Dysfunctional Zotero Add-On in Word for Mac

JayseAnspach · 2025-06-25T17:23:30+00:00

I've tried everything I've read on these forums, but nothing is fixing my problem.

My problem is that the Zotero add-on in Microsoft Word (for Mac) is not functioning. When I click "add/edit citation" under the "Zotero" tab, I get the following pop-up:

"Word could not communicate with Zotero. Please ensure that Zotero is open and try again."

I've tried deleting Zotero.dotm in my startup file and reinstalling the add-on. I've restarted everything, but to no avail.

Any ideas?!

dstillman · 2025-06-26T01:57:40+00:00

https://www.zotero.org/support/word_processor_plugin_troubleshooting#word_could_not_communicate_with_zotero_please_ensure_that_zotero_is_open_and_try_again

You have to delete Zotero.dotm and confirm that the Zotero tab is fully gone from Word before reinstalling. It's not clear if you've done that.

JayseAnspach · 2025-06-26T16:35:55+00:00

I did that. The Zotero tab was fully gone after I deleted Zotero.dotm and before I reinstalled. The tab reappeared on Word after I reinstalled and restarted Word. But it still gives me that pop-up.

adomasven · 2025-06-26T19:27:13+00:00

Did the plugin work on this machine for you before? Are you using a proxy or some proprietary security software?

JayseAnspach · 2025-06-27T11:19:19+00:00

I did use it before, but then I updated Zotero to the latest version.

But thankfully I tried everything again but this time also restarted my computer. It now works!

Thanks for trying to help!