How To Fix "Unable To Find Remote Helper For 'Https'" Error When Cloning Git Repository?

Published August 22, 2024

Problem: Git cloning error with HTTPS

When you try to clone a Git repository using HTTPS, you might see the error message "Unable to find remote helper for 'https'". This error stops the cloning process and prevents access to the repository.

Causes of the "Unable To Find Remote Helper For 'Https'" Error

The "Unable to find remote helper for 'https'" error can happen for these reasons:

  • Missing or old dependencies: If your system lacks needed libraries or has old versions, Git may not handle HTTPS connections well. This often relates to libcurl, which Git uses for HTTPS communication.

  • Wrong Git setup: Sometimes, Git settings may be wrong, stopping it from using HTTPS correctly. This could include wrong proxy settings or badly set remote URLs.

  • Firewall or network problems: In some cases, firewalls or network limits can block Git from making HTTPS connections. This is common in company networks where strict security rules exist.

Tip: Check Git Configuration

To check if your Git setup is correct, run the following command in your terminal:

git config --list

This will show all your Git settings. Look for any HTTPS-related settings that might be incorrect, such as proxy settings or remote URLs.

Step-by-Step Solution to Fix the Error

Updating Git and Dependencies

To fix the "Unable to find remote helper for 'https'" error, update Git and its dependencies:

  1. Check your Git version:

    git --version
  2. Upgrade Git:

    • For Ubuntu or Debian:
      sudo apt-get update
      sudo apt-get install git
    • For CentOS or Fedora:
      sudo yum update git
  3. Install dependencies:

    • For Ubuntu or Debian:
      sudo apt-get install libcurl4-openssl-dev
    • For CentOS or Fedora:
      sudo yum install curl-devel

Tip: Verify Installation

After updating Git and installing dependencies, verify the installation by running:

git --version
which git

This helps confirm that Git is properly installed and accessible in your system path.

Configuring Git for HTTPS

After updating, check and adjust your Git configuration:

  1. Verify your Git configuration:

    git config --list
  2. Set up the HTTPS remote helper:

    git config --global http.sslVerify false

    Note: This step reduces security. Use it only for testing and reset it after.

Troubleshooting Network and Firewall Issues

If the error continues, check your network and firewall settings:

  1. Test your network connection:

    ping github.com
  2. If you're behind a firewall, ask IT to allow HTTPS connections for Git.

  3. If using a proxy, set Git to use it:

    git config --global http.proxy http://proxy.example.com:8080

    Replace the URL and port with your proxy details.

By following these steps, you can fix the "Unable to find remote helper for 'https'" error and clone HTTPS repositories.