Renaming a repository on GitHub is a straightforward process, but it can have important implications, especially if your repo is used by others or linked elsewhere. This blog will guide you through how to safely and effectively change your GitHub repository’s name.
Why Rename a Repository?
You might want to rename your repository to:
- Better reflect the project’s purpose
- Correct a typo or misleading name
- Align with new branding or company standards
- Improve discoverability
Important Considerations Before Renaming
- GitHub automatically redirects old repository URLs to the new name, so existing clones and links usually won’t break.
- However, it’s good practice to inform collaborators about the change.
- If you have local clones, you’ll need to update the remote URL after renaming.
- GitHub Pages sites tied to your repo might require additional configuration.
Step-by-Step: How to Rename Your Repository
Step 1: Log in and Navigate to Your Repository
Go to github.com, sign in, and open the repository you want to rename.
Step 2: Go to Repository Settings
Click the Settings tab at the top of the repository page.
Step 3: Rename the Repository
In the Repository name section (near the top), you’ll see your current repository name.
- Change it to your new desired name.
- Click the Rename button to save.
Step 4: Update Local Repository Remotes
If you have a local copy of the repository, update the remote URL:
- Open your terminal.
- Navigate to your local repo folder:
cd path/to/your/repository - Update the remote URL:
git remote set-url origin https://github.com/your-username/new-repository-name.git - Verify the change:
git remote -v
Step 5: Verify and Test
- Open the new repository URL in your browser.
- Test pulling or pushing from your local repository.
- If you use GitHub Pages or other integrations, verify they still work or update configurations accordingly.
What Happens Behind the Scenes?
- GitHub creates redirects from the old repo name to the new one.
- Issues, pull requests, stars, watchers, and forks remain intact.
- Wiki and GitHub Pages URLs may require manual adjustments.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If you experience issues pushing or pulling, double-check your remote URLs.
- For forked repositories, renaming can affect upstream tracking.
- If you use CI/CD or other tools referencing the old repo name, update their settings.
Summary
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Open repo settings | Navigate to your repo > Settings |
| 2. Rename repository | Enter new name and save |
| 3. Update local remotes | Use git remote set-url |
| 4. Verify and test | Check remote URLs, GitHub Pages, and integrations |
Final Thoughts
Changing your GitHub repository name is quick and simple but requires some follow-up steps to keep your workflow smooth. Always communicate changes to collaborators and update any local or third-party references.