Canvas Instructure giving "Access Denied" error message

[MonikaSutherlan]

I am an instructor and I use Canvas Free for Teachers (Canvas Instructure), and recently I have been hearing from students that they are getting an error message "access denied" even though they have had no trouble accessing Canvas in the past. Some have gone through the steps of clearing their cache and cookies, but are still receiving the error message.  Any suggestions?

[mzimmerman]

Hi @MonikaSutherlan ,

Are students getting the "access denied" message when they are trying to log into Canvas, or are they getting the message when they they are trying to access specific items in the course?

If they are getting the message when trying to access specific course content, it usually means that permissions, availability settings, or broken links are trying to direct students to something that they do not have permission to access.

The best starting point for troubleshooting that kind of issue is to use the "link validator" tool in the course.  Have a look at this article:  How do I validate links in a course? 

[MonikaSutherlan]

Thank you for your reply!

They are getting the "access denied" message when they are trying to log into Canvas. They were previously able to but are now getting "Access denied" even when using the correct password. If they try to reset their password, they don't get the reset email. In some cases, when I remove them from the course and then re-add them, they are able to get into the course. but that is not a good solution long term of course.

[mzimmerman]

Are the students opening Canvas by using the Canvas login URL at https://canvas.instructure.com , or are they using a link that points directly to your course (or to something within your course)...which they would not have access to before they have logged in?

[NoahBoswell · Accepted solution]

Hi there @MonikaSutherlan ,

Someone who will be able to assist you will reach out to you shortly.