Web Browser Troubleshooting Tips

Canvas Tutorials Web Browser Troubleshooting Tips

Getting Started Module

Overview

Below are some common problems issues people have with web browsers when using Canvas. Please review the list to see if you can troubleshoot the issue before calling Information Systems and Services for help.  Click an item to view or use the expand all option to see all items in the list.

Canvas Says My Browser is Not Supported

Review the Technical Requirements page for technical specifications and links to download another browser. Below are instructions on installing browsers on the computer.

How Do I Clear the Browser Cache?

When you encounter issues of content not displaying as it should, it can be helpful to clear the browser cache of temporary Internet files. Review the steps below for the operating system you are currently using.

How Do I Clear Saved Passwords?

Browser software will ask to save your password the first time you login to Canvas or any other service that requires a password. If you select to save the password, you will not be required to type in the password each time you login to Canvas. If you forget the password and then have your password reset, it is important to clear out the saved passwords so you can login with the new password. View the guides below for instructions on how to accomplish this task in your preferred browser. 

How Do I Customize My Browser Preferences

Each browser will allow you to adjust some settings to your own preferences with regards to color contrast and text size. Additionally, there are some accessibility settings in your Canvas account as well. View the guides below for more details. 

I'm Having Trouble Viewing Content

Newer versions of web browsers may block mixed content. What is mixed content? Canvas exists on a secure server (HTTPS://) and much of the content that can be embedded does not exist on secure server (HTTP://). (1) In modules when unsecured content is embedded on a page that exists on a secure server the browser software will invoke security settings to warn users of mixed content. A message will appear the above where the content should display. (2) If the content is in a module you can click the link above the content to view it in a new window. Each browser handles this differently. 

How insecure content appears in modules

Why Do I See an Unauthorized Message in Canvas?

If you see a message that states you do not have authorization to view the content, these can mean that one of the following situations has occurred. 

The Content is Not Published - If content is not published, students will not be able to see the unpublished content even when content is linked on another page in the course. Click Help in the global navigation and report a problem. See Getting Help with Canvas page for details on how to submit ticket. Be sure to include details of what course you were in and what link you clicked on that produced the error. 

Accessing a Canvas Link from a Bookmark - If you bookmarked a link to a previous course, once you access the link in a new semester, you will not have access to the previous course. Look at the URL in the address bar to see the entire URL. Click the dashboard link in the global menu to navigate to another location in Canvas. You can also edit your bookmark so it takes you directly to the login page (https://lakeland.instructure.com Links to an external site.). 

How Do I Open a New Browser Tab?

In Canvas links to content within the course will not open in a new browser tab whereas links to outside resources will automatically open in a new browser tab. You can open any link in a new browser tab. Right click over any link and select open in new browser tab to open the link a new tab. See the guides below for more detail. 

How Do I Change Where Files are Saved?

Most browsers by default will automatically save anything you download in a folder called Downloads. You can change this behavior in the browser settings or options. Review the guide for your browser.