If you’re reading this, chances are you’re stuck with some pesky Github credentials that just won’t quit. Don’t worry, friend, we’ve all been there! In this article, we’ll take you by the hand and guide you through the process of deleting those unwanted credentials in MacOS. So, sit back, relax, and let’s get started!
Why Delete Github Credentials?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why you might want to delete your Github credentials in the first place. Here are a few reasons:
- Security**: You might have accidentally saved your credentials on a public computer or shared your laptop with someone. Deleting your credentials ensures that your account remains secure.
- Switching Accounts**: If you’re switching to a new Github account or want to use a different username, deleting your old credentials is a must.
- Troubleshooting**: Sometimes, Github credentials can get corrupted or stuck, causing issues with your Git workflow. Deleting them can help resolve these problems.
Method 1: Delete Github Credentials using the Keychain Access App
This is the most straightforward method to delete Github credentials in MacOS. You can do this using the built-in Keychain Access app:
- Open the Keychain Access app. You can find it in the Applications/Utilities folder or use Spotlight to search for it.
- In the top-left corner, select “login” as the keychain.
- In the search bar, type “github” and press Enter.
- You’ll see a list of Github-related credentials. Select the ones you want to delete and right-click (or control-click) to select “Delete.”
- Confirm that you want to delete the credentials by clicking “Delete” in the popup window.
That’s it! Your Github credentials should now be deleted. If you’re using a password manager like 1Password or LastPass, you might need to update your credentials there as well.
Method 2: Delete Github Credentials using the Terminal
If you’re comfortable with the command line, you can delete Github credentials using the `git config` command:
git config --global --unset user.name
git config --global --unset user.email
git config --global --unset credential.helper
These commands will delete your global Github username, email, and credential helper settings. If you want to delete credentials for a specific repository, navigate to that directory and run the commands without the `–global` flag:
cd /path/to/repo
git config --unset user.name
git config --unset user.email
git config --unset credential.helper
Method 3: Delete Github Credentials using the Github Desktop App
If you’re using the Github Desktop app, you can delete your credentials from within the app:
- Open the Github Desktop app.
- Click on the “Preferences” icon (looks like a gear) in the top-right corner.
- Select “Accounts” from the dropdown menu.
- Click on the “Reset Credentials” button.
- Confirm that you want to delete your credentials by clicking “Reset Credentials” in the popup window.
This method will delete your Github credentials from the app, but not from your system’s keychain or Git configuration.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While deleting Github credentials is a relatively straightforward process, you might encounter some issues along the way. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Issue | Solution |
---|---|
Can’t find Github credentials in Keychain Access | Try searching for “github” in the search bar or check the “System” keychain. |
Git config commands don’t work | Make sure you’re running the commands in the correct directory (global or repository-specific). |
Github Desktop app doesn’t show the “Reset Credentials” button | Try updating the app to the latest version or reinstalling it. |
Conclusion
Deleting Github credentials in MacOS is a relatively simple process, and we’ve covered three different methods to do so. Remember to update your password manager and Git configuration if necessary. If you encounter any issues, refer to our troubleshooting section for solutions.
Now, go forth and delete those unwanted Github credentials! Your security (and sanity) will thank you.
closed**: This article is now closed for further updates. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please leave a comment below.
Frequently Asked Question
GitHub credentials can be a bit of a pain to delete on MacOS, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are some frequently asked questions about how to delete GitHub credentials on MacOS:
Where are GitHub credentials stored on MacOS?
GitHub credentials are stored in the Keychain Access app on MacOS. To find them, open Keychain Access, select “login” under Keychains, and then search for “github” in the search bar.
How do I delete GitHub credentials in Keychain Access?
To delete GitHub credentials in Keychain Access, select the credential you want to delete, right-click on it, and select “Delete”. You can also select “Edit” and then “Delete” to remove the credential.
What if I have multiple GitHub credentials stored?
If you have multiple GitHub credentials stored, you can delete them one by one by following the same steps as above. Alternatively, you can also use the “Keychain First Aid” tool to reset the Keychain and start fresh.
Will deleting GitHub credentials affect my GitHub account?
No, deleting GitHub credentials on your MacOS will not affect your GitHub account. Your account will remain intact, and you can simply re-authenticate with your credentials when you need to use GitHub again.
Are there any other ways to manage GitHub credentials on MacOS?
Yes, there are other ways to manage GitHub credentials on MacOS, such as using the GitHub CLI or a third-party app like Git Credential Manager. These tools can help you manage your GitHub credentials more easily and securely.