Zotero with Google Docs not working

Report ID: 1969670086

When I try to add a citation in Google Docs, I get a message saying “Zotero experienced an error updating your document.” I’m using Chrome and the Zotero Connector.

Steps to reproduce:
1. Start Zotero
2. Start Chrome browser
3. Open specific Google docs document (an article I'm working on)
4. Go to Zotero tab
5. Click add/edit citation
6. Get error message

I looked at the Zotero page titled “Troubleshooting Errors in Word Processor Documents.” I restarted Zotero and my browser. I made sure Zotero and Zotero Connector were up to date. I disabled other browser extensions. I made sure Chrome was up to date.

When I make a brand new Google Doc and try to use Zotero, it works. When I make a copy of the document I need to use Zotero for, I have the same problems with the copy.

The document is a long article being edited by many authors, if that makes a difference.


  • Could you produce a Debug ID from Zotero (not the Connector) for an operation that fails?

    You will most likely have to follow the Troubleshooting Errors in Word Processor Documents instructions which are also linked in that error dialog, particularly the last step.
  • edited September 15, 2023
    The Debug ID is D1360412948

    I made a copy of the document and started deleting text per the last step of the Google Docs troubleshooting instructions. By the time I was done, I had deleted all the text in the document and was still getting the same error message any time I try to use Zotero.

    I have created a copy of the Google doc and sent you an email with a link, per the instructions.
  • Exception: The document is inaccessible. Please try again later.
    Seems like you may be rate-limited by Google Docs, or you may have selected the wrong Google account to authenticate with when prompted by Zotero. Does it work today?
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