Login issue

[shivaranjanmayya1995-coder]

🏷️ Discussion Type

Bug

💬 Feature/Topic Area

JetBrains & Xcode

Body

OAuth login was not successful. Switching to device code authentication.

[github-actions[bot]]

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[shivaranjanmayya1995-coder]

We have urgent situation now

[syedsafeer]

Hi @shivaranjanmayya1995-coder, this error usually happens when a browser extension, VPN, or local firewall blocks the OAuth redirect back to your IDE.

To fix this:

1. Temporarily disable any VPN or Proxy.
2. Clear your default browser's cache or try setting a different browser as your default temporarily.
3. Ensure your IDE (JetBrains/Xcode) and the GitHub Copilot extension are fully updated.

Often, simply syncing your system clock (ensuring it's set to automatic) fixes these handshake failures.

(If this helps, please Mark as Answer.)

[naqvi110k]

I ran into this exact "OAuth login not successful, switching to device code authentication" error last month in IntelliJ. Drove me nuts for about 2 hours.

The device code fallback is the key clue. It means GitHub tried the normal OAuth popup, something blocked it, so it fell back to the manual device code flow. That usually still works, but if you're seeing the error and not getting the device code prompt, here's what I did:

What fixed it for me (in order of most to least likely):

1. Browser cookies/session issue. The IDE uses your default system browser for OAuth. If you're logged into GitHub in that browser but your session is stale, it fails silently. Try:

   • Log out of GitHub completely in your browser
   • Clear cookies for github.com
   • Log back in
   • Retry the IDE login

2. Corporate proxy or firewall. If you're on a work machine, OAuth redirects (to localhost or a callback port) often get blocked. Device code auth should bypass this, but some networks block the device code endpoint too. Quick test: try on a personal hotspot instead of work WiFi.

3. IDE version mismatch. JetBrains rolled out a bad Copilot plugin update in early March that broke OAuth for a lot of people. Check for plugin updates or roll back to the previous version if you have it.

Workaround that worked for me: Use the device code flow manually.

• When the IDE shows the error, look for a URL like github.com/login/device in the logs (View → Log in IDE)
• Open that URL in your browser manually
• Enter the device code
• Go back to the IDE – it should connect

If you're saying "urgent situation" – you can also just use a personal access token (classic) with workflow and repo scopes as a temporary bypass. Settings → Developer settings → Personal access tokens → Tokens (classic). Paste that into the IDE instead of doing OAuth.

Hope that gets you unblocked.

[shivaranjanmayya1995-coder]

I have done all this before reaching to you but still getting same issue.

…

On Thu, 2 Apr, 2026, 12:35 pm Syed Safeer Abbas Naqvi, < ***@***.***> wrote: Hi @shivaranjanmayya1995-coder <https://github.com/shivaranjanmayya1995-coder>, this error usually happens when a browser extension, VPN, or local firewall blocks the OAuth redirect back to your IDE. To fix this: 1. Temporarily disable any VPN or Proxy. 2. Clear your default browser's cache or try setting a different browser as your default temporarily. 3. Ensure your IDE (JetBrains/Xcode) and the GitHub Copilot extension are fully updated. Often, simply syncing your system clock (ensuring it's set to automatic) fixes these handshake failures. (If this helps, please *Mark as Answer*.) — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#191354?email_source=notifications&email_token=B4YUTGBQZGQ6HTS5LNZ4XQT4TYGLTA5CNFSNUABIM5UWIORPF5TWS5BNNB2WEL2ENFZWG5LTONUW63SDN5WW2ZLOOQXTCNRUGE4TAMJQUZZGKYLTN5XKO3LFNZ2GS33OUVSXMZLOOSWGM33PORSXEX3DNRUWG2Y#discussioncomment-16419010>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/B4YUTGFF6G4ICREIABUDLHT4TYGLTAVCNFSM6AAAAACXJ7SDKWVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43URDJONRXK43TNFXW4Q3PNVWWK3TUHMYTMNBRHEYDCMA> . You are receiving this because you were mentioned.Message ID: ***@***.***>

[naqvi110k]

Ah man, that's frustrating. If you've already done all of that – cleared cookies, tried different networks, checked the IDE logs for the device code URL – and it's still broken, then we're looking at something deeper.

A few more things to try (I've been there):

1. Check if your GitHub account has 2FA enabled – If you recently turned on 2FA, some older IDE tokens or sessions get invalidated silently. Go to GitHub → Settings → Account security → Revoke any old OAuth apps you don't recognize, then try again.

2. Try a completely different IDE – Just as a test. Download VS Code, install the GitHub Copilot extension, and see if you can log in there. If VS Code works, the problem is specific to your JetBrains IDE or its plugin. If VS Code also fails, it's your account or network.

3. Check your system clock – This sounds stupid, but I've seen OAuth fail because the computer's clock was off by more than 5 minutes. Sync your time with an internet server (Settings → Time & Date → Sync now).

4. Look at the actual error in the logs – In IntelliJ, go to Help → Show Log in Finder/Explorer. Search for "OAuth" or "GitHub". There might be a more specific error message that the popup isn't showing you. Paste that here if you find it.

If none of that works – the nuclear option:

Uninstall the GitHub Copilot plugin completely. Restart IntelliJ. Delete the plugin cache:

• Windows: %APPDATA%\JetBrains\<IDE version>\options\copilot.xml
• Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/JetBrains/<IDE version>/options/copilot.xml
• Linux: ~/.config/JetBrains/<IDE version>/options/copilot.xml

Then reinstall the plugin fresh.

Last resort: Use the GitHub CLI (gh auth login) in your terminal to authenticate first, then some IDEs will pick up that session. It's a long shot but it's worked for me once.

What IDE and version are you on exactly? And what OS? That might help narrow it down.

[shivaranjanmayya1995-coder]

I have totally reinstalled intellij and copilot still same issue

…

On Thu, 2 Apr, 2026, 1:16 pm Syed Mohsin Abbas Naqvi, < ***@***.***> wrote: Ah man, that's frustrating. If you've already done all of that – cleared cookies, tried different networks, checked the IDE logs for the device code URL – and it's *still* broken, then we're looking at something deeper. *A few more things to try (I've been there):* 1. *Check if your GitHub account has 2FA enabled* – If you recently turned on 2FA, some older IDE tokens or sessions get invalidated silently. Go to GitHub → Settings → Account security → Revoke any old OAuth apps you don't recognize, then try again. 2. *Try a completely different IDE* – Just as a test. Download VS Code, install the GitHub Copilot extension, and see if you can log in there. If VS Code works, the problem is specific to your JetBrains IDE or its plugin. If VS Code also fails, it's your account or network. 3. *Check your system clock* – This sounds stupid, but I've seen OAuth fail because the computer's clock was off by more than 5 minutes. Sync your time with an internet server (Settings → Time & Date → Sync now). 4. *Look at the actual error in the logs* – In IntelliJ, go to Help → Show Log in Finder/Explorer. Search for "OAuth" or "GitHub". There might be a more specific error message that the popup isn't showing you. Paste that here if you find it. *If none of that works – the nuclear option:* Uninstall the GitHub Copilot plugin completely. Restart IntelliJ. Delete the plugin cache: - Windows: %APPDATA%\JetBrains\<IDE version>\options\copilot.xml - Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/JetBrains/<IDE version>/options/copilot.xml - Linux: ~/.config/JetBrains/<IDE version>/options/copilot.xml Then reinstall the plugin fresh. *Last resort:* Use the GitHub CLI (gh auth login) in your terminal to authenticate first, then some IDEs will pick up that session. It's a long shot but it's worked for me once. What IDE and version are you on exactly? And what OS? That might help narrow it down. — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#191354?email_source=notifications&email_token=B4YUTGDVVGORB4QDSNJK3DD4TYLFNA5CNFSNUABIM5UWIORPF5TWS5BNNB2WEL2ENFZWG5LTONUW63SDN5WW2ZLOOQXTCNRUGE4TKMBQUZZGKYLTN5XKO3LFNZ2GS33OUVSXMZLOOSWGM33PORSXEX3DNRUWG2Y#discussioncomment-16419500>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/B4YUTGGNKJLUCHMTQXT27HL4TYLFNAVCNFSM6AAAAACXJ7SDKWVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43URDJONRXK43TNFXW4Q3PNVWWK3TUHMYTMNBRHE2TAMA> . You are receiving this because you were mentioned.Message ID: ***@***.***>

[naqvi110k]

Okay, at this point we're past the usual fixes. If a complete reinstall of IntelliJ and the Copilot plugin didn't work, the problem is almost certainly not on your local machine.

A few possibilities left:

1. Your GitHub account is in a weird state. This happened to a teammate of mine. Try this:

• Go to GitHub → Settings → Applications → Authorized OAuth Apps
• Find "JetBrains IDE" (or any Copilot-related entries) and revoke them
• Also check "GitHub Copilot" under Authorized Apps
• Then try logging in from IntelliJ fresh

2. Your organization has a restriction. Are you using a company-managed GitHub account? Some orgs disable OAuth for third-party apps. Device code auth should work, but I've seen orgs block that too. Check with your GitHub org admin.

3. Try the manual token approach (bypass OAuth entirely):

• Go to GitHub → Settings → Developer settings → Personal access tokens → Tokens (classic)
• Generate a new token with these scopes: repo, workflow, user, copilot (if you see it)
• In IntelliJ, when the login popup appears, look for a "Sign in with a token" link (sometimes hidden under a dropdown)
• Paste the token instead of doing the browser OAuth

4. Create a brand new GitHub account (temporary test) – Just to see if the problem follows your account or stays with your machine. If a fresh account works, then your original account's OAuth tokens are corrupted on GitHub's side and you'll need to open a ticket with GitHub Support.

What version of IntelliJ and what OS? Also, are you behind a corporate VPN/proxy? That's still my top suspect even though you said you tried different networks.

At this point, I'd open a ticket with JetBrains support too – they might have seen this specific failure mode.

[shivaranjanmayya1995-coder]

Hi, I have tried revoking the Oauth and reinstalled the plugin again but still the same issue. Please see the attached screenshot [image: image.png] Can we connect over call for this issue?

…

On Thu, 2 Apr, 2026, 1:26 pm Syed Mohsin Abbas Naqvi, < ***@***.***> wrote: Okay, at this point we're past the usual fixes. If a *complete reinstall* of IntelliJ and the Copilot plugin didn't work, the problem is almost certainly not on your local machine. *A few possibilities left:* *1. Your GitHub account is in a weird state.* This happened to a teammate of mine. Try this: - Go to GitHub → Settings → Applications → Authorized OAuth Apps - Find "JetBrains IDE" (or any Copilot-related entries) and *revoke them* - Also check "GitHub Copilot" under Authorized Apps - Then try logging in from IntelliJ fresh *2. Your organization has a restriction.* Are you using a company-managed GitHub account? Some orgs disable OAuth for third-party apps. Device code auth *should* work, but I've seen orgs block that too. Check with your GitHub org admin. *3. Try the manual token approach* (bypass OAuth entirely): - Go to GitHub → Settings → Developer settings → Personal access tokens → Tokens (classic) - Generate a new token with these scopes: repo, workflow, user, copilot (if you see it) - In IntelliJ, when the login popup appears, look for a "Sign in with a token" link (sometimes hidden under a dropdown) - Paste the token instead of doing the browser OAuth *4. Create a brand new GitHub account (temporary test)* – Just to see if the problem follows your account or stays with your machine. If a fresh account works, then your original account's OAuth tokens are corrupted on GitHub's side and you'll need to open a ticket with GitHub Support. *What version of IntelliJ and what OS?* Also, are you behind a corporate VPN/proxy? That's still my top suspect even though you said you tried different networks. At this point, I'd open a ticket with JetBrains support too – they might have seen this specific failure mode. — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#191354?email_source=notifications&email_token=B4YUTGC7YEXBCZZRVYHBGNT4TYMJ7A5CNFSNUABIM5UWIORPF5TWS5BNNB2WEL2ENFZWG5LTONUW63SDN5WW2ZLOOQXTCNRUGE4TMMZQUZZGKYLTN5XKO3LFNZ2GS33OUVSXMZLOOSWGM33PORSXEX3DNRUWG2Y#discussioncomment-16419630>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/B4YUTGHYSKLD6LWUL3GKDFT4TYMJ7AVCNFSM6AAAAACXJ7SDKWVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43URDJONRXK43TNFXW4Q3PNVWWK3TUHMYTMNBRHE3DGMA> . You are receiving this because you were mentioned.Message ID: ***@***.***>

[syedsafeer]

Hi @shivaranjanmayya1995-coder,
Since the basic reinstall failed, this is likely a system-level credential conflict. Please try this:

1. Clear OS Credentials: Go to 'Credential Manager' (Windows) or 'Keychain Access' (Mac) and search for 'GitHub'. Delete all entries.
2. Use External Browser: In JetBrains settings, search for 'HTTP Proxy' or 'Web Browser' and ensure it's set to use your System default browser instead of the IDE's built-in one for OAuth.
3. Manual Proxy Check: If you are using a VPN or a corporate firewall (like Zscaler), try a mobile hotspot for just 2 minutes to see if the 'Device Code' activates.

If even the device code doesn't work on a fresh network, your GitHub account token is likely 'locked' on the backend, and only a Support Ticket can reset it.

(If this helps, please Mark as Answer.)"

[shivaranjanmayya1995-coder]

If it is locked in backend then why for new github account also getting same issue?

…

On Thu, 2 Apr, 2026, 1:41 pm Syed Safeer Abbas Naqvi, < ***@***.***> wrote: Hi @shivaranjanmayya1995-coder <https://github.com/shivaranjanmayya1995-coder>, Since the basic reinstall failed, this is likely a system-level credential conflict. Please try this: 1. Clear OS Credentials: Go to 'Credential Manager' (Windows) or 'Keychain Access' (Mac) and search for 'GitHub'. Delete all entries. 2. Use External Browser: In JetBrains settings, search for 'HTTP Proxy' or 'Web Browser' and ensure it's set to use your System default browser instead of the IDE's built-in one for OAuth. 3. Manual Proxy Check: If you are using a VPN or a corporate firewall (like Zscaler), try a mobile hotspot for just 2 minutes to see if the 'Device Code' activates. If even the device code doesn't work on a fresh network, your GitHub account token is likely 'locked' on the backend, and only a Support Ticket can reset it. (If this helps, please Mark as Answer.)" — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#191354?email_source=notifications&email_token=B4YUTGDHMCH7HKZ36OGAJGT4TYOEBA5CNFSNUABIM5UWIORPF5TWS5BNNB2WEL2ENFZWG5LTONUW63SDN5WW2ZLOOQXTCNRUGE4TQMZRUZZGKYLTN5XKO3LFNZ2GS33OUVSXMZLOOSWGM33PORSXEX3DNRUWG2Y#discussioncomment-16419831>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/B4YUTGBLNMNFJMUBUIZ6ELT4TYOEBAVCNFSM6AAAAACXJ7SDKWVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43URDJONRXK43TNFXW4Q3PNVWWK3TUHMYTMNBRHE4DGMI> . You are receiving this because you were mentioned.Message ID: ***@***.***>

[syedsafeer]

if a new account also fails, the issue is 100% local to your machine or network. Please manually delete the hidden .gh-copilot or github-copilot folder in your User profile and try connecting via a mobile hotspot to bypass any system-level firewall or VPN blocking the SSL handshake. This should force a clean authentication

[shivaranjanmayya1995-coder]

I am using personal laptop and there is no vpn and also till yesterday it was working fine for copilot.

…

On Thu, 2 Apr, 2026, 1:47 pm Syed Safeer Abbas Naqvi, < ***@***.***> wrote: if a new account also fails, the issue is 100% local to your machine or network. Please manually delete the hidden .gh-copilot or github-copilot folder in your User profile and try connecting via a mobile hotspot to bypass any system-level firewall or VPN blocking the SSL handshake. This should force a clean authentication — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#191354?email_source=notifications&email_token=B4YUTGD75IJUMDU6K4M5W3L4TYO3JA5CNFSNUABIM5UWIORPF5TWS5BNNB2WEL2ENFZWG5LTONUW63SDN5WW2ZLOOQXTCNRUGE4TQOBXUZZGKYLTN5XKO3LFNZ2GS33OUVSXMZLOOSWGM33PORSXEX3DNRUWG2Y#discussioncomment-16419887>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/B4YUTGG3TTPRNUCQINHWPBD4TYO3JAVCNFSM6AAAAACXJ7SDKWVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43URDJONRXK43TNFXW4Q3PNVWWK3TUHMYTMNBRHE4DQNY> . You are receiving this because you were mentioned.Message ID: ***@***.***>

[syedsafeer]

Since it worked until yesterday, the April 1st update (GPT-5.4 mini release) likely caused a session sync conflict with your local token. Please try a clean reinstall of the Copilot plugin and manually delete the hidden %AppData%\github-copilot folder (on Windows) to clear the cached session. If it still fails, the IDE logs (Help > Show Log) will show the exact error code during the handshake.

[shivaranjanmayya1995-coder]

I don't understand what your are saying and whatever you shared the steps it did not work. Please unlock the copilot and fix the login issue. This issue is not locally and it is server side issue. First of all I don't understand why we are paying so much to buy this feature and why you guys are locking my id?.

…

On Thu, Apr 2, 2026 at 2:19 PM Syed Safeer Abbas Naqvi < ***@***.***> wrote: Since it worked until yesterday, the April 1st update (GPT-5.4 mini release) likely caused a session sync conflict with your local token. Please try a clean reinstall of the Copilot plugin and manually delete the hidden %AppData%\github-copilot folder (on Windows) to clear the cached session. If it still fails, the IDE logs (Help > Show Log) will show the exact error code during the handshake. — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#191354?email_source=notifications&email_token=B4YUTGHBNBKJ5DCQWCWUN5T4TYSR7A5CNFSNUABIM5UWIORPF5TWS5BNNB2WEL2ENFZWG5LTONUW63SDN5WW2ZLOOQXTCNRUGIYDGMBUUZZGKYLTN5XKO3LFNZ2GS33OUVSXMZLOOSWGM33PORSXEX3DNRUWG2Y#discussioncomment-16420304>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/B4YUTGHUPEHLG4J2SP5QED34TYSR7AVCNFSM6AAAAACXJ7SDKWVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43URDJONRXK43TNFXW4Q3PNVWWK3TUHMYTMNBSGAZTANA> . You are receiving this because you were mentioned.Message ID: ***@***.***>

[syedsafeer]

I do not work for GitHub I am just a community developer trying to help! We don't have access to unlock IDs or check servers. You need to contact official staff directly at support.github.com to get your account unlocked

[syedsafeer]

This is a developer community where devs give solutions, you are not talking to the GitHub support team. Grow up

[shivaranjanmayya1995-coder]

I have opened multiple times ticket but still they not responding.

…

On Thu, Apr 2, 2026 at 3:19 PM Syed Safeer Abbas Naqvi < ***@***.***> wrote: I do not work for GitHub I am just a community developer trying to help! We don't have access to unlock IDs or check servers. You need to contact official staff directly at support.github.com to get your account unlocked — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#191354?email_source=notifications&email_token=B4YUTGHEFMIFH4RL5AIIQZL4TYZSDA5CNFSNUABIM5UWIORPF5TWS5BNNB2WEL2ENFZWG5LTONUW63SDN5WW2ZLOOQXTCNRUGIYTCNJTUZZGKYLTN5XKO3LFNZ2GS33OUVSXMZLOOSWGM33PORSXEX3DNRUWG2Y#discussioncomment-16421153>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/B4YUTGCSMY54NXHROLG5TYD4TYZSDAVCNFSM6AAAAACXJ7SDKWVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43URDJONRXK43TNFXW4Q3PNVWWK3TUHMYTMNBSGEYTKMY> . You are receiving this because you were mentioned.Message ID: ***@***.***>

[syedsafeer]

k