How to Disconnect a Cloned GitHub Repository and Make It Yours

Ever cloned a GitHub repo (maybe a boilerplate or a cool open-source project) but wanted to make it your own — with fresh Git history and no link to the original repo?

If yes, this guide will help you completely disconnect a cloned repository from its original source and start fresh with your own Git history and GitHub link.

🧹 Step 1: Remove the Existing Git History

Navigate to your cloned project folder in the terminal (git bash) and run:

rm -rf .git

💡 This removes all version control data, including commit history and the link to the original GitHub repo.

🔄 Step 2: Reinitialize Git

Now, start fresh:

git init

This sets up a new Git repository in your current project.

📦 Step 3: Stage Your Files

Add all files for tracking:

git add .

✅ Step 4: Make Your First Commit

git commit -m "Initial commit"

This is now the first commit of your independent project.

🔗 Step 5: (Optional) Connect to Your Own GitHub Repo

If you want to push to your own remote GitHub repository:

git remote add origin https://github.com/your-username/your-repo.git
git branch -M main
git push -u origin main

🎉 Done!

You’ve now disconnected the cloned repo and made it fully yours — clean history, no traces of the original source, and full control over your project’s versioning.

Happy coding!
~ Deepak Modi 🚀

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