Troubleshooting GitHub Copilot CLI 'No authentication information found'

What this error means

Error: No authentication information found is a GitHub Copilot failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix github copilot cli authentication failure where no credentials are detected in any checked location. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

Official GitHub Copilot docs troubleshooting guide. Exact error message from copilot-cli setup flow when OAuth token or Fine-Grained PAT is missing. Different from rate-limit issue above — this is a pure auth configuration problem. HIGH_VALUE: affects developers who rely on CLI-based Copilot workflows for automated tasks.

Common causes

• Official GitHub Copilot docs troubleshooting guide. Exact error message from copilot-cli setup flow when OAuth token or Fine-Grained PAT is missing. Different from rate-limit issue above — this is a pure auth configuration problem. HIGH_VALUE: affects developers who rely on CLI-based Copilot workflows for automated tasks.

Quick fixes

1. Confirm the exact error signature matches Error: No authentication information found.
2. Check the GitHub Copilot account, local tool state, and provider configuration involved in the failing workflow.
3. Verify the account session, API key, provider settings, and environment where the failing tool is running.

Platform/tool-specific checks

• Verify the command, editor, extension, or API client that produced the error.
• Compare local settings with CI, deployment, or editor-level settings when the error appears in only one environment.
• Avoid deleting credentials, local model data, or project settings until the failing scope is clear.

Step-by-step troubleshooting

1. Capture the exact error message and the command, editor action, or request that triggered it.
2. Check whether the failure is account/auth, quota/rate, model/provider, local runtime, or deployment configuration.
3. Review the source evidence below and compare it with your environment.
4. Apply one change at a time and rerun the smallest failing action.
5. Keep the working fix documented for the team or deployment environment.

How to prevent it

• Keep provider/tool configuration documented.
• Record non-secret diagnostics such as tool version, provider name, model name, and command path.
• Add a lightweight check before CI or production workflows depend on the tool.

Sources checked

• https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/how-tos/copilot-cli/set-up-copilot-cli/troubleshoot-copilot-cli-auth

Evidence note: Official GitHub Copilot docs troubleshooting guide. Exact error message from copilot-cli setup flow when OAuth token or Fine-Grained PAT is missing. Different from rate-limit issue above — this is a pure auth configuration problem. HIGH_VALUE: affects developers who rely on CLI-based Copilot workflows for automated tasks.

Related errors

• GitHub Copilot

FAQ

What should I check first?

Start with the exact Error: No authentication information found text and the smallest action that reproduces it.

Can I ignore this error?

No. Treat it as a failed GitHub Copilot workflow until the root cause is understood.

Is this guaranteed to have one fix?

No. The imported evidence supports the troubleshooting path above, but tool behavior can vary by account, plan, version, provider, and local configuration.

How do I know the fix worked?

Rerun the same command, editor action, or request. The fix is working when that action completes without Error: No authentication information found.