Cannot click "Deploy from a branch" in GitHub Pages settings

[lula-doula]

Select Topic Area

Question

Body

Hello everyone,

I'm having an issue with GitHub Pages on my repository: https://github.com/lula-doula/novababypr-site

I've uploaded all my files, including index.html in the root, and made several commits. However, I cannot click on the "Deploy from a branch" option in the Pages settings. The button appears disabled.

I've tried:

• Using different browsers (Chrome, Edge)
• Incognito mode
• Clearing cache and cookies
• Committing new changes (updated README)

But the option is still not clickable.

Could anyone help me understand what might be wrong? Is there a known issue or a workaround?

Thank you so much for your help!

[KhalilBensaha]

hello i hopee you are doing well
first your repo is public so you just need to Clear Environment Protection Rules
go to Settings → Environments , If you see a "github-pages" environment, click on it ,
then Look for "Deployment branches" section
If it says "Protected branches only" or has restrictions, change it to:

- Select "Selected branches".
- Add your main branch (likely "main" or "master").
- Save the changes.

If Environment Exists, Delete and Recreate

Go to Settings → Environments
Delete the "github-pages" environment entirely
Go back to Settings → Pages
Try setting up Pages again

Finally Check Branch Name:
Make sure you're trying to deploy from the correct branch, so:
In Settings → Pages, make sure you're selecting the branch where your index.html is located

i hope that will help you and if yes accept this answer to help me answer more answers to other people .

good luck

[shinybrightstar]

Welcome to the GitHub Community, @lula-doula, we're happy you're here! You are more likely to get a useful response if you are posting your question(s) in the applicable category. Check out this Guide on how to post in the right category. It'll ensure your questions and discussions reach the right people faster!

This particular discussion belongs in the Pages category, I've gone ahead and moved it for you. Good luck!

[ruturaj-018]

Hi @lula-doula 👋,

I understand how frustrating it can be when GitHub Pages doesn’t let you click “Deploy from a branch” — especially after you’ve uploaded all the files correctly. Let’s go step by step to solve this.

---

🔎 Why the Option is Disabled?

The “Deploy from a branch” button will be disabled if:

1. The repository is not public
   → GitHub Pages branch deploy only works with public repos unless you are on a paid plan.
2. Pages is not enabled yet because of repository type
   → Organization/private repos may have restrictions.
3. You’re viewing the wrong repository settings page (common mistake if repo has forks).

---

✅ Step-by-Step Solution

1. Make Repository Public

• Go to Repository → Settings → General → Danger Zone
• Ensure your repo is set to Public
  (Pages deployment from a branch is disabled for free private repos).

---

2. Ensure You Have a Valid Branch

• Confirm you have at least one branch with content (usually main or master).
• You already have index.html in root — ✅ good.

---

3. Navigate to the Correct Settings

• Go to Repository → Settings → Pages
• Under Build and Deployment, you should see the option to Deploy from a branch.

---

4. Enable GitHub Pages

• If the option is still disabled:
  • Switch the repo to Public (if it’s Private).
  • Refresh the page.
  • You should now be able to select Deploy from a branch → main → root.

---

5. Alternative (if repo must stay private)

If you want to keep the repo Private, you’ll need to use GitHub Pages with GitHub Actions instead of branch-based deploy.
👉 Docs: GitHub Pages with Actions

---

🛠️ Extra Checks

• ✅ Try in another browser (you already did 👍)
• ✅ Clear cache/cookies (done 👍)
• ✅ Ensure you’re logged into the correct GitHub account

---

🎯 Conclusion

The most likely issue for @lula-doula is that the repository is private.
Making it public should unlock the “Deploy from a branch” option instantly.

Once enabled:

1. Go to Settings → Pages
2. Choose Deploy from a branch → main → root
3. Wait a few minutes — your site should be live at:
   https://lula-doula.github.io/novababypr-site?utm_source=chatgpt.com

---

✨ Hope this helps, @lula-doula! Your GitHub Pages site should be up and running soon 🚀