scan a QR code and enter a verification code from an authenticator app. It guides users on enabling two-factor authentication for added account security.
3. Add a security key as an additional method from the Password and authentication settings.
Having multiple methods allows you to choose the most convenient form of verification while providing security in case you lose one device.
We cannot stress enough the importance of saving recovery codes. After enabling 2FA, GitHub provides you with recovery codes—download them immediately and store them in a secure location like a password manager.
Make sure to regularly verify that your email addresses and devices are up-to-date in GitHub settings. Adding a backup email address and keeping your devices recognized can prevent recovery issues.
GitHub account recovery doesn’t have to be a stressful process if you are prepared. Whether you’re managing multiple accounts or just want to ensure that one mistake doesn’t lead to a lockout, understanding the different recovery options and best practices will keep you in control. Set up multiple 2FA methods, save your recovery codes, and keep your email addresses verified to maintain seamless access. As an IT admin, having these measures in place will ensure you’re always ready for the unexpected.
If you're having trouble with account recovery, here’s what to watch out for:
These quick checks can help you regain access smoothly.
GitHub Support has limited options for account recovery, especially with 2FA.
Be sure to keep multiple recovery methods handy to avoid losing access.
For payment method removal from a locked account, you’ll need to contact GitHub Support.
This is the recommended approach for billing-related issues in locked accounts.
Content access depends on its type and settings:
Ownership is critical, so ensure that the team members have the required access permissions.
Recovery codes are single-use and expire after one entry.
This will ensure you’re prepared in case of account lockouts.
