How to Fix Missing Canvas Email Notifications

If you are not receiving email alerts, announcements, or updates from Canvas, it is usually due to an unverified email address or incorrect notification settings.

Follow these two steps to fix the issue and restore your alerts.

Step 1: Verify Your Email Address

Canvas automatically blocks all notifications to unverified email addresses.

1. Log in to Canvas and click Account from the global navigation menu on the left, then select Settings.
   
   

2. Locate your email address under the Ways to Contact section on the right side of the page.

   

3. Check for a Warning Icon (!) next to your email address:
   • If the icon is there: Your email is unverified. Click on the email address, select Re-send Confirmation Email, and check your student email inbox to complete the verification link.
     
     
   • If there is no icon: Your email is already verified. Move on to Step 2. 

Step 2: Update Your Notification Settings

If your email is verified but you are still missing specific alerts, check your delivery preferences.

1. Go to the left menu in Canvas and click Account > Notifications.
   
   
2. Review the list of course activities (such as Announcements, Grading, or Discussion Posts).
3. Look at the delivery frequency icons next to each item. To receive alerts right away, ensure the icon is set to Notify Immediately (the green bell icon).
   
   

Step 3: Check Individual Course Notifications

If you are receiving emails for some classes but missing them for a specific unit, your settings might be overridden at the course level.

1. Click Courses on the far-left global navigation menu and select the class you are missing alerts for.

   

2. Look at the menu on the right-hand side of the class home page.
3. Click the View Course Notifications button.
   
   
4. Switch the Enable Notifications toggle to the ON position, and make sure your key updates are set to Notify Immediately.
   
   

Still need clarification or help? 
Simply reach out to our friendly Student Experience Team by submitting a Request or use the Help widget.