on Apr 19, 2017Because it's built using web standards, Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser.
Supported Browsers
Canvas supports the current and first previous major releases of the following browsers:
- Chrome 64 and 65
- Firefox 58 and 59 (Extended Releases are not supported)
- Flash 28 and 29 (used for recording or viewing audio/video and uploading files)
- Internet Explorer 11 (Windows only—functionally supported; may exhibit slight visual differences from other browsers, but these differences do not restrict product functionality or accessibility)
- Edge 40 and 41 (Windows only)
- Respondus Lockdown Browser (supporting the latest system requirements)
- Safari 10 and 11 (Macintosh only)
You should always use the most current version of your preferred browser. Your browser will notify you if there is a new version available.
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.
Known Browser Behaviors
Like all Canvas features, contrary behaviors relating to browsers are prioritized by our product teams, and some behaviors in the previous version may not be resolved. If a behavior exists in the previous version of the browser that does not exist in the current version, the best solution is to update to the newest browser version.
Browser Updates
If your browser does not update automatically, you can download your preferred browser in the browser's download page:
Required Components
Flash is required for recording audio and video in the Canvas Rich Content Editor. Other than these features, Flash is not required to use most areas of Canvas. Please note that some browsers may no longer support Flash.
The Java plug-in is required for screen sharing in Conferences. Please note that some browsers do not support Java. Otherwise, there are no other browser plug-ins used by Canvas.
JavaScript must be enabled to run Canvas.
Browser Plugins and Extensions
Some browser plugins or extensions may conflict with Canvas and affect functionality. If you experience behavior that does not allow you to view or participate in Canvas courses, please ensure you have disabled any extensions or plugins that interact directly with your web browser.
For troubleshooting, consider logging in to Canvas using an incognito or private browser window, which will provide 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 Canvas using an incognito or private browser window, the behavior you are experiencing is likely related to the browser and not Canvas.
Browser Privacy Settings
We recommend following any browser security policies established by your institution, especially if you are using Canvas on a computer provided by your institution.
When displaying content, Canvas defaults 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 Canvas 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
In browsers such as Safari, insecure content will never be displayed 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.
The following are known issues in Chrome and Firefox that may block or create mixed content within Canvas.
Chrome Security
Google Chrome verifies that the website content you view is transmitted securely. If you visit a page in your Canvas course that is linked to insecure content, Chrome will display a shield icon [1] in the browser address bar.
You can choose to override the security restriction and display the content anyway by clicking the shield icon and then clicking the Load unsafe script button [2].
Chrome Media Permissions
Chrome has its own media permission within the browser. To use your computer camera and microphone within any Canvas feature, you will have to approve two permissions:
- Allow access to Canvas via the Adobe Flash Player Settings [1]. This prompt appears in the center of the video and audio pop-up windows, or the center of the browser if you are accessing Conversations.
- Allow access to Canvas via Chrome's media permission settings [2]. This prompt appears just below the address bar. Click the Allow button.
Firefox Security
Firefox verifies that the website content you view is transmitted securely. If you visit a page in your Canvas course that is linked to insecure content, Firefox will display 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].
Canvas on Mobile Devices
The Canvas interface was optimized for desktop displays, so using small form factors such as phones may not be a pleasant experience in using Canvas. For the best user experience, please download the Canvas mobile applications.
Since Canvas uses small elements of Flash, not all Canvas features may be supported on mobile devices, especially on iOS. However, Canvas offers limited support for native mobile browsers on tablet devices. For additional details, please reference the limited-support mobile browser guidelines.
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
- Photon Flash Player (supports Flash)
Android
- Chrome (default browser with limited Canvas support)*
- Internet
- Firefox
*Android default browser varies per mobile device.