GitHub Pages is a straightforward way to host static sites right from a repository, yet users regularly report that GitHub Pages not working when they expect it to. This can appear as a blank page, a 404 error, or a build that never publishes, and the root cause is often configuration, caching, or source branch issues.
Below is a compact diagnostic reference you can use to quickly identify, isolate, and fix common GitHub Pages failures. It covers typical workflow patterns, deployment scopes, and the most frequent misconfigurations that prevent a site from loading as intended.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | First Check | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 404 on custom domain | CNAME mismatch or DNS records not set | Custom domain files and DNS | Verify CNAME in repo and A/AAAA records at registrar |
| Blank page after deploy | Build produced empty docs folder | GitHub Actions or CI output | Check if index.html exists in deploy artifact |
| Old version still live | Source branch not updated | Publishing source setting | Confirm correct branch or commit is selected |
| 403 Forbidden | Site disabled or upstream timeout | Repository settings status | Re-publish site and clear browser cache |
Troubleshooting Visibility and Access Issues
Checking the Published Source
Start with the simplest checks: ensure the correct branch or commit is set as the publishing source and that the docs folder contains an index.html. If the source is empty or misaligned, GitHub Pages will serve nothing meaningful, even if the build step appeared to succeed.
Understanding Build Output and CI Logs
Reviewing Deployment Logs
GitHub Actions, workflows, or external CI systems must produce a stable deploy. Look for warnings about missing dependencies, failed scripts, or permission errors. These logs reveal whether the site was built at all and whether the output folder matches what GitHub Pages expects.
Configuring Source Branch and Build Settings
Branch and Folder Alignment
GitHub Pages relies on a defined source, such as the main branch or a GitHub Actions deploy path. Misconfigured settings here are a top reason GitHub Pages not working. Double-check that the branch, folder, or workflow file points to the location of your built artifacts.
Diagnosing Custom Domain and DNS Problems
CNAME and DNS Record Conflicts
Custom domains add another layer where GitHub Pages not working can occur. If the CNAME in your repo does not match the domain set in settings, or if DNS records point elsewhere, browsers cannot reach the site. Verify both the repository settings and your registrar configuration to resolve this.
Final Recommendations for Reliable GitHub Pages
- Always define a clear publishing source branch and folder in settings.
- Validate that your build process actually produces an index.html in the output directory.
- Use consistent CNAME records in the repo and matching DNS records at your domain registrar.
- Test with cache-busting techniques and verify deployment logs after every change.
- Keep Jekyll configuration error-free and include required dependencies in Gemfile if used.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why does GitHub Pages show a 404 even after a successful workflow run?
The workflow may have completed, but the output folder could be empty or misdirected. Confirm that the build produces an index.html in the folder designated as the publish directory.
What should I check when my custom domain returns a 403 error?
First ensure the custom domain is added in the repository settings, then validate DNS records at your registrar, and finally clear your browser cache to rule out stale responses.
Why does the site display old content after pushing new changes?
You might be looking at a cached version or the publishing source is pointing to the wrong branch. Force a refresh with hard reload and confirm the source branch setting in GitHub Pages configuration.
Why does GitHub Pages say \"Configuring failed\" during Jekyll build?
Jekyll expects specific front matter and configuration. A syntax error in _config.yml or a missing gem dependency can break the build; check the logs for exact error messages and validate your YAML syntax.