---
title: unable_to_create_user
description: The user could not be created during authentication.
---

## What is it?

This error occurs when Better Auth fails to create a new user during the authentication process. It typically happens during OAuth or SSO-based signup flows when a new user record is expected to be created but the operation fails.

## Common Causes

* Database write failure due to connection issues, timeouts, or transaction errors.
* Missing or invalid required fields in the user schema.
* Unique constraint violations (e.g., email already exists).
* Mismatch between your database schema and the expected Better Auth schema.
* Errors thrown inside custom database hooks (e.g., `user.create`).
* Misconfigured adapters or database clients.

## How to resolve

### Verify database connectivity

* Ensure your database is reachable and properly configured.
* Check for connection pool issues, timeouts, or failed queries.

### Validate schema and constraints

* Make sure all required user fields are present and correctly typed.
* Check for unique constraints (e.g., email conflicts).

### Run migrations

* Ensure your database schema is up to date with the current Better Auth version.

### Review custom hooks

* If you are using `databaseHooks.user.create`, ensure it is not throwing errors or returning invalid data.

### Inspect logs

* Check server logs for detailed error messages during user creation.
