Fix Panopto Not Displaying in Canvas (Third-Party Cookie Settings)

Issues

  • Panopto videos in Canvas aren't loading or displaying correctly.
  • I see a blank space or error where a Panopto video should appear in Canvas.
  • Panopto says I'm not signed in even though I'm logged into Canvas.
  • A Panopto video embedded in Canvas shows a grey box or spinning icon that never loads.
  • Panopto videos work when I go to panopto.bowdoin.edu but not inside Canvas.
  • How do I enable third-party cookies to fix Panopto in Canvas?

Environment

This issue affects Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff viewing Panopto content embedded in Canvas. It occurs when the browser's third-party cookie or cross-site tracking settings block the connection between Canvas and Panopto. This can affect any browser, including Chrome, Edge, and Safari on Mac or iOS.

Note: Modern browsers are increasingly restrictive with third-party cookies by default. If Panopto videos stop working in Canvas after a browser update, this is the most likely cause.

Resolution

Google Chrome (Mac or Windows)

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. Click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner and select Settings.
  3. In the left-hand navigation, click Privacy and security.
  4. Click Third-party cookies.
  5. Select Allow third-party cookies.
  6. Reload Canvas and try the Panopto video again.

Microsoft Edge (Mac or Windows)

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click the three-dot menu (…) in the top-right corner and select Settings.
  3. In the left-hand navigation, click Cookies and site permissions.
  4. Click Manage and delete cookies and site data.
  5. Toggle Block third-party cookies to the Off position.
  6. Reload Canvas and try the Panopto video again.

Safari (Mac)

  1. Open Safari and go to Safari > Settings (or Preferences on older macOS versions) in the menu bar.
  2. Click the Privacy tab.
  3. Uncheck Prevent cross-site tracking.
  4. Close Settings and reload Canvas.
Safari note: Since Safari 13.1, third-party cookies are blocked by default. Panopto is working with Apple to address this compatibility issue, but in the meantime enabling cross-site tracking in Safari is necessary for Panopto to work within Canvas.

Chrome on iOS

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Scroll down and tap Chrome.
  3. Toggle Allow Cross-Website Tracking to the On (green) position.
  4. Reload Canvas in Chrome and try the Panopto video again.

Safari on iOS

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Scroll down and tap Safari.
  3. Under Privacy & Security, toggle Prevent Cross-Site Tracking to the Off position.
  4. Reload Canvas in Safari and try the Panopto video again.
Still not working? If videos still don't load after adjusting cookie settings, try opening the video directly at panopto.bowdoin.edu as a workaround, or contact the Service Desk.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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