Accessing Canvas: Web and Mobile
Canvas can be accessed through a web browser or the Canvas mobile apps. This guide covers browser requirements, web access, and the Student and Teacher mobile apps.
Visit the Canvas Browser and Computer Requirements Guide to confirm your device is supported.
Accessing Canvas Through a Web BrowserCanvas requires a current, supported web browser and an up-to-date operating system. We recommend having at least two browsers available, such as Chrome and Edge, so you can switch if a technical issue arises. Firefox and Safari are supported but may cause unexpected behavior.
Most users access Canvas through Cardinal Apps using their UIW email and password. A few programs have unique access paths: ABSN instructors and students use the ABSN Canvas app in Cardinal Apps, while continuing education students receive a separate login portal link through their program email.
Instructor Access
Instructors can log in to Canvas as soon as they have a UIW email and password, but course access requires being listed as the instructor of record in Banner. Until enrolled in at least one course, the Dashboard will be empty. Requests to access a past course should be submitted by the current Instructor of Record to canvas@uiwtx.edu.
Student Access
Students must complete the UIW registration process and be enrolled in at least one course before accessing Canvas. While registration is still pending, Canvas may display: "Failed to Log in — Canvas doesn't have an account for user." Holds or outstanding balances can also delay enrollment. Once registered, course access depends on whether the instructor has published the course.
Canvas enrollments update several times each day, so recent registration changes may take a few hours to appear. Students can verify their current enrollments in DegreeWorks or Banner Web Self-Service, both available through Cardinal Apps. For enrollment questions, visit the Advising FAQ or contact the Office of the Registrar or Office of Financial Aid.
If a course does not appear on your Dashboard, use the Courses option in the Global Navigation menu to open your All Courses list. The Dashboard shows a selection of active courses; the All Courses list is comprehensive.
Accessing Canvas with the Student Mobile AppThe Canvas Student app provides convenient access to courses from a mobile device. Students can submit assignments, participate in discussions, view grades, access course materials, and manage notifications and Inbox messages. Not all Canvas features are available on mobile.
Download the App
Log In
- Open the app and select Find My School.
- Search for University of the Incarnate Word or UIW and select the result that appears.
- Select Next to connect to your courses.
ABSN Students: Search for uiwabsnonline or uiwabsnonline.instructure.com. No result will populate; select Next to proceed to the login screen.
When to Use a Web Browser Instead
Most instructors design their courses in a web browser, so Canvas is best experienced in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. Consider switching to a browser when:
- Content is not displaying correctly, such as text hidden in dark mode.
- Subject matter is difficult to read on a smaller screen, such as detailed diagrams or spreadsheets.
- You need a stable connection, such as during a quiz or timed exam.
- You are entering a significant amount of text.
- Your course includes digital textbooks or third-party tools that are not mobile-friendly.
Trouble Signing In?
Start by clearing the app's cache through the app settings in the Settings area of your device: What Canvas app options are available?
Canvas uses the same credentials as Cardinal Apps. To verify your password, open a private or incognito browser window and log in to Cardinal Apps. If that works, use the same password in the Student app.
You can also log in using a QR code generated from Canvas in your web browser, which lets you authenticate without entering your institution URL or credentials manually. See How do I view a QR code to log in to the Canvas mobile app? for instructions.
For more detailed guidance, refer to the official Canvas documentation:
Accessing Canvas with the Teacher Mobile AppThe Canvas Teacher app gives instructors convenient mobile access to Announcements, Assignments, Discussions, Quizzes, and SpeedGrader. Not all Canvas features are available on mobile.
Download the App
Log In
Search for University of the Incarnate Word in the school search field. ABSN instructors should search for uiwabsnonline.instructure.com instead.
Recommendations and Limitations
We recommend building courses in a web browser and becoming familiar with Canvas features there before using the app. Use a browser to troubleshoot any issues before assuming they are course-related. Common mobile limitations include:
- Formatting may not display correctly, particularly in dark mode.
- Complex content like diagrams or spreadsheets can be difficult to view on a smaller screen.
- Wireless connections may be slower or less reliable.
- Entering large amounts of text is more practical with a physical keyboard.
- Not all third-party tools are mobile-friendly.
Additional Resources