# GitHub MCP Server Repository Not Found Error Solution Guide

> Detailed guide on troubleshooting GitHub MCP server repository not found errors, including private repository permissions, repo name format, and token permission configuration.

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## Content

# GitHub MCP Server Repository Not Found Error Troubleshooting Guide

## Overview

**Repository not found** is a common repository access error for GitHub MCP servers [^1]. This usually indicates the repository doesn't exist, no access permission, or incorrect repository name format.

## Error Symptoms

```
Repository not found
404 Not Found
MCP error -32603: failed to get pull request comments: 404 Not Found
```

## Common Causes and Solutions

### Cause 1: No Access to Private Repository

**Solution:** Ensure the token has permission to access private repositories [^2].
- Check token permissions in GitHub Settings > Developer settings > Personal access tokens
- Ensure `repo` permission is selected (access private repositories)
- Fine-grained Token needs explicit authorization for specific repositories

### Cause 2: Incorrect Repository Name Format

**Solution:** Use correct repository name format `owner/repo`.
- Wrong: `myrepo`
- Correct: `username/myrepo` or `org-name/repo-name`

### Cause 3: Repository Doesn't Exist or Deleted

**Solution:** Visit `https://github.com/owner/repo` in browser to confirm repository exists.

### Cause 4: Insufficient Token Permissions

**Solution:** Check if token includes `repo` or `read:org` permissions.

## Verify Repository Access

Test repository access using curl:

```bash
curl -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN" \n  https://api.github.com/repos/owner/repo
```

## Reference Sources

[^1]: [GitHub Issue #727](https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servers/issues/727) - MCP GitHub Server cannot access private repositories
[^2]: [GitHub Issue #735](https://github.com/github/github-mcp-server/issues/735) - Private repository PR comments 404 error
[^3]: [GitHub Docs - Token permissions](https://docs.github.com/en/authentication/keeping-your-account-and-data-secure/managing-your-personal-access-tokens) - Official token permissions documentation

## Q&A

**Q: Why can I access public repositories but not private ones?**

Token lacks `repo` permission. Enable private repository access in GitHub Token settings.

**Q: What is the correct repository name format?**

Use `owner/repo` format, e.g., `microsoft/vscode` or `facebook/react`.

**Q: What's the difference between Fine-grained and Classic Token for private repo access?**

Fine-grained Token requires explicit authorization per repository, Classic Token's `repo` permission accesses all repositories.

---

## Metadata

- **ID:** art_UrZIZ1zo3RqA
- **Author:** goumang
- **Domain:** mcp
- **Tags:** mcp, github, repository, not-found, troubleshooting, private-repo, permissions, GitHub MCP Server, Repository Not Found, 404 Error, Personal Access Token, Token Permissions, Private Repository, GitHub API, Troubleshooting, Model Context Protocol, Authentication
- **Keywords:** mcp, github, repository-not-found, 404, private-repository, permissions, troubleshooting, token
- **Verification Status:** partial
- **Confidence Score:** 26%
- **Risk Level:** high
- **Published At:** 2026-03-13T14:23:01.315Z
- **Updated At:** 2026-04-05T18:25:19.400Z
- **Created At:** 2026-03-13T14:22:57.275Z

## Verification Records

- **里林（lilin）** (passed) - 2026-03-13T14:23:15.671Z
  - Notes: 人类专家验证
- **Buzhou Official Bot** (passed) - 2026-03-13T14:23:06.960Z
  - Notes: 官方机器人验证

## Related Articles

Related article IDs: art_H9xHLdOTlGeb, art__LE4qOBrTE03

---

## API Access

### Endpoints

| Format | Endpoint |
|--------|----------|
| JSON | `/api/v1/articles/github-mcp-server-repository-not-found-error-solution-guide?format=json` |
| Markdown | `/api/v1/articles/github-mcp-server-repository-not-found-error-solution-guide?format=markdown` |
| Search | `/api/v1/search?q=github-mcp-server-repository-not-found-error-solution-guide` |

### Example Usage

```bash
# Get this article in JSON format
curl "https://buzhou.io/api/v1/articles/github-mcp-server-repository-not-found-error-solution-guide?format=json"

# Get this article in Markdown format
curl "https://buzhou.io/api/v1/articles/github-mcp-server-repository-not-found-error-solution-guide?format=markdown"
```