Zoom and Canvas Integration Browser Error

Owned by Maria Shimel, created
Last updated: Oct 24, 2022 by Juliet Wilhelm (Unlicensed)
2 min read

Summary

Some users experience Zoom launching issues when they try to access Zoom meetings via Canvas integration.

This can occur in any browser depending on the user's browser security settings related to third-party cookies.

For Firefox and Chrome, users can allow exceptions to allow third-party cookies from Zoom, while maintaining their browser security settings.

Safari does not allow users to allow exceptions. Safari users will need to use a different browser if they experience third-party cookie blocking when trying to launch Zoom from Canvas.

Issue/Question

When users click the Zoom link in the Canvas course menu, any of the following can occur in the area where Zoom content should load in Canvas:

  • Area is blank

  • A message indicating Zoom content failed to load

  • A message indicating that the session expired

  • A message about cookies and needing to load in a new tab

  • Gray boxes where content should be, but fail to fully load

Example Screenshot of Unauthorized Error Message

example screenshot showing Unauthorized error. Reads sorry your session was expired. Please refresh the page or login again.
Unauthorized error when accessing Zoom through Canvas

 

Environment

  • Firefox, Chrome, or Safari

  • Zoom in Canvas

Cause/Explanation

Browsers are increasing security settings to provide users with more control over their privacy settings while navigating the web. These security settings are also preventing tools nested within another tool (e.g., Zoom in Canvas) from validating user data required for the nested tool to function properly.

Solution

To resolve this issue, for Chrome or Firefox, Zoom should be added as an exception to the browser third-party cookie blocking security settings.

Firefox: Exempt Canvas and integrated tools from Enhanced Tracking Protection

  1. Log in to Canvas.

  2. Click the Shield Icon located to the left of the URL address bar.

  3. Locate the Enhanced Tracking Protection is ON for this site message.

  4. Toggle the switch OFF for Enhanced Tracking Protection.

  5. The message should change to Enhanced Tracking Protection is OFF for this site.

  6. Reload the page if needed.

Chrome: Exempt Zoom from third-party cookie blocking

  1. Log in to Canvas.

  2.  Navigate to Zoom in a Canvas course (where the issue is occurring).

    • A new tab may automatically open with the Zoom content. If this happens navigate back to the Canvas page where the Zoom content failed to load.    

  3. Click the Lock Icon located at the left the URL address.

  4. Click Cookies near bottom of small menu that appears.

  5. Click on the Blocked tab.

  6. Locate and click on applications.zoom.us.

  7. Click Allow.

  8. Click Done.

  9. Reload the page if needed.

Safari: No current solution

The Safari browser does not allow users to add exceptions to third-party cookie blocking security settings. Disabling security settings will leave the user vulnerable on the web and is not recommended. At the current time, Safari users who experience issues with Zoom in Canvas will need to use another browser.

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