How to Configure GitHub Copilot in JetBrains IDEs

Many developers use JetBrains IDEs like IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, and WebStorm for coding. GitHub Copilot offers AI-powered code completions directly in the editor. But you must configure the plugin and authenticate your GitHub account before it works. This article explains the exact steps to install, authenticate, and tune GitHub Copilot in any JetBrains IDE.

Configuration requires a GitHub account with an active Copilot subscription. The plugin is free to install, but the service needs a monthly or annual plan. We cover both the initial setup and the settings that control Copilot’s behavior.

After following this guide, you will be able to enable or disable suggestions, adjust keybindings, and exclude certain files from Copilot’s analysis. The process is identical across all JetBrains products.

What GitHub Copilot Does in JetBrains IDEs and What You Need

GitHub Copilot is an AI pair programmer that suggests code lines and entire functions as you type. In JetBrains IDEs, it appears as a plugin that communicates with GitHub’s servers. The plugin sends code context to generate suggestions, so an active internet connection is required.

Before configuring Copilot, verify these prerequisites:

• A GitHub account with an active Copilot subscription. You can use Copilot Individual, Copilot Business, or Copilot Enterprise.
• A JetBrains IDE version 2021.2 or later. Older versions do not support the plugin.
• An internet connection that can reach api.github.com and copilot-proxy.githubusercontent.com.

The plugin works with all major JetBrains products. The steps below use IntelliJ IDEA as an example, but the menu paths are identical in PyCharm, WebStorm, GoLand, Rider, and others.

Steps to Install and Configure GitHub Copilot in JetBrains IDEs

Method 1: Install the Plugin from the Marketplace

1. Open the Plugins dialog
   Go to File > Settings on Windows or IntelliJ IDEA > Settings on macOS. Then select Plugins from the left panel.
2. Search for GitHub Copilot
   In the Marketplace tab, type GitHub Copilot in the search bar. The official plugin is published by GitHub.
3. Install the plugin
   Click the Install button next to the plugin. Wait for the download to finish. After installation, click Restart IDE when prompted.

Method 2: Authenticate Your GitHub Account

1. Open the Copilot menu
   After restart, go to Tools > GitHub Copilot > Login to GitHub. A dialog appears with a device code.
2. Complete the browser login
   Click Copy and Open Browser. The IDE copies the code and opens your default browser. If the browser does not open, manually go to https://github.com/login/device and paste the code.
3. Authorize the Copilot plugin
   In the browser, sign in to your GitHub account. Click Authorize GitHub Copilot Plugin. Return to the IDE. The dialog confirms a successful login.

Method 3: Adjust Copilot Settings

1. Open Copilot settings
   Go to File > Settings > Tools > GitHub Copilot. On macOS, use IntelliJ IDEA > Settings > Tools > GitHub Copilot.
2. Set suggestion delay
   In the Completion Delay field, enter a value in milliseconds. The default is 1000 ms. Increase to 2000 ms if suggestions appear too quickly. Decrease to 500 ms for faster responses.
3. Enable or disable public code suggestions
   Check or uncheck Enable completions matching public code. When enabled, Copilot can suggest code that matches publicly available code on GitHub. Disable this if your project requires strict original code.
4. Exclude specific files
   Click the Manage Excluded Files link. Add file patterns like min.js or vendor/ to prevent Copilot from suggesting code in those files. Use the + button to add patterns and the – button to remove them.

If Copilot Is Not Working After Configuration

Copilot Icon Is Gray or Missing

A gray Copilot icon in the status bar means the plugin is not authenticated or the IDE cannot reach GitHub’s servers. Re-authenticate by going to Tools > GitHub Copilot > Login to GitHub. If the problem persists, check your firewall or proxy settings. The IDE must be able to connect to api.github.com and copilot-proxy.githubusercontent.com.

Copilot Shows No Suggestions in Certain File Types

Copilot works with most file types but may not activate for languages it does not recognize. Ensure the file extension is associated with a supported language in your IDE. For example, .js for JavaScript, .py for Python, and .java for Java. If the file type is custom, add it to the IDE’s file type settings under File > Settings > Editor > File Types.

Suggestions Are Too Slow or Too Fast

The completion delay setting controls how long Copilot waits before showing suggestions. Open Settings > Tools > GitHub Copilot and adjust the Completion Delay value. A lower value shows suggestions faster but may be distracting. A higher value gives you time to type before suggestions appear.

GitHub Copilot Free vs GitHub Copilot Pro: Key Differences

Item	GitHub Copilot Free	GitHub Copilot Pro
Monthly price	$0	$10 per month
Code suggestions	Up to 2000 completions per month	Unlimited completions
Chat access	Limited to 50 chat messages per month	Unlimited chat messages
Copilot in IDE	Supported in JetBrains IDEs	Supported in JetBrains IDEs
Public code matching	Enabled by default, can be disabled	Enabled by default, can be disabled

GitHub Copilot Free is ideal for occasional use or learning. Copilot Pro suits daily professional development where unlimited suggestions and chat are needed. Both versions use the same plugin and configuration steps in JetBrains IDEs.

You can now install, authenticate, and tune GitHub Copilot in any JetBrains IDE. Start by installing the plugin from the marketplace, then log in with your GitHub account. For a smoother experience, adjust the completion delay and file exclusions under Settings > Tools > GitHub Copilot. To disable Copilot temporarily, use the status bar icon and select Disable Completions.