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Fix SSH Connection Timed Out Error On GitHub (Port 22)

8 min read 11-15- 2024
Fix SSH Connection Timed Out Error On GitHub (Port 22)

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When you encounter an SSH connection timed out error while trying to connect to GitHub, it can be frustrating. This issue often arises when the SSH client is unable to establish a secure connection to the GitHub server. In this article, we will explore the common causes of this issue and provide detailed steps to resolve the problem effectively. 🚀

Understanding SSH and GitHub

SSH (Secure Shell) is a protocol that provides a secure channel over an unsecured network. It is commonly used for remote login and other secure network services. GitHub, a popular version control platform, utilizes SSH for secure interactions with repositories.

When you attempt to connect to GitHub using SSH, your client communicates over port 22. If this connection fails or times out, it can stem from various factors.

Common Causes of SSH Connection Timed Out Error

Firewall Issues 🔥

Firewalls are designed to protect your network by controlling incoming and outgoing traffic. If your firewall is blocking port 22, it will prevent SSH connections from being established.

Network Configuration 🚧

Network configurations may differ depending on your location or the organization you belong to. Certain networks may restrict SSH traffic entirely, leading to connection issues.

Incorrect SSH Key Configuration 🔑

Using the wrong SSH keys can prevent a successful connection to GitHub. It's vital to ensure that your keys are correctly configured and associated with your GitHub account.

GitHub Server Issues 🌐

Though rare, GitHub's servers may experience downtime or other issues that can affect connectivity. Always check the GitHub status page for any known problems.

How to Fix SSH Connection Timed Out Error

1. Check Your Internet Connection 🌍

Before diving deeper into troubleshooting, ensure that you have a stable internet connection. Try visiting any website to confirm that your internet is working correctly.

2. Verify Firewall Settings 🛡️

If you're using a local firewall or antivirus program, check their settings to ensure that they are not blocking port 22. Here’s how to do it on various operating systems:

For Windows:

  1. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
  2. Click on Advanced settings.
  3. Check Inbound Rules and Outbound Rules for any blocks on port 22.

For macOS:

  1. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
  2. Click on the Firewall tab.
  3. Click Firewall Options and ensure SSH connections are allowed.

For Linux:

Use the terminal to check the status of the firewall:

sudo ufw status

If SSH is not allowed, you can enable it using:

sudo ufw allow ssh

3. Test SSH Connectivity 🚀

You can check whether your system can reach GitHub's SSH server. Open your terminal and run:

ssh -T git@github.com

If the connection times out, the problem lies elsewhere, and we can further investigate.

4. Change SSH Port to 443 🔄

If your network is blocking port 22, you can configure SSH to use port 443 instead. This port is usually open for HTTPS traffic. Follow these steps:

  1. Open or create a file at ~/.ssh/config.
nano ~/.ssh/config
  1. Add the following lines:
Host github.com
  Hostname ssh.github.com
  Port 443
  1. Save the file and try connecting again:
ssh -T git@github.com

5. Verify Your SSH Keys 🔑

Ensure that your SSH keys are set up correctly. Check the following:

  • Key Generation: If you don’t have an SSH key, generate one using the command:
ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -C "your_email@example.com"
  • Add Key to SSH Agent: Start the SSH agent and add your key:
eval "$(ssh-agent -s)"
ssh-add ~/.ssh/id_rsa
  • Add Your SSH Key to GitHub: Copy the SSH key to your clipboard and add it to your GitHub account.
clip < ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub

6. Check for GitHub Server Status 🌐

Occasionally, the issue may stem from GitHub itself. To ensure everything is operational, visit the and check if there are any ongoing incidents.

7. Use Verbose Mode for Debugging 🔍

Verbose mode in SSH provides detailed information about the connection process. Use this mode to diagnose where the connection is failing:

ssh -vvv -T git@github.com

Examine the output for errors or timeout messages that could provide insights into the issue.

Conclusion

Dealing with an SSH connection timed out error on GitHub can be a hassle, but by following these steps, you can identify and resolve the issue. Remember, always check your internet connection and firewall settings before proceeding to more complex solutions.

By ensuring your SSH keys are configured correctly, considering alternative ports, and verifying GitHub’s status, you can swiftly re-establish your connection and continue collaborating on your projects. Happy coding! 🖥️✨

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