GitHub Actions softprops/action-gh-release "Resource not accessible by integration"

softprops/action-gh-release cannot create the release or upload assets because the token lacks contents: write, or because the workflow did not run on a tag so there is no tag to release.

What this error means

The release step fails with "Resource not accessible by integration" when creating the release or uploading assets, or it errors that no tag was found for the release.

⚠️ GitHub release failed with status: 403
{"message":"Resource not accessible by integration"}

Common causes

Missing contents: write

Creating a release and uploading assets requires contents: write. The default read-only token returns 403 "Resource not accessible by integration".

No tag for the release

The action attaches a release to a tag. Running on a branch push without a tag, or without a tag_name input, leaves it nothing to release.

How to fix it

Grant contents: write and trigger on tags

on:
  push:
    tags: ['v*']
permissions:
  contents: write
jobs:
  release:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v4
      - uses: softprops/action-gh-release@v2
        with:
          files: dist/*

Supply a tag explicitly when not tag-triggered

1. Pass tag_name when the workflow is not triggered by a tag push.
2. Confirm the tag exists or let the action create it from the current ref.
3. Keep contents: write at the job (not just workflow) scope if you narrowed permissions per job.

How to prevent it

• Trigger release workflows on tag pushes and grant contents: write.
• Provide tag_name when releasing from a non-tag event.
• Scope the elevated permission to the release job only.

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