You need to have access to a computer with Internet and email capability when you enroll in an online or hybrid course. While it may be possible to do some of your work in a computer lab, it is difficult to take a distance learning course without having a computer and Internet connection at home.
Below is a list of basic computer system requirements to use Canvas. It is always recommended to use the most up-to-date versions and better connections. Canvas will still run with the minimum specifications, but you may experience slower loading times. Learn more about browser requirements and accessibility.
Canvas and its hosting infrastructure are designed for maximum compatibility and minimal requirements.
Supported Browsers
Canvas supports the last two versions of every browser release. We highly recommend updating to the newest version of whatever browser you are using as well as the most up-to-date Flash plug-in.
As of January 4, 2023, Canvas supports the following versions:
- Chrome107 and 108
- Firefox107 and 108 (Extended Releases are not supported*)
- Edge107 and 108
- Safari 15 and 16 (Macintosh only)
- Respondus Lockdown Browser (supporting the latest system requirements)
Some supported browsers may still produce a banner stating Your browser does not meet the minimum requirements for Canvas. If you have upgraded your browser but you are still seeing the warning banner, try logging out of Canvas and deleting your browser cookies. Learn how to clear your cache on a Mac or a PC.
Accessibility
Instructure is committed to W3C's Web Accessibility Initiative. To learn about supported screen reader and browser combinations, please see the Canvas accessibility standards, accessibility within Studio, and Mastery Connect accessibility options documents.
JavaScript must be enabled to run Canvas.
Browser Plugins and Extensions
Some browser plugins or extensions may conflict with Instructure products and affect functionality. If you experience behavior that does not allow you to view or participate in Instructure products, please ensure you have disabled any extensions or plugins that interact directly with your web browser.
For troubleshooting, consider logging in to Instructure products using an incognito or private browser window, which provides a browser session without any prior browsing or search history, associated browser cookies, or other factors that may interfere with the browser. If you are able to view and participate in an Instructure product using an incognito or private browser window, the behavior you are experiencing is likely related to the browser and not the Instructure product.
Update Your Desktop Browser
There are a couple of different ways to update your desktop browser.
1. Every time you open your browser, it will check to make sure it is using the most current version. If it is not updated, your browser will prompt you with a notification and walk you through the update process.
2. Download the latest version of your desktop browser directly. To visit your browser's download page, click the name of your browser below:
- Internet Explorer (not supported)
- Chrome
- Safari (Safari 7 is only included with OS X Mavericks; Safari 8 is only included with OS X Yosemite)
- Firefox
- Flash
- Respondus
To ensure browser security, follow all browser security policies established by your institution, especially if you are using Instructure products on a computer provided by your institution.
When displaying content, Instructure products default to the preference set by a specific browser. Some browsers may occasionally make modifications to privacy settings to protect users from possible insecure content. Insecure content is identified with the prefix http:// in the URL and can create mixed content in your product page. Secured content is identified with the https:// prefix in the URL. For the best user experience, content should be secure to avoid browser conflicts.
- If you are a Canvas admin, insecure content may be caused by hosting an insecure JS/CSS file outside of Canvas. If custom uploads are supported for your account, you can host your file in the Canvas Theme Editor, which will resolve any browser conflicts.
- If you are a Canvas instructor who embeds Canvas lessons inside your course, you can prevent browser issues with mixed content using secured Canvas Guides URLs.
Known Browser Behaviors
Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari use HTML5 to display website content, promoting a faster, more secure browsing experience. For best performance in Instructure products, content should be designed to support HTML5.
In browsers such as Safari, insecure content never displays in the browser.
However, in Chrome and Firefox, you have the option to view insecure content. Please be aware of possible restrictions and view insecure content with caution.
Chrome Security
Google Chrome verifies that the website content you view is transmitted securely. If you visit a page in your Instructure product that is linked to insecure content, Chrome displays a shield icon in the browser address bar [1].
You can choose to override the security restriction and display the content anyway by clicking the shield icon and then clicking theLoad unsafe scriptbutton [2].
Chrome Media Permissions
Chrome has its own media permission within the browser. To use your computer camera and microphone within any Instructure product feature, allow access to Instructure products via Chrome's media permission settings. This prompt appears just below the address bar [1]. To allow access, click the Allow button [2].
Firefox Security
Firefox verifies that the website content you view is transmitted securely. If you visit a page in your Instructure product that is linked to insecure content, Firefox displays a lock with a warning icon in the browser address bar [1].
You can choose to override the security restriction and display the content anyway by clicking the lock with a warning icon, clicking the arrow to expand your options [2], and selecting the Disable protection for now button [3].
Computer Specifications
For best performance, access Instructure products with a computer that supports the most recent browser versions. It is recommended to use a computer five years old or newer with at least 1GB of RAM.
Operating System
Instructure products require an operating system that can run the latest compatible web browsers. Your computer operating system should be kept up to date with the latest recommended security updates and upgrades.
Internet Speed
Along with compatibility and web standards, Instructure products have been carefully crafted to accommodate low bandwidth environments.
It is recommended to have a minimum Internet speed of 512kbps.
Mobile Devices
Instructure products are optimized for desktop displays. However, if you are using a mobile device, you can access Instructure products using a mobile application (app) or mobile browser.
Mobile Apps
For the best user experience, please download the product mobile apps. Mobile apps are currently available for Canvas and Mastery Connect.
The Canvas mobile apps require Android 8.0 or later and iOS 15.0 or later. Canvas offers limited support for native mobile browsers on tablet devices. For additional details, please reference thelimited-support mobile browser guidelines.
Mastery Connect mobile apps require Android 6.0 or later and iOS 13.0 or later. For additional details, please referenceMastery Connect Requirements.
Mobile Browsers
Visit the Apple store or the Play store to download mobile browsers. The following major browsers are compatible with mobile devices:
iOS
- Safari (default browser with limited Canvas support)
- Chrome
Android
- Chrome (default browser with limited Canvas support)*
- Internet
- Firefox
*Android default browser varies per mobile device.
Comments
1 comment
My name is Benedict Tarmo, literally, I have little knowledge of computer science, is this course designed for the computer wizard and superheroes? looks, my work can not be done, because I have a little knowledge of computer technology! I need help!. I battled with this all day!
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