Teaching and Learning Resource Center

Accessing Course Content and the Canvas Student App

Known Issues

Issue

Students may have issues accessing course content in the Canvas Student app. Those issues include: 

  • A ‘User authentication' error is displayed, even after logging on. 
  • Modules that are visible when logged on to CarmenCanvas using a web browser are not visible in the Student app.
  • Inability to load some or all courses that they should have access to. 

This problem is caused by a lack of compatibility between the Canvas Student app and Ohio State’s login methods. 

Workaround

The Canvas Student app has an option to log in by scanning a QR code. Logging in with a QR code fixes many issues in the Canvas Student app and provides the optimal user experience. Students will need to use a second device (computer, smartphone, tablet) to access the QR code in Carmen in a web browser. 

  1. Ensure your operating system and the Canvas Student app are both up to date. It also helps to restart your mobile device. 
  2. In a web browser on a second device, log in to Carmen and access your QR code. 
  3. On your mobile device, log out of the Canvas Student app, then click on the QR Login option below the Find my school button. 
  4. Click Next on the pop-up that appears, then use the mobile device to scan the QR code displayed on your computer. 

If you still have issues, take a screenshot of the error and email it with a brief description to carmen@osu.edu