Canvas Technical Requirements

Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, or any other device* with a modern web browser.

Browsers

Canvas supports the current and first previous major releases of the following browsers:

Chrome
Firefox (Extended Releases are not supported*)
Edge (Windows only)
Respondus Lockdown Browser (supporting the latest system requirements)
Safari (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.

Canvas has officially retired its support for Internet Explorer since Microsoft is no longer updating or supporting it. For more information about supported browsers, check out the Canvas guide.

Plugins

Canvas requires the following browser components:

Flash
is required for media recording, streaming, viewing, and uploading.
The Java plug-in
is required for several features in Canvas.
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view documents in your browser.

Computer Hardware Requirements

You are required to have use of a computer system with the following specifications and components**:

Use a computer 5 years old or newer when possible
2+ GHz processor
1GB+ RAM
Minimum of 512kbps Internet connection
Web camera

Mobile Devices

While Canvas is supported on Android and iOS mobile devices, it is optimized for desktop displays. Since Canvas uses flash, certain features may not be available to you on your mobile device. Using your desktop to submit assignments, discussion posts, and take quizzes is highly recommended.

Will Canvas Work On My Mobile Device?

*Canvas is optimized for desktop displays.
**Your instructor may require additional hardware or software for your course.

Need Teaching and Learning assistance for online or hybrid courses?

Contact the Division of Academic Innovation

This page was last modified on January 2, 2023