Blackboard supports latest versions of Google Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox.
However you may experience issues when accessing third party applications (e.g. Turnitin, Gradescope, YuJa and Talis Reading lists) from within Blackboard or when logging into Blackboard using Single sign on. Most of those issues could be due to blocked third party cookies or pop-ups, out of date browser, or cross site tracking settings blocking connection to third party applications. Some browser extensions such as AdBlokers, Script blockers can also prevent connections between applications or prevent some of the features from loading.
Accessibility and Assistive Technologies – For those use screen reader, recommended combinations are Chrome and JAWS on Window, and Safari and VoiceOver on a Mac.
How to resolve the issues?
- Please run a browser compatibility check to ensure
- your browser is supported,
- “third party cookies” are allowed.
- “pop-up windows” are allowed.
- If using Safari, please ensure “Prevent Cross site tracking” is disabled.
- If using Firefox, please ensure “Enhance Tracking Protection” is disabled.
- Update your browser to latest available version and try again
For a quick fix, please check your browser’s address bar. If you see an “Eye” icon with a crossover, please click the icon, and allow third party cookies. The screenshot below shows where to locate the icon in Chrome browser. In other browsers, the location and icon may vary.
Workarounds if you need immediate access
- Try Private (incognito) window.
- Switch to a different browser (for example, if Safari is not working, try Chrome).
Get support
If you have tried these options and the issue persists, please raise a support ticket along with a screenshot of the “Browser compatibility checker” results.
Email dts@reading.ac.uk or log a ticket on the DTS Self-Service Portal.
Blackboard compatibility checker tool
When you use the Browser Compatibility Checker, the checker opens in a new page and displays the browser and version detected. Most browsers update automatically and so will be within the supported version spectrum. However, it will also indicate if you need to update your browser to the latest, most secure, version.
Please Note the last two items Cookies and Pop-ups . These will indicate whether there are any of your settings or programmes which are blocking new windows from opening within Blackboard or Turnitin. Allowing these specific access will not compromise your general security settings, but will allow any vital functions – such as tests – in Blackboard to work.
Related resources
- Supported Browsers for using Blackboard
- Turnitin issue: error message ‘Invalid or missing state’
- Turnitin system requirements
Guide last updated on October 24, 2024
