GitHub Actions "Unexpected input(s), valid inputs are ..." (action input typo)

By Kaveh Alemi·Latchkey

Actions validate the keys in with: against their declared inputs. Passing an undeclared key (a typo or a removed input) triggers a warning listing the valid inputs.

What this error means

A step warns "Unexpected input(s) '<key>', valid inputs are [...]" and the intended option silently has no effect because the action never received it.

Warning: Unexpected input(s) 'node_versions', valid inputs are ['always-auth', 'node-version', 'cache']

Common causes

Misspelled input name

The with: key does not match a declared input (node_versions vs node-version), so it is ignored.

Input from a different action version

The key existed in another version of the action but not the one referenced.

How to fix it

Match keys to the action's declared inputs

1. Read the listed valid inputs in the warning.
2. Correct the spelling/casing of the with: key.
3. Confirm the input exists in the pinned action version.

- uses: actions/setup-node@v4
  with:
    node-version: 20
    cache: npm

How to prevent it

• Copy input names exactly from the action's documentation.
• Treat unexpected-input warnings as errors in review.
• Re-check inputs after bumping an action version.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

References

• GitHub Actions documentation
• Workflow syntax for GitHub Actions