Fix Copilot Chat Auth Error | Generated by AI

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That error usually means GitHub Copilot Chat couldn’t find a valid authentication token, so it can’t talk to the Copilot service. It’s not a coding bug — it’s an authentication/configuration problem.

Here’s how to fix it step-by-step depending on where you’re using Copilot Chat:

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1. Make sure you’re signed in with a Copilot-enabled account

• In VS Code or JetBrains IDE:

  1. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P / Cmd+Shift+P).
  2. Search for “GitHub: Sign in”.
  3. Follow the sign-in process (it will open a browser to authorize).
  4. Ensure the account you signed in with has an active GitHub Copilot subscription.

• In Neovim CLI (copilot.vim or copilot.lua):

  • Run :Copilot sign in and follow the link in your browser.

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2. Check that GitHub Copilot Chat is enabled

• In VS Code:

  • Go to Extensions → search for “GitHub Copilot Chat” → make sure it’s installed and enabled.
  • Settings → search “Copilot Chat: Enabled” → turn it on.

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3. Refresh the authentication token

Sometimes tokens expire or get lost (especially if you changed network, updated the IDE, or switched accounts).

• VS Code:

  1. Command Palette → “GitHub Copilot: Sign out”.
  2. Then “GitHub Copilot: Sign in” again.

• CLI:

  • Delete the token file (e.g., ~/.config/github-copilot/hosts.json) and re-sign in.

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4. Check network / firewall restrictions

• If you’re on a corporate VPN or firewall, GitHub Copilot may be blocked from reaching its API.
• Allow access to github.com, api.githubcopilot.com, and copilot-proxy.githubusercontent.com.

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5. Update your IDE and Copilot extensions

• Outdated versions of VS Code or Copilot extensions sometimes cause this issue.
• Update both, then restart your IDE.

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💡 If you fix the auth but still see errors, GitHub Copilot Chat also requires Copilot Chat feature access — some accounts have Copilot for coding but not Chat unless it’s explicitly enabled in settings.

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If you want, I can give you the exact VS Code command sequence to completely reset Copilot Chat’s auth so it re-prompts you fresh. Would you like me to prepare that?

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