Where to find your Zotero username
Your Zotero username appears in your account settings on the Zotero website, not in the desktop or mobile apps. Log into zotero.org with your email address and password, then click your account icon (usually your initials or a profile picture) in the top right corner. Select Settings from the dropdown menu. On the Settings page, your username will appear under the Account tab — it is the name you chose when you created your account, and it is different from your email address.
If you cannot remember your username, you can still log in using your email address instead. Zotero accepts either your username or email at the login screen. Once you are logged in, you can see your username in Settings and write it down for future reference.
Key Takeaways
- Your Zotero username is found in your account Settings on zotero.org, not in the desktop or mobile apps.
- You can log in with either your email address or your username, so forgetting it does not lock you out.
- Your username is the name you chose during account creation and is separate from your email address.
- Once logged in, click your account icon in the top right corner and select Settings to view your username.
Why you might need your Zotero username
Your username is required when you want to share your library with other people or when you are setting up Zotero on a new device and need to sync your research across computers. Some research groups also ask for usernames when coordinating shared group libraries. Knowing where to find it saves time when you are setting up these features.
You may also need your username if you are troubleshooting a sync problem with Zotero support, or if you are joining a collaborative research project where team members exchange usernames to grant access to shared collections.
Logging in if you have forgotten your username
The Zotero login page accepts both your username and your email address in the same field. If you cannot remember your username, enter the email address you used to create your account instead. Once you are logged in, go to Settings to see your username displayed clearly.
If you have forgotten your password as well, click Forgot your password? on the login page. Zotero will send a password reset link to your email address. You can then create a new password and log in using your email address, after which you can view your username in Settings.
Viewing your username on different devices
The Zotero desktop app does not display your username in its settings. To see your username, you must visit zotero.org and log in through the website. The mobile app (Zotero for iOS) also does not show your username in the app itself — you will need to use the website.
This is by design: Zotero stores your username on their servers, and the apps only need your email and password to sync your library. However, if you are setting up a new device and need your username for any reason, the website is always the place to find it.
Changing your Zotero username
Zotero does not allow you to change your username after your account is created. The username you chose during registration is permanent. If you dislike your current username, you cannot modify it through Settings or any other account feature.
Your only option is to create a new Zotero account with a different username. However, this means starting over with a new library and losing access to any shared libraries or groups associated with your old account. For most people, keeping the original username is simpler than managing two accounts.
Sharing your username safely
Your Zotero username is not sensitive information in the way a password is. It is public — anyone can see it if you share a library or join a group. You can safely share your username with colleagues, classmates, or research collaborators without risk.
Never share your password, even if someone asks for it. Zotero support staff will never ask for your password. If you need to grant someone access to your library, use Zotero's sharing features instead of giving them your login credentials. You can invite people to view or edit specific collections without revealing your password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Zotero username the same as my email address?
No. Your username is the name you created during account setup, while your email is the address you used to register. Both work for logging in, but they are different. You can see your username in Settings on zotero.org.
Can I use my email address instead of my username to log in?
Yes. The Zotero login page accepts either your username or your email address in the login field. You do not need to remember your username to access your account.
What do I do if I created my account years ago and cannot remember my username?
Log in using your email address instead. Once you are logged in, go to Settings on zotero.org to see your username. Write it down so you have it for next time.
Do I need my username to sync Zotero across my devices?
No. Zotero syncs using your email address and password, not your username. Your username is only needed if you are sharing libraries with others or setting up group access.
Can other people see my Zotero username?
Yes, if you share a library or join a group, your username will be visible to the people you share with. Your username is not private information, so there is no security risk in sharing it.