---
title: "A Stellaris save is not detected"
description: "Find the actual save location, refresh ingestion, and diagnose permissions or unsupported files."
---

> Stellaris Companion documentation
> Complete index: https://galacticfilingcabinet.com/llms.txt

# A Stellaris save is not detected

## Check the file first

Create a new manual save in Stellaris, then locate it using the [platform save paths](/guides/stellaris-save-file-locations). Confirm that the file has a `.sav` extension and a recent modified time.

## In the Companion

1. Refresh the campaign list.
2. Use manual import and choose the file directly.
3. Grant folder access if macOS, Windows, or a sandboxed package asks.
4. Wait for ingestion to finish before importing the same file again.

## If parsing fails

A new Stellaris patch, a total-conversion mod, a damaged save, or an unusual archive format can expose data the parser does not yet handle. Keep the original file, record the game version and mod list, and submit a [feedback report](https://galacticfilingcabinet.com/feedback).

Source: https://galacticfilingcabinet.com/docs/troubleshooting/save-detection/index.mdx