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Using multiple github accounts with ssh keys

Problem

I have two Github accounts: oanhnn (personal) and superman (for work). I want to use both accounts on same computer (without typing password everytime, when doing git push or pull).

Solution

Use ssh keys and define host aliases in ssh config file (each alias for an account).

How to?

  1. Generate ssh key pairs for accounts and add them to GitHub accounts.

  2. Edit/Create ssh config file (~/.ssh/config):

    # Default github account: oanhnn
    Host github.com
       HostName github.com
       IdentityFile ~/.ssh/oanhnn_private_key
       IdentitiesOnly yes
       
    # Other github account: superman
    Host github-superman
       HostName github.com
       IdentityFile ~/.ssh/superman_private_key
       IdentitiesOnly yes
    
  3. Add ssh private keys to your agent:

    $ ssh-add ~/.ssh/oanhnn_private_key
    $ ssh-add ~/.ssh/superman_private_key
  4. Test your connection

    $ ssh -T git@github.com
    $ ssh -T git@github-superman

    With each command, you may see this kind of warning, type yes:

    The authenticity of host 'github.com (192.30.252.1)' can't be established.
    RSA key fingerprint is xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:
    Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no)?

    If everything is OK, you will see these messages:

    Hi oanhnn! You've successfully authenticated, but GitHub does not provide shell access.
    Hi superman! You've successfully authenticated, but GitHub does not provide shell access.
  5. Now all are set, just clone your repositories

    $ git clone git@github-superman:org2/project2.git /path/to/project2
    $ cd /path/to/project2
    $ git config user.email "superman@org2.com"
    $ git config user.name  "Super Man"

Done! Goodluck!

@abymathewtranzmeo
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abymathewtranzmeo commented Jan 13, 2023

Thanks man, I think this is the best post about this topic.

@antonga23
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You're doing the lord's work king 👑

@AlanDeikman
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Saved my life.

@kstryjewski-1
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Works, thanks :)

@JeanMeche
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Thx Bro for writing & sharing that !

@shimon-d
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Kudos to the instructions. They work as a charm!!

@sebb-m0
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sebb-m0 commented Mar 1, 2023

👍 thx for this.

@1manfactory
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You should use this to collect the public key from GitHub.
ssh-keyscan github.com >> ~/.ssh/known_hosts
No more error: The authenticity of host 'github.com (192.30.252.1)' can't be established.

@awesomeandrey
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that's marvelous guide - it works

@chhapanbhogi
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Excellent post .

@chenxiao218
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chenxiao218 commented Mar 12, 2023

git remote set-url origin git@github-personal:user/repo-name.git

This works to me, thanks.

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