---
title: Sql Not Connected Error In Activate Studio
slug: sql-not-connected-error-in-activate-studio
createdAt: 2026-01-29T22:52:10.293Z
---

# Overview

When using a locally installed instance of Activate Studio, you may encounter a SQL connection error indicating that the application is not connected to the database. This is typically caused by an incomplete or incorrect local configuration.

# Symptoms

You may see an error similar to:

- "SQL Error: Not Connected"

This error occurs when attempting to connect to an Activate environment from Activate Studio.

# Cause

The most common cause is a missing or incorrect **InstanceName** setting in the local Activate Studio configuration file.

Activate Studio relies on this value to determine which Activate instance and database it should connect to.

# Resolution

## Verify the appsettings.json Configuration

On the machine where Activate Studio is installed:

1. Locate the **appsettings.json** file used by Activate Studio.
2. Open the file in a text editor.
3. Confirm that the **InstanceName** setting is present and correctly set.

Example:

:::BlockQuote
\{
  "InstanceName": "YourActivateInstanceName"
}
:::

Ensure the value matches the target Activate environment.

## Restart Activate Studio

After updating the configuration file, restart Activate Studio and attempt to connect again.

# Notes and Considerations

- Verify file permissions allow the configuration file to be read
- Ensure you are editing the correct appsettings.json if multiple copies exist
- Confirm network connectivity to the SQL Server once InstanceName is set