GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot Not Working in JetBrains IDEs — How to Fix It

If you've installed the GitHub Copilot plugin in IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, or another JetBrains IDE but aren't seeing any code suggestions, you're not alone. This issue typically affects developers after a fresh install, a JetBrains IDE update, or when plugin settings aren't fully configured. Following a few targeted steps will restore Copilot's inline suggestions quickly.

Why does this error happen?

GitHub Copilot in JetBrains IDEs relies on a plugin that communicates with GitHub's backend authentication and suggestion service. When the plugin is outdated, it may use deprecated API endpoints that no longer return suggestions. Additionally, JetBrains IDEs cache plugin states at startup, so installing or updating Copilot without a full IDE restart can leave the plugin in a partially initialized state. In some cases, the plugin is installed globally but not explicitly enabled for the active project, or the GitHub account authorization token has expired, causing silent failures with no visible error message.

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How to fix it

Update the GitHub Copilot Plugin to the Latest Version

Open your JetBrains IDE and navigate to Settings (or Preferences on macOS) > Plugins > Installed. Search for 'GitHub Copilot' and click the Update button if one is available. Running an outdated plugin version is the most common cause of missing suggestions, as older versions may be incompatible with the current GitHub API.

Restart the IDE After Installation or Update

After installing or updating the Copilot plugin, click the Restart IDE button that appears in the plugin manager, or manually close and reopen the IDE. JetBrains IDEs require a full restart to properly initialize new or updated plugins — simply reloading the project is not sufficient. Skipping this step is a frequent cause of Copilot appearing installed but remaining inactive.

Check GitHub Copilot Activation in Settings

Navigate to Settings > Tools > GitHub Copilot (or Settings > GitHub Copilot, depending on your IDE version) and verify that you are signed into your GitHub account. If your session has expired, click 'Sign in to GitHub' and complete the device authorization flow in your browser. Confirm that the activation status shows as connected and that your Copilot subscription is active on your GitHub account.

Ensure the Plugin Is Enabled for Your Project

In Settings > Plugins, confirm that the GitHub Copilot plugin toggle is enabled and not restricted to specific project types. Some JetBrains IDEs allow per-project plugin configurations, and Copilot may be disabled in project-level settings even if it appears active globally. Also check that Copilot completions are not disabled under Settings > Editor > General > Code Completion for your current language.

Pro tip

Pin the GitHub Copilot plugin to auto-update by enabling 'Update plugins automatically' under Settings > Plugins > gear icon, so future plugin updates apply without manual intervention and keep Copilot compatible with the latest JetBrains IDE releases.

Frequently asked questions

Why does GitHub Copilot work in VS Code but not in my JetBrains IDE?

The Copilot plugin for JetBrains is a separate implementation from the VS Code extension and is maintained independently, meaning version compatibility and authentication states are not shared. You need to sign in and configure Copilot separately within each JetBrains IDE you use.

Copilot is enabled and I'm signed in, but suggestions still don't appear — what else can I try?

Try disabling and re-enabling the plugin in Settings > Plugins, then restart the IDE to force a clean reinitialization of the Copilot service. If that fails, check your network or proxy settings, as JetBrains IDEs sometimes block Copilot's outbound requests when a corporate proxy or firewall is misconfigured.

Does GitHub Copilot support all JetBrains IDEs?

GitHub Copilot officially supports IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, WebStorm, GoLand, CLion, Rider, and other JetBrains IDEs that support the plugin ecosystem. Your IDE must be running a version compatible with the current Copilot plugin — check the plugin's compatibility range on the JetBrains Marketplace.

How do I know if my GitHub Copilot subscription is still active?

Visit github.com/settings/copilot in your browser while logged into your GitHub account to view your current Copilot subscription status. If your trial has expired or billing lapsed, suggestions will silently stop appearing in all IDEs until the subscription is renewed.

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