GitLab "Could Not Resolve Hostname" SSH Error
Workaround available Windows, macOS, Linux Updated November 13, 2026Based on 2 user reportsHow we research
Quick answer
The host in your SSH command or remote URL is wrong (often the repo path was included) or your network cannot resolve it. Test with ssh -T git@gitlab.com.
Most likely fix: Test only the host
How to fix it
Try these in order — the most common fix is first.
1. Test only the host
- Run ssh -T git@gitlab.com (use just the host, not host:path).
Did this fix it?2. Correct the remote URL
- git remote -v and compare with the Clone with SSH URL in the project.
- git remote set-url origin git@gitlab.com:<group>/<project>.git.
Did this fix it?3. Check network and VPN
- Connect to your VPN for self-managed instances.
- Flush DNS cache or restart the terminal.
- Debug with ssh -Tvvv git@<host>.
Did this fix it?
Symptoms
ssh: Could not resolve hostname gitlab.example.com: Name or service not known when cloning or pushing.
Why it happens
- Clone URL copied with the repository path in the host part
- Misspelled host or old self-managed domain
- VPN or DNS not available
- Stale DNS cache
This guide also covers
- gitlab could not resolve hostname
- ssh could not resolve hostname gitlab.com
- git clone gitlab could not resolve host
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