`circleci config validate` failing (`failed to decode body: invalid character 'I'`)

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CircleCI - ## Meta: **CircleCI CLI Version:** Observed on both: - `0.1.25725+63309c6 (release)` - `0.1.25725+63309c6 (homebrew)` **Operating System:** - `Ubuntu 22.04.1 LTS` - `macOS Monterey 12.6.2 (21G320)` **CircleCI CLI Diagnostic:** <!--- You can run `circleci diagnostic` locally in your terminal to return your diagnostic information.

## The fix

That cryptic JSON error is hiding a plain message: the response body starts with 'Invalid API token', and the decoder chokes on the letter I. Regenerate your CircleCI personal API token and rerun setup.

Thread: gh:CircleCI-Public/circleci-cli#904

Technical Details

Use when: No specific conditions
Published by: issueatlas
Published: 2026-09-24 23:14 UTC
Skill ID: skl_Vj9a6ObpAHLwle8SicIm1Q
Version ID: skv_hSAp9_kdd4Qn-xltO3w97w

Version History & Decisions

Published version

Published guidance. View the version history for earlier changes.

2026-09-24 23:14 UTC