How to Change Git Remote Origin: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Changing the remote origin of your Git repository is a common task, especially when you need to move your repository to a different hosting service or update its URL. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of changing the remote origin of your Git repository.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

• A Git repository with the current remote origin.
• A new URL or location where you want to set the new remote origin.

Step 1: Verify the Current Remote Origin URL

Open your terminal and navigate to your Git repository's root directory. Use the following command to view your current remote configuration:

git remote -v

This command will display the current remote origin URL, fetch URL, and push URL.

Step 2: Remove the Current Remote Origin (Optional)

If you wish to completely remove the existing remote origin, use the following command:

git remote remove origin

This step is optional, and you can skip it if you want to keep the current remote origin as a backup.

Step 3: Add the New Remote Origin

To add the new remote origin, use the following command, replacing <new_remote_url> with the URL of your new remote repository:

        git remote add origin <new_remote_url> [OR]
        git remote set-url origin <new_remote_url>
        

Step 4: Verify the New Remote Origin

Confirm that the new remote origin has been set correctly by running:

git remote -v

You should see the new remote origin URL listed for both fetch and push.

Step 5: Update Your Local Branches

To update your local branches to track the new remote origin, use the following command:

git branch -u origin/main

Replace main with the name of the branch you want to track.

Step 6: Push Your Branches to the New Remote

If you have existing branches you'd like to push to the new remote origin, use the following command to push them:

git push -u origin <branch_name>

Replace <branch_name> with the name of the branch you want to push.

Step 7: Test the New Remote Origin

Ensure that everything is working correctly by testing the new remote origin:

git pull origin main

Replace main with the name of the branch you're testing.

Conclusion

You've successfully changed the remote origin of your Git repository. This process is essential when migrating repositories or updating remote URLs. Remember to update any references to the old remote origin in your development environment.

Note: Be cautious when changing the remote origin, as it can affect collaboration and access to your repository. Make sure to communicate any changes to your team and update any necessary documentation or CI/CD configurations to reflect the new remote URL.