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

- 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.
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.
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.
Note your exact Microsoft Word version, your operating system version (macOS or iPadOS), and the current installation details of the Mendeley Cite add-in.
Take a screenshot or precisely copy the error message stating that 'Mendeley-Cite.docx is stored in an unspecified server location'.
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.
Check Apple Device Compatibility and Restrictions
If the Mendeley Cite error occurs specifically on an iPad or Mac but works on a Windows PC, the issue may stem from Apple's operating system restrictions.
Switch to WPS Office for a Lightweight Writing Experience
Struggling with heavy Microsoft Word add-ins and server connectivity errors on your Mac or iPad? Try WPS Office. It provides a fast, stable, and highly compatible alternative for writing and formatting your academic papers without relying on complex external servers.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website or the Apple App Store to download the application for your Mac or iPad.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Office and open your existing .docx research papers. Your original formatting will be preserved seamlessly.
- 3. Write and Format: Enjoy a fast, crash-free writing experience, utilizing built-in tools to finalize your document.

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.




