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How to Fix Mendeley Cite Add-in Errors in Word for iPad or Mac

John WilsonJohn Wilson Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is encountering an error where the Mendeley Cite add-in fails to function, displaying a message that the document is stored in an unspecified server location.

How to Fix Mendeley Cite Add-in Errors in Word for iPad or Mac
Product
Mendeley Cite, Microsoft Word
Device & OS
iPad or Mac
Scenario
Using the Mendeley Cite third-party add-in to manage academic citations within Microsoft Word.
Observed behavior
An error message appears stating that 'Mendeley-Cite.docx' is stored in an unspecified server location, preventing the add-in from loading or syncing properly.
Before you start

Ensure that your Mac or iPad has an active internet connection and that both your operating system and Microsoft Word app are updated to their latest versions before troubleshooting.

Solution 1Recommended

Contact Mendeley Support for Server Troubleshooting

Since Mendeley Cite is a third-party service and not a Microsoft product, contacting their official support is the most effective way to resolve server location and account syncing errors.

The 'unspecified server location' error is typically triggered by a communication failure between Microsoft Word and Mendeley's external cloud servers. Because Elsevier manages Mendeley, their support team has the specialized tools to troubleshoot account-specific server blocks.

1
Gather your device and app information

Note your exact Microsoft Word version, your operating system version (macOS or iPadOS), and the current installation details of the Mendeley Cite add-in.

2
Document the exact error message

Take a screenshot or precisely copy the error message stating that 'Mendeley-Cite.docx is stored in an unspecified server location'.

3
Submit a ticket to Mendeley

Open your web browser, navigate to the official Mendeley Support Center, and use the 'Contact Us' portal to submit your issue and device details for personalized troubleshooting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Mendeley Cite show an unspecified server location error?

This error generally occurs when Microsoft Word cannot properly communicate with Mendeley's third-party cloud servers. It is often caused by network restrictions, add-in compatibility issues, or server-side outages at Elsevier.

Can I fix the Mendeley Cite server error by reinstalling the add-in?

Reinstalling the add-in can sometimes refresh the server connection. Go to the Insert tab in Microsoft Word, select Get Add-ins, locate Mendeley Cite under My Add-ins to remove it, and then reinstall it from the Store.

Is Mendeley Cite a built-in Microsoft Word feature?

No, Mendeley Cite is a third-party product developed by Elsevier. Therefore, specific server, add-in, or account-related errors must typically be resolved through Mendeley Support rather than Microsoft Support.