Troubleshooting Blocked Course Resources, Videos, Google Drive Links, and Honorlock Access

Troubleshooting Blocked Course Resources, Videos, Google Drive Links, and Honorlock Access

Some students may experience issues accessing course resources, YouTube videos, Google Drive links, shared documents, or Honorlock. These issues are often caused by browser settings, school-issued device restrictions, school-managed Google accounts, internet filters, or blocked third-party content.

If a course resource, video, Google file, or required exam feature appears blocked, missing, unavailable, or does not load correctly, please review the steps below before submitting your work or beginning an exam.

Important: If you are using a school-issued device, a school-managed Chromebook, a Google account, or a school network, your organization may have filters that limit access to certain websites, videos, browser extensions, sharing settings, or outside resources.  TEL Support cannot remove school-managed restrictions, but we can help identify the issue and provide guidance.

Common Signs a Resource May Be Blocked

A resource or feature may be blocked by a device, browser, account, or school filter if you notice any of the following:

  • A video does not load or says it is unavailable.
  • A Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, or Slides link says access is restricted.
  • You cannot install or enable the Honorlock Chrome extension.
  • A course page opens, but some links, images, videos, or embedded resources are missing.
  • A website or file is blocked by your school, organization, browser, or network.
  • A shared document cannot be opened by your instructor for grading.

School-Issued Device or Managed Account Restrictions

If you are using a school-issued device or a school-managed Chrome/Google account, your school may have security filters that limit what you can access. These filters can prevent students from downloading browser extensions, opening certain websites, viewing embedded videos, sharing Google files outside the organization, or using required exam tools.

These restrictions may affect access to:

  • Honorlock exam access or the Honorlock Chrome extension
  • Embedded videos, including YouTube videos used in course content
  • External course links or websites
  • Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, or Drive files
  • Canvas pages that include outside learning resources

If Honorlock or another required course resource cannot be accessed on a school-managed device or account, please contact your school’s technology team or primary dual-credit contact. They may need to allow the required Canvas, Honorlock, Google, video, or course resource permissions on your device, Google profile, or school network.

Helpful tip: If you have access to a personal computer, personal Chromebook, or another approved device with a working camera and microphone, this may be the quickest way to determine whether the issue is caused by school-managed restrictions.

Quick Troubleshooting Steps

If a course resource is unavailable or Honorlock is not activating, try these steps first:

  1. Use Google Chrome. TEL courses and Honorlock work best in Chrome.
  2. Try a different Chrome profile. If you are signed in with a school-managed Google account, try using a personal Chrome profile, if allowed.
  3. Try a personal device. If available, use a personal computer or Chromebook instead of a school-issued device.
  4. Try a different internet connection. If you are on a school network, try another secure internet connection, if available.
  5. Check for blocked pop-ups or redirects. Some course tools may open in a new window or require permission to load outside content. Many times, students are required to select "Allow" to open or grant access.
  6. Take a screenshot. If the issue continues, save a screenshot of the error message, so Support or your school technology team can review it.

You can view Google’s instructions for creating or switching Chrome profiles here: Create or manage Chrome profiles.

Honorlock Access and System Check

Before beginning a proctored exam, run the Honorlock system check on the same device and internet connection you plan to use for testing:

https://prep.honorlock.com/system-check

If the system check fails on a school-issued device, school-managed account, or school network, please contact your school’s technology team as soon as possible. They may need to adjust permissions or provide a different approved testing device.

You may also review Honorlock’s troubleshooting resource here: Honorlock Test Taker - Quick Fixes.

How to Make a Google File Available for Grading

Some assignments require students to include multiple components in one accessible submission. This may include a written response, reflection document, video link, Google Drive link, or other required assignment materials.

If you submit a Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, or Drive link, please make sure your instructor can open the file before submitting it in Canvas.

Steps to Share a Google File Correctly

  1. Open the file in Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, or Drive.
  2. Click Share in the top-right corner.
  3. Find the section labeled General access or Get link.
  4. Change the link setting from Restricted to Anyone with the link, if this option is available.
  5. Set the permission to Viewer, unless your instructor specifically asks for comment or edit access.
  6. Copy the shareable link.
  7. Paste the link clearly into the document you are submitting.
  8. Upload the most recent version of your document to the correct Mastery Assignment submission page in Canvas.
Important: If your school Google account does not allow sharing outside your organization, your instructor may not be able to open the file. If this happens, try using a personal Google account or contact your school’s technology team for help adjusting the sharing settings.

Many courses require students to submit multiple assignment components in a single accessible file. This means that any required videos, Google Drive links, reflection documents, written responses, or related materials should be included in the most recently uploaded file, which should be accessible and submitted for grading.

If your assignment includes a video link, paste the video link directly into the document you are submitting and make sure the video sharing settings allow your instructor to view it.

Please note: Canvas may show multiple submission attempts for a Mastery Assignment. In most cases, instructors review the most recent submission available before grading. Once a score and feedback have been posted in the Grades section, only that graded submission is typically reviewed unless another attempt, edit, or review is approved by the instructor.

If a Video or Course Resource Is Still Blocked

If a video, Google Drive link, embedded resource, or external website remains blocked after trying the steps above, the issue may need to be reviewed by your school’s technology team.

When contacting your school, let them know which resource is blocked and where it appears in the course. If possible, include a screenshot of the error message.

If you are unsure whether the issue is caused by your device, browser, school account, or school network, please contact the TEL Support team with a screenshot so we can help determine the next best step.

Final Browser and Device Troubleshooting Steps

If you are still experiencing issues, try the following general browser and device steps.

1. Check for Device Updates

Make sure your computer has any needed operating system updates installed. Outdated system software can sometimes affect how websites, videos, and embedded course materials load.

2. Update Google Chrome

Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner. If an Update Required message appears, please update Chrome and restart the browser before you try Canvas again.

3. Clear Your Cache and Cookies

Stored browser data can sometimes prevent Canvas from loading the newest version of a page. Clearing your browser history, cache, and cookies can help fix missing content, broken formatting, or pages that do not fully refresh.

You can view Google’s instructions here: Clear cache and cookies.

Assignment Feedback and Additional Attempts

Mastery assignments are generally graded within 5 business days. Grading may take longer near course due dates, weekends, holidays, or other high-volume grading periods.

After your assignment is graded, review the feedback in the Grades section of your Canvas course. Feedback may explain whether something was missing, inaccessible, incomplete, or submitted incorrectly.

If you think edits, a new attempt, or an additional review may be needed, you can contact your instructor through the Canvas Inbox. Instructors do not always see comments left directly on assignment submissions unless students also message them through Canvas Inbox.

Additional attempts, edits, or secondary reviews depend on the instructor’s course policy and are not guaranteed after a score has already been entered.

When to Contact TEL Support

If a technical issue, school filter, blocked resource, or other extenuating circumstance affected your ability to complete an assignment or exam, please contact TEL Support as soon as possible.

When contacting Support, please include:

  • Your full name
  • Your course name
  • The assignment, exam, video, or resource affected
  • A brief explanation of the issue
  • A screenshot of any error message, if available
  • The type of device you are using, such as a personal laptop, school Chromebook, or school-issued computer

The TEL Support team can be reached by emailing support@tel-education.org or by submitting a ticket via the link below:
Questions? Submit a Ticket

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