You’re on Canvas, typing an important message to your professor or classmate…and then, BAM! A pop-up appears: “Error Occurred While Creating Conversation Message.” Ugh!
Don’t panic. You’re not alone. This annoying little error has frustrated many students and teachers. But the good news? There are several easy ways to fix it.
Let’s walk through them step-by-step—no tech degree required.
What Does This Error Even Mean?
Simply put, Canvas is trying to send your message, but something is blocking it. Think of it like shouting through a megaphone that’s missing a battery. The system can’t communicate because something’s not working right.
That “something” could be on your end, or Canvas’s. But don’t worry—we’ll check all the usual suspects.
Fix #1: Check Your Internet
Most of the time, a weak or disconnected internet causes this. Canvas needs a reliable connection to create and send messages.
Try this:
- Reload your Wi-Fi or internet connection.
- Switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data (or vice versa).
- Run a quick speed test. If it’s slow, give it a few minutes.
Once you’re back online strong and steady, try sending your message again.
Fix #2: Clear Your Cache and Cookies
Over time, your browser gets cluttered with cookies and cached files. These bits of data can make Canvas act weird, like not being able to create message conversations.
Here’s how to clean them out:
- Go to your browser settings.
- Find “Privacy and Security.”
- Select “Clear browsing data.”
- Choose to clear cache and cookies, but keep your saved passwords.
Now close the browser and reopen it. Log back into Canvas and try again.
Fix #3: Use a Different Browser
Sometimes the browser you’re using is the problem. Canvas works best with some browsers more than others.
Canvas recommends:
- Google Chrome (latest version)
- Mozilla Firefox
- Safari (for Mac users)
If you’re using an old or non-recommended browser (like Internet Explorer), switch now!
Fix #4: Update Your Browser
If you already have a supported browser, make sure it’s up to date. Canvas can glitch if the browser is outdated.
Steps to update (for Chrome):
- Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Choose “Help” → “About Google Chrome.”
- Let it update. Then restart the browser.
Once done, try sending your message on Canvas again.
Fix #5: Disable Browser Extensions
Got some funky extensions running? Ad blockers or pop-up blockers may be getting in the way.
Here’s how to check:
- Go to browser settings.
- Click “Extensions.”
- Disable them temporarily (especially anything related to privacy or security).
Test Canvas with the extensions off. If it works, one of those extensions was the troublemaker.
Fix #6: Log Out and Back In
This seems too simple, but trust us, it works sometimes. Especially if Canvas thinks your session has expired.
Just do this:
- Click your profile picture in the Canvas dashboard.
- Choose “Log out.”
- Wait 10 seconds, then log in again.
Retry the message. Easy peasy!
Fix #7: Double-Check the Message Content
Canvas might be picky about what’s in your message. Too many emojis, unsupported attachments, or even weird symbols can cause trouble.
Make sure:
- You’ve selected a recipient.
- The subject line isn’t blank (some Canvas versions require it).
- You’re not attaching unsupported file types (stick to PDFs, DOCXs, or images like JPG and PNG).
Simplify your message and try again. Sometimes less is more!
Fix #8: Try From Another Device
Still stuck? Try using another device.
Borrow a laptop, desktop, or use the Canvas mobile app.
If it works on another device, the problem isn’t Canvas. It’s your original device, and you’ll need to troubleshoot further or update it.
Fix #9: Contact Canvas Support
If all else fails, it’s time to call in the big guns. Let the Canvas support team investigate.
Steps to contact them:
- Click the “Help” button on the Canvas dashboard (it’s a question mark).
- Select “Report a Problem” or “Chat with Canvas Support.”
- Tell them exactly what’s happening, what browser you’re using, and any steps you’ve already tried.
They’re usually pretty fast and helpful!
A Few Bonus Tips
While you’re at it, try these bonus hacks:
- Keep Canvas updated (especially if using the mobile app).
- Use Canvas during off-peak hours. Fewer users means fewer slowdowns.
- Enable pop-ups for Canvas if your browser blocks them.
Still Seeing That Error?
If you’ve used all the fixes and the error keeps showing up, the issue may be on Canvas’s end. Servers might be down, or part of the system might be under maintenance.
You can check Canvas’s system status here:
status.instructure.com
If everything looks fine over there, take one last deep breath and repeat the steps above. Sometimes it’s just a glitch and disappears in a few hours.
Let’s Wrap It Up
The
“Error Occurred While Creating Conversation Message”
in Canvas doesn’t have to ruin your day. It’s usually a quick fix—just a matter of finding the right one. From resetting your internet to clearing your cache or trying another device, you’ve got options!
So next time the error pops up, don’t groan. Smile, run through this list, and squash that bug like a pro.
Happy messaging!