Table of Contents
Introduction
This article provides an overview of mobile access options for Canvas, including supported browsers and available mobile applications for students and instructors.
Use this article if you want to:
- Access Canvas on a mobile device
- Understand the differences between mobile apps and desktop access
- Determine which Canvas mobile app is appropriate for your role
Who This Is For:
- Students
- Faculty
- Adjunct
Before using Canvas on mobile, ensure that:
- You have a compatible smartphone or tablet
- You have internet access
- You have installed the appropriate Canvas mobile app (optional but recommended)
Accessing Canvas on Mobile
- You can access Canvas through any mobile web browser
- For the best experience, it is recommended to use a dedicated mobile app
Important Notes:
Some Canvas features may not function fully in mobile apps compared to a desktop browser
- Certain tools (e.g., Conferences, Collaborations, VoiceThread) may not be supported in mobile apps
- Mobile browser support is limited, especially on tablets
- Content requiring Flash will not work in most modern browsers (e.g., Safari, Chrome)
Canvas Mobile Applications
Student App: Canvas Student
- Access courses and groups
- Submit assignments
- Participate in discussions
- View grades and course materials
- Manage calendar, To-Do list, and notifications
- Send and receive messages
Available on both iOS and Android devices
Instructor App: Canvas Teacher
- Manage courses on the go
- Grade assignments
- Post announcements
- Communicate with students
- Access assignments, discussions, and quizzes
Available on both iOS and Android devices
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Features not working in mobile app
- Use a desktop or laptop browser for full functionality
Content not loading (e.g., embedded media)
- Some tools are not supported in mobile apps
- Try accessing the content via a desktop browser
Flash-based content not working
- Most modern browsers no longer support Flash
Limited experience in tablets
- Use a fully supported desktop browser when possible
Additional Resources / Related Articles
- Canvas Student Guides (iOS and Android)
- Canvas Teacher Guides (iOS and Android)
- Canvas iOS Guide
- Canvas Android Guide
- Canvas Teacher iOS Guide
- Canvas Teacher Android Guide
Contact / Escalation Information
For Canvas-related support, contact Kean IT Help Desk: