G GitHub Copilot

How to set up Copilot in JetBrains on GitHub Copilot

beginner 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18
Quick Answer

Setting up GitHub Copilot in JetBrains requires installing the GitHub Copilot plugin and authenticating with your GitHub account. Once configured, Copilot will provide AI-powered code suggestions directly in your IDE.

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Prerequisites

  • GitHub account with Copilot subscription
  • JetBrains IDE installed (IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, etc.)
  • Internet connection
  • Git configured with GitHub credentials

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Install the GitHub Copilot Plugin

Open your JetBrains IDE and navigate to File → Settings (or Preferences on macOS). In the settings window, select Plugins from the left sidebar. Click the Marketplace tab and search for GitHub Copilot. Click Install next to the official GitHub Copilot plugin.
Make sure to install the official plugin published by GitHub to ensure security and compatibility.
2

Restart Your IDE

After the plugin installation completes, click Restart IDE when prompted. If the prompt doesn't appear automatically, close and reopen your JetBrains IDE manually to activate the plugin.
3

Sign In to GitHub Copilot

Once your IDE restarts, you'll see a GitHub Copilot notification or dialog. Click Sign in to GitHub. This will open your default web browser and redirect you to GitHub's authentication page. If no dialog appears, go to Tools → GitHub Copilot → Login to GitHub Copilot.
Keep your IDE open while completing the browser authentication process.
4

Authorize GitHub Copilot

In your browser, you'll be prompted to authorize GitHub Copilot for JetBrains. Click Authorize GitHub Copilot Plugin and then Authorize on the next page. You may need to enter your GitHub password or complete two-factor authentication if enabled.
If you encounter authorization issues, try signing out of GitHub in your browser first, then repeat the process.
5

Copy the Verification Code

After successful authorization, GitHub will display a verification code (usually 8 characters). Copy this code and return to your JetBrains IDE. Paste the code in the Verification Code field and click Sign In.
The verification code expires after a few minutes, so complete this step quickly.
6

Configure Copilot Settings

Go to File → Settings → Tools → GitHub Copilot. Here you can customize settings such as:
  • Enable/disable inline suggestions
  • Configure suggestion display preferences
  • Set up language-specific preferences
  • Adjust suggestion frequency
Start with default settings and adjust them based on your coding preferences after using Copilot for a while.
7

Test GitHub Copilot

Create a new file or open an existing project. Start typing a comment or function declaration, such as // Function to calculate factorial or def calculate_sum(. Copilot should display grayed-out suggestions. Press Tab to accept a suggestion or Esc to dismiss it.
Use descriptive comments to get better code suggestions from Copilot.
8

Learn Copilot Shortcuts

Familiarize yourself with key shortcuts:
  • Tab: Accept suggestion
  • Alt + ]: Next suggestion
  • Alt + [: Previous suggestion
  • Alt + \: Trigger inline suggestion
  • Ctrl + Enter: Open Copilot completions panel
Practice these shortcuts to maximize your productivity with GitHub Copilot.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Plugin installation fails or GitHub Copilot doesn't appear in plugins

Ensure your JetBrains IDE is updated to the latest version. Check if your IDE version is compatible with the GitHub Copilot plugin. Try restarting the IDE and searching for the plugin again in Settings → Plugins → Marketplace.

Authentication fails or 'Sign in to GitHub' doesn't work

Verify you have an active GitHub Copilot subscription by visiting github.com/settings/copilot. Clear your browser cache and cookies for GitHub, then try the authentication process again. Ensure your firewall isn't blocking the connection.

No code suggestions appear while typing

Check that GitHub Copilot is enabled in Settings → Tools → GitHub Copilot. Verify you're working in a supported file type. Try typing more descriptive comments or function names to trigger suggestions. Restart the IDE if suggestions still don't appear.

Copilot suggestions are irrelevant or low quality

Provide more context through detailed comments and descriptive variable names. Ensure your file has the correct extension for your programming language. Consider breaking down complex functions into smaller, more specific tasks to get better suggestions.

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official GitHub Copilot website before purchasing.
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