How can I resolve the 'Branch is protected' error when trying to push?
Protected branches restrict direct pushes. Submit changes via pull requests or adjust protection settings if you have admin rights.
The 'Branch is protected' error occurs when GitHub has enabled protection rules on a branch, typically the main
or master
branch, restricting direct pushes to ensure code quality and stability. Instead of pushing directly, submit your changes via a pull request, which allows code review and safe integration into the protected branch. If you’re an administrator, you can modify branch protection settings under Settings > Branches, adjusting permissions to allow specific users or teams to push directly, bypass status checks, or even allow force pushes if required. Using pull requests maintains a collaborative workflow while respecting the integrity of protected branches.