How to Fix Git Error - RPC Failed; HTTP 400 Curl 22

If you’re a developer using Git to push code to a remote repository like GitHub, you’ve probably hit a snag at some point. One of the most frustrating issues is the Git error: RPC failed; HTTP 400 curl 22 The requested URL returned error: 400 send-pack: unexpected disconnect while reading sideband packet. This error can stop your workflow dead in its tracks, leaving you wondering why your files aren’t showing up in your repository.

Don’t worry—this 2025 guide will break down what this error means, why it happens, and how to fix it step by step. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned coder, we’ll keep things simple, actionable, and easy to follow. Let’s dive in and get your Git pushes back on track!

What Is the Git RPC Failed Error?

The Git RPC failed; HTTP 400 curl 22 error occurs when you try to push code to a remote repository (e.g., GitHub, GitLab) and the process fails. The error message typically looks like this:

Enumerating objects: 2887, done.
Counting objects: 100% (2887/2887), done.
Delta compression using up to 4 threads
Compressing objects: 100% (2800/2800), done.
error: RPC failed; HTTP 400 curl 22 The requested URL returned error: 400
send-pack: unexpected disconnect while reading sideband packet
fatal: the remote end hung up unexpectedly

This error indicates a communication issue between your local Git client and the remote server. The “HTTP 400” part means the server returned a “Bad Request” response, while “curl 22” points to an issue with the HTTP request made by Git’s underlying curl library. The “unexpected disconnect” suggests the connection was interrupted during the data transfer.

Why Does This Error Happen?

Several factors can trigger this error, including:

• Large File Sizes: Pushing large files or a large number of files can exceed Git’s default buffer size.
• Network Issues: Unstable or slow internet connections can cause timeouts or interruptions.
• Server Limits: The remote server (e.g., GitHub) may have restrictions on file sizes or request limits.
• Git Configuration: Incorrect or default Git settings may not handle large pushes well.
• Large Repositories: Repositories with many files or a complex history can overwhelm the server.
• Authentication Issues: Problems with your Git credentials or access permissions.

Understanding the cause is the first step to fixing it. Let’s explore the most effective solutions to resolve this error.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix the Git RPC Failed Error

Here are proven methods to fix the Git error: RPC failed; HTTP 400 curl 22. Try them in order, as some are simpler than others, and stop when the issue is resolved.

Solution 1: Increase the Git HTTP Buffer Size

One of the most common causes of this error is Git’s default HTTP buffer size being too small for large pushes. Increasing it can resolve the issue.

• Why It Works: The buffer size determines how much data Git can send in one go. A larger buffer accommodates bigger files or repositories.
• How to Do It:
  1. Open your terminal (or command prompt on Windows).
  2. Run the following command to increase the buffer size to 500MB:

     git config --global http.postBuffer 524288000

  3. Try pushing again with:

     git push origin main

• Note: If 500MB doesn’t work, try a larger value (e.g., 1048576000 for 1GB).

Pro Tip: Setting this globally (--global) applies the change to all your repositories. If you only want it for the current repository, omit --global.

Solution 2: Push Smaller Batches of Changes

If you’re pushing a large number of files or a big repository, the server might struggle to process everything at once. Breaking your push into smaller chunks can help.

• Why It Works: Smaller commits reduce the load on the server, avoiding timeouts or buffer overflows.
• How to Do It:
  1. Instead of pushing all changes at once, commit specific files or folders:

     git add folder1 file1.txt
     git commit -m "Add folder1 and file1"
     git push origin main

  2. Repeat for other files or folders until everything is pushed.
• Tip: Use git status to see which files are staged and prioritize smaller groups.

Solution 3: Check Your Internet Connection

A weak or unstable internet connection can cause the “unexpected disconnect” part of the error.

• Why It Works: Git requires a stable connection to transfer data. A flaky network can interrupt the push.
• How to Do It:
  • Test your internet speed using a tool like Speedtest.net.
  • Switch to a more reliable network (e.g., from Wi-Fi to a wired connection or mobile hotspot).
  • Retry the push:

    git push origin main

• Note: Some users reported success after switching routers or networks.

Solution 4: Use Git LFS for Large Files

If your repository contains files larger than 50MB (GitHub’s recommended limit), you may need Git Large File Storage (LFS).

• Why It Works: Git LFS handles large files separately, reducing the load on standard Git operations.
• How to Do It:
  1. Install Git LFS:

     git lfs install

  2. Track large files (e.g., images, videos):

     git lfs track "*.png" "*.mp4"

  3. Commit and push:

     git add .gitattributes
     git commit -m "Track large files with LFS"
     git push origin main

• Note: GitHub has a 100MB hard limit for non-LFS files. If you’ve added large files, remove them from history using git filter-branch or git lfs migrate.

Solution 5: Switch to SSH Instead of HTTPS

Using HTTPS for Git operations can sometimes lead to buffer or protocol issues. Switching to SSH might bypass the problem.

• Why It Works: SSH uses a different protocol that may handle large pushes better.
• How to Do It:
  1. Generate an SSH key if you don’t have one:

     ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your_email@example.com"

  2. Add the SSH key to GitHub (Settings > SSH and GPG keys).
  3. Update your repository’s remote URL:

     git remote set-url origin git@github.com:username/repository.git

  4. Push again:

     git push origin main

• Tip: Check your remote URLs with git remote -v.

Solution 6: Update Git to the Latest Version

An outdated Git client can cause compatibility issues with modern servers.

• Why It Works: Newer Git versions include bug fixes and better HTTP/2 support.
• How to Do It:
  1. Check your Git version:

     git --version

  2. Update Git:
     • On Windows: Use winget install git or download from git-scm.com.
     • On macOS: Use brew install git.
     • On Linux: Use sudo apt-get install git (Ubuntu) or equivalent.
  3. Retry the push.
• Note: Some users fixed this error by upgrading from older Git versions (e.g., 2.39 to 2.46).

Solution 7: Debug with Git Trace

If the above solutions don’t work, enabling Git’s debug logs can help identify the root cause.

• Why It Works: Debug logs show detailed information about the push process, pinpointing where it fails.
• How to Do It:
  1. Enable tracing:

     export GIT_TRACE_PACKET=1
     export GIT_TRACE=1
     export GIT_CURL_VERBOSE=1

  2. Run the push command and review the output.
  3. To disable tracing:

     unset GIT_TRACE_PACKET GIT_TRACE GIT_CURL_VERBOSE

• Tip: Look for specific error codes or messages in the logs to narrow down the issue.

Solution 8: Contact the Repository Host’s Support

If none of the above work, the issue might be on the server side (e.g., GitHub, GitLab).

• Why It Works: Server-side restrictions or temporary issues can cause HTTP 400 errors.
• How to Do It:
  • For GitHub: Visit support.github.com.
  • For GitLab: Check forum.gitlab.com or contact support.
  • Provide details like the error message, repository URL, and steps you’ve tried.
• Note: Some users reported success after support adjusted server-side limits.

Common Causes and Solutions Table

Preventing the Git RPC Failed Error in the Future

Once you’ve fixed the error, take these steps to avoid it moving forward:

• Use Git LFS for Large Files: Always track large files with Git LFS to avoid buffer issues.
• Commit Regularly: Make smaller, frequent commits instead of one massive push.
• Monitor Repository Size: Use git count-objects -v to check your repository’s size and clean up unnecessary files.
• Keep Git Updated: Regularly update your Git client to the latest version.
• Optimize Network: Use a reliable, high-speed internet connection for Git operations.
• Set Global Buffer Size: Apply git config --global http.postBuffer 524288000 to avoid adjusting it repeatedly.

FAQs About the Git RPC Failed Error

Why does the error say “HTTP 400 Bad Request”?

The HTTP 400 error means the server couldn’t process your request, often due to large data, incorrect settings, or server limits.

Can I fix this error without changing my network?

Yes, try increasing the http.postBuffer size or using Git LFS before switching networks.

Is Git LFS free to use?

Git LFS is free to install, but platforms like GitHub charge for additional storage and bandwidth beyond free limits.

What if I’m using GitLab or Bitbucket instead of GitHub?

The solutions (e.g., buffer size, Git LFS, SSH) apply to most Git hosting services, but check platform-specific limits.

How do I know if my files are too large?

Run git ls-files | xargs ls -l to list file sizes. Files over 50MB often cause issues on GitHub.

Troubleshooting Tips for Persistent Issues

If the error persists, try these advanced steps:

• Check Git Configuration: Run git config -l --show-origin to review your settings for conflicts.
• Reduce Compression: Set git config --global core.compression 0 to disable compression, which may reduce server load.
• Clone a Shallow Copy: If cloning fails, use git clone --depth 1 to fetch only the latest history, then git fetch --unshallow for the full history.
• Rewrite History for Large Files: If large files were committed earlier, use git filter-branch or git lfs migrate to remove them from history.

Conclusion: Get Back to Coding Without Git Errors

The Git error: RPC failed; HTTP 400 curl 22 can be a headache, but it’s fixable with the right approach. Start by increasing the HTTP buffer size, pushing smaller batches, or using Git LFS for large files. If those don’t work, check your network, switch to SSH, or update Git. For stubborn cases, debugging with trace logs or contacting support can save the day.

Don’t let this error slow you down. Follow the steps in this guide, and you’ll be pushing code to your repository in no time. Have a question or another solution? Drop it in the comments below!

Resource: For more Git troubleshooting, visit Git’s official documentation or check out Stack Overflow’s Git tag.