Q. Why Won't Zotero Save? Fixing the "Is Zotero Running?" Error

Zotero Connector Cannot Communicate With the Desktop App

When you click the Zotero Connector button to save a reference, you may see a prompt asking "Is Zotero running?" followed by the message "The Zotero Connector was unable to communicate with the Zotero desktop application." This means the browser connector cannot reach the Zotero desktop app. Work through the steps below in order. Most cases are resolved by the first two checks.

Step 1: Confirm the desktop app is open and updated

1. Open the Zotero desktop application and let it fully load.
2. Check for a pending update. If a "Software Update" window says an update is ready to install, click Restart Zotero and let it finish. A downloaded but uninstalled update is a common cause of this error.
3. Confirm your version under Zotero menu, then About Zotero. The current release line is Zotero 7.

Step 2: Run the connection test

With the desktop app open, paste this address into your browser:

http://127.0.0.1:23119/connector/ping

• If it says "Zotero is running", the desktop app is working. The problem is on the browser side. Go to Step 4.
• If it fails to load, the desktop app is not opening its connection. Go to Step 3.

Step 3: If the test fails (desktop side)

1. Fully quit Zotero. On Mac, use Force Quit (Command, Option, Escape) to close any stray copy left running after an update. On Windows, use Task Manager to end any Zotero processes.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Open Zotero first, then open your browser, and run the test again.
4. If it still fails, a firewall, antivirus, or VPN may be blocking the local connection. Disable the VPN or security software temporarily and retest. On a Fuller managed device, contact IT, since institutional software can block this.

Step 4: If the test succeeds but saving still fails (browser side)

1. Update the browser connector to match your desktop version. Reinstall it from zotero.org/download. A version mismatch after a desktop update is the most common cause.
2. Restart your browser completely, closing every window, then try saving again.
3. Temporarily disable other browser extensions, especially ad blockers and privacy tools. If saving works, re-enable them one at a time to find the one causing the conflict, then allow 127.0.0.1 port 23119 in its settings.
4. Test in a different browser. If saving works there, the issue is isolated to your main browser profile.

Still stuck?

Contact the library at library@fuller.edu or schedule a meeting with a reference team. We can walk through these steps with you!