Troubleshooting Canvas issues

Troubleshooting Canvas issues

If you encounter unexpected errors, missing buttons, or display glitches in Canvas:

1. Disable Browser Extensions: Turn off all third-party extensions (especially Better Campus).
2. Try Incognito / Private Mode: Test Canvas in a private browsing window to see if the issue persists without add-ons.
3. Clear Cache & Cookies: Reset your browser data and restart the session.
4. Use Supported Browsers or mobile apps.
5. Adjust third party cookies accordingly:
   1. For Firefox:
      1. Go to Canvas and log in.
      2. Use the Shield icon to the left of the URL to set your Enhanced Tracking Protection to "off."
   2. For Safari:
      1. On a Mac:
         1. Select Safari.
         2. Select Settings or Preferences.
         3. Select Privacy.
         4. Turn "Prevent cross-site tracking" off.
      2. On an iPhone or iPad:
         1. Select Settings.
         2. Select Apps.
         3. Select Safari.
         4. Locate the Privacy & Security section.
         5. Turn "Prevent cross-site tracking" off.
6. If you are using Edge and you continually get redirected to the Account creation and suspension page despite being able to log into Canvas in an InPrivate window, go to Settings, Profiles, and Profile Preferences and make sure all settings involving automatic account or profile switching are turned off. Then clear cache/cookies one more time, close the browser, and reopen and sign in. If it still doesn't work, go back to the Profile Preferences page and make sure all options are turned off.

Supported browsers and mobile apps

1. Microsoft Edge (latest version)
2. Google Chrome (latest version)
3. Mozilla Firefox (latest version)
4. Safari (latest version)
5. Canvas Student and Teacher mobile apps (latest version)

For more information, see What are the browser and computer requirements for Instructure products?

Why unsupported extensions cause issues

Third-party extensions modify the code of your web browser to change how Canvas displays or behaves. While they may promise UI tweaks or extra convenience, they introduce significant technical and privacy risks:

1. Unexpected System Errors: Updates to Canvas often conflict with extension code, breaking core features like assignment submissions, quizzes, and grade displays.
2. Data Security & Privacy: Unvetted extensions often require permission to read and modify web page content, which can expose personal data, assignment drafts, or grades.
3. Inconsistent User Experience: Extensions alter page layouts differently across various devices, leading to navigation discrepancies between students and instructors.
4. Lack of Support: Our support personnel cannot troubleshoot bugs, lost work, or display glitches caused by unofficial add-ons.

Canvas campus and vendor resources