GitHub Copilot CLI 'User Not Authorized' Error After Token Revocation

What this error means

User not authorized (token expired or revoked in Copilot CLI) is a GitHub Copilot failure pattern reported for developers trying to fix github copilot cli authorization errors after token expiration, revocation, or sso re-authentication — especially common in enterprise environments. Based on the imported evidence, treat this as a tool-specific troubleshooting page rather than a generic API error.

Why this happens

Source: inventivehq.com knowledge base (January 2026). Covers multiple error variants (token expired, User not authorized, SSO required, invalid/missing token). Root causes: subscription inactive, org policy blocks, SAML SSO not completed, revoked tokens. Fixes: gh auth refresh, full re-auth via gh auth login —web, fine-grained PAT creation with Copilot Requests permission. Enterprise-specific: verify seat assignment, organization Copilot settings, repository-level policies. Category: GitHub Copilot → GitHub Copilot per SKILL.md exact mapping.

Common causes

• Source: inventivehq.com knowledge base (January 2026). Covers multiple error variants (token expired, User not authorized, SSO required, invalid/missing token). Root causes: subscription inactive, org policy blocks, SAML SSO not completed, revoked tokens. Fixes: gh auth refresh, full re-auth via gh auth login —web, fine-grained PAT creation with Copilot Requests permission. Enterprise-specific: verify seat assignment, organization Copilot settings, repository-level policies. Category: GitHub Copilot → GitHub Copilot per SKILL.md exact mapping.

Quick fixes

1. Confirm the exact error signature matches User not authorized (token expired or revoked in Copilot CLI).
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://inventivehq.com/knowledge-base/copilot/how-to-fix-authorization-errors

Evidence note: Source: inventivehq.com knowledge base (January 2026). Covers multiple error variants (token expired, User not authorized, SSO required, invalid/missing token). Root causes: subscription inactive, org policy blocks, SAML SSO not completed, revoked tokens. Fixes: gh auth refresh, full re-auth via gh auth login —web, fine-grained PAT creation with Copilot Requests permission. Enterprise-specific: verify seat assignment, organization Copilot settings, repository-level policies. Category: GitHub Copilot → GitHub Copilot per SKILL.md exact mapping.

Related errors

• GitHub Copilot

FAQ

What should I check first?

Start with the exact User not authorized (token expired or revoked in Copilot CLI) 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 User not authorized (token expired or revoked in Copilot CLI).