1.1 How Git Remote Permissions Work

Git remote write access operates through authentication layers that vary by platform and protocol. When seeing "remote write access not granted" errors, the system is rejecting your credentials' authorization level. Platforms like GitHub/GitLab/Bitbucket use role-based access control (RBAC) where permissions cascade from organization → repository → branch levels.

SSH and HTTPS connections handle authentication differently. SSH keys get evaluated against registered deploy keys or user accounts, while HTTPS relies on personal access tokens or username/password combinations. The critical distinction lies in how these credentials get mapped to specific write privileges in the repository settings.

1.2 Common Scenarios Causing Access Denial

Several patterns frequently trigger write permission failures. Attempting to push to a repository where your user account lacks Maintainer/Admin roles ranks among the most common. Using personal SSH keys instead of project-specific deploy keys often creates conflicts in team environments.

Organization-controlled repositories present unique challenges - your individual account might have write access generally, but get blocked by team membership rules or branch protection policies. Forked repositories sometimes develop permission mismatches when upstream changes aren't properly synced.

1.3 Verifying Your Current Access Level

Diagnosis begins with simple command-line checks. Run git remote -v to confirm you're pointing to the correct repository URL format (SSH vs HTTPS). For SSH connections, test key authentication using ssh -T [email protected] (adapt for GitLab/Bitbucket).

Web interfaces provide clearer access confirmation. Visit the repository on the hosting platform and check for: - Write options in the UI (merge request buttons, file edit controls) - Explicit permissions in repository settings > Members - Team membership status in organization/group sections

A practical test involves creating temporary test branches. Try pushing a trivial change with git push origin test-branch. The error message details often reveal whether it's complete access denial or branch-specific restrictions.

2.1 Identifying Repository Administrators

Locating the right decision-makers starts with checking repository metadata. On GitHub, click the "Insights" tab → "Contributors" to find active maintainers. GitLab users navigate to Project → Members → Sort by "Owner" role. For enterprise Bitbucket repositories, the "Settings" sidebar reveals "User and group access" with admin listings.

When direct identification proves challenging, audit git commit history using git log --pretty=format:"%an <%ae>" to surface frequent contributors. Cross-reference these email addresses with internal organization directories or public profiles. In open-source projects, maintainer contacts often appear in CODEOWNERS files or README.md documentation sections.

2.2 Crafting Effective Access Requests

Successful access petitions balance technical specificity with professional context. A template that works:
"Subject: Write Access Request for [Repo Name]
Hi [Maintainer],
I'm working on [specific task/feature] requiring modifications to [files/directories]. Current collaborator status limits my workflow via [describe push failures/merge blockers]. Could my [GitHub/GitLab] account [@username] be granted [Write/Maintain] permissions? I follow our security protocols and will coordinate pushes via [branch strategy]."

Include screenshots of permission errors and your public SSH key fingerprint when relevant. For enterprise environments, mention approved JIRA tickets or manager approvals that authorize your request. Open-source contributors should reference existing pull requests or issues they're addressing.

2.3 Platform-Specific Request Processes

GitHub: For organization repos, use the "People" tab → "Invite member" flow if you have invite privileges. External contributors typically file access requests through repository Issues tagged with "access-request". Team maintainers receive automated notifications through GitHub's access request system.

GitLab: Navigate to Project → Members → "Invite member". Use the "Access expiration date" field for temporary access needs. In free tiers where invitation features are limited, contributors often submit merge requests with a "[WIP] Access Request" prefix containing their access justification.

Bitbucket: Workspace admins handle requests via "Repository settings" → "User and group access". The "Request access" button appears when viewing repositories where you lack write privileges. Bitbucket Server users might need to trigger access requests through Service Desk tickets linked to their instance.
git credential-osxkeychain erase host=github.com protocol=https
git config --global --unset credential.helper

gh secret set DEPLOY_TOKEN --body ghp_xyz --repo org/repo \ --app actions --permissions contents:write