How to connect GitHub and link commits to Milestone tasks

Set up the GitHub integration to auto-link commits, PRs, and issues to your project tasks.

5 min readUpdated November 2025

TL;DR

SettingsIntegrationsConnect next to GitHub → authorize in GitHub and pick repos. Then add task IDs (e.g. [TASK-123]) in commit messages so they auto-link to tasks.


Connect GitHub to Milestone

The GitHub integration links commits, pull requests, and issues to tasks in Milestone. When you mention a task ID in a commit, it shows up on that taskno manual updates.

Prerequisites:

  • GitHub account
  • Admin access to the repositories you want to connect
  • Workspace admin or integration permission in Milestone

Setup steps

1. Open integrations

Click your workspace name → SettingsIntegrations. Find GitHub and click Connect.

2. Authorize in GitHub

You’ll be redirected to GitHub. Review the requested permissions, click Authorize, and choose which repositories Milestone can access.

3. Configure sync

Decide what you want to sync:

  • Auto-link commits Commits with task IDs in the message are linked automatically.
  • PR status sync Task status updates when PRs are opened or merged.
  • Issue sync GitHub issues appear as tasks in Milestone.

How to link commits to tasks

Include the task ID in your commit message. Format: [TASK-123] (brackets and the exact ID from the task).

Example: git commit -m "Fix login bug [TASK-123]"

The commit shows up on that task, and the task shows the commit and PR.


Viewing GitHub activity on a task

Open any task. If commits or PRs are linked, you’ll see branch info, PR status, and code review details in the task panel.


Troubleshooting

IssueWhat to try
Can't see my repositoriesIn GitHub, check that you granted access to the specific repos. Re-authorize from Settings → Integrations if needed.
Commits not linkingUse the correct task ID format: [TASK-123] with brackets. IDs are visible in the task URL or when you open a task.
Authorization expiredGo to Settings → Integrations and reconnect GitHub.
PR status not updatingConfirm PR status sync is enabled in the integration settings.

Next steps

Connect Slack for notifications, or set up automations to move tasks when PRs are merged.

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