Inside of a Computer

Browser Information

Canvas highly recommends using the newest version of whatever browser you are using. However, Canvas supports the following browser versions (as of February 15, 2023):

Chrome 109 and 110
Firefox 109 and 110 (Extended Releases are not supported)
Internet Explorer 11 - IE 11 is not supported after Aug 3, 2019.
Edge 109 and 110
Respondus Lockdown Browser (supporting the latest system requirements)
Safari 15 and 16 (Macintosh only)

Unsure if you meet the minimum requirements? Use detectmybrowser.com for assistance.

Additional Canvas Guides

What are the basic computer specifications for Canvas?

Which browsers does Canvas Support?

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.

Unsure if you meet the minimum requirements? Use detectmybrowser.com for assistance.

Canvas Mobile

Canvas has developed mobile apps specifically for both iOS and Android devices. The iPhone and Android apps allow access to modules, quizzes, and discussions - everything you need to complete your course work on the go. Tablet users can use the Canvas app, or access Canvas through the Safari or Chrome browsers for the most complete functionality.

View the Canvas Guide - How can I use Canvas on my mobile device as a student? - for additional information.

Note About Mobile Apps

When configuring the Canvas App, search "Alamo Colleges" or if prompted to enter your Canvas URL, enter alamo.instructure.com.

Browser Privacy Settings

When displaying content, Canvas defaults to the preferences set by browsers. Some browsers may occasionally make modifications to privacy settings to protect users from possible unsecured content. Unsecured content is identified with the prefix http:// in the URL and can create mixed content in your Canvas Page (Canvas is secured and is identified with the https:// prefix in the URL). Which Browsers does Canvas Support, covers known issues in specific browsers that may block or create mixed content within Canvas, and offers solutions for activating media that does not display or will not play.

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]

Technical Support

ACES Help - Please contact Support Central. Scroll down on the page and select "IT Help Desk" on the right-hand side for contact information.

Canvas Help - The Canvas support phone number (for Alamo Colleges District only), support chat, and an online form for reporting issues are all found by clicking the Help button in the global navigation to your left.