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For best performance, Canvas should be used on the current or first previous major release of Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari. Because it's built using web standards, Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser.
Canvas only requires 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.
Supported Browsers
Canvas supports the current and first previous major releases of the following browsers:
You should always use the most current version of your preferred browser. Your browser will notify you if there is a new version available. You can verify that the browser you are currently using is up to date by using the browser checker tool.
Note: Safari 13.1 and later versions contain an update that may cause issues with downloading files, displaying images, and playing chat alerts in Canvas. Canvas engineers are currently working on a solution for this issue. Until then, you may avoid errors with files, images, and alerts by disabling cross-site tracking prevention in Safari when using Canvas. If disabling cross-site tracking doesn't resolve these issues, please try one of the other supported browsers.
Unsupported Browser Banner
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.
Accessibility
Canvas is committed to W3C's Web Accessibility Initiative. To learn about supported screen reader and browser combinations, please see the Canvas accessibility standards document.
Browser Plugins and Extensions
JavaScript must be enabled to run Canvas. Some other 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.
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 Canvas, course content should be designed to support HTML5.
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, allow access to Canvas 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 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].
Computer Specifications
For best performance, you should access Canvas 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
Canvas only requires 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, Canvas has been carefully crafted to accommodate low bandwidth environments.
It is recommended to have a minimum Internet speed of 512kbps.
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. The Canvas mobile applications require Android 8.0 or later and iOS 14.0 or later. 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: