Failing to sync online library on a new computer

bradley_nissen · 2026-05-29T22:34:25+00:00

I could use help troubleshooting a sync issue I'm having: I have a new computer and I just re-downloaded Zotero desktop. I want to access all my old reference files that have been saved on my online library. However when I try to sync on the desktop Zotero by putting in my username and password, it keeps telling me it is the wrong password or username. I know that isn't true because I was able to log in to leave this forum message and can see my online libraries on the web. Any ideas on why this log in isn't working? THX!

dstillman · 2026-05-30T08:35:33+00:00

Upgrade to the latest version of Zotero. For security reasons, older versions are no longer able to log in for syncing, except immediately after a successful password reset.

(You say you just redownloaded Zotero, but Zotero 9 wouldn't give you the option of putting in your username and password — it just opens the website to log in.)

bradley_nissen · 2026-06-01T18:54:18+00:00

Thank you for this information! My organization is not yet allowing Zotero 9 (I'm sure it will be soon, new software just has to be vetted) so in the meantime, resetting my password solved the problem, thank you for that option as well.