how to delete attempts on canvas

2 min read 13-01-2025

Meta Description: Learn how to delete quiz attempts on Canvas as a student or instructor. This comprehensive guide covers different scenarios, including deleting your own attempts, clearing attempts for students, and handling technical issues. We'll walk you through the steps with screenshots and troubleshooting tips to ensure a smooth process. Get started now!

Deleting Your Own Quiz Attempts on Canvas (Student)

As a student, you generally cannot delete your own quiz attempts on Canvas once submitted. The system is designed to maintain a record of your progress and grades. However, there are a few exceptions:

Understanding Canvas's Quiz Attempt Limitations

Instructor Control: Your instructor has ultimate control over quiz settings and whether or not attempts can be deleted. They might allow for a certain number of deletions depending on the course structure.
Before Submission: The only time you can truly "delete" an attempt is before submitting it. You can close the quiz window and start over. Once you hit "Submit," the attempt is recorded.
Contacting Your Instructor: If you've made a mistake or have a valid reason to request a deletion (e.g., technical issue), contacting your instructor is the best course of action. They can manually adjust your grade or allow you an additional attempt.

Deleting Quiz Attempts for Students (Instructor)

Instructors have more control over quiz attempts. Here's how to delete a student's quiz attempt:

Accessing the Quiz

Navigate to the Course: Go to your Canvas course.
Access the Quiz: Find the specific quiz in the relevant module.
Open the Gradebook: Click on the quiz to access the gradebook for that specific quiz.

Deleting Individual Attempts

Locate the Student: Find the student whose attempt you want to delete.
Access the Attempt: Click on the student's grade. This displays a dropdown menu of options.
Delete Attempt: Look for an option like "Delete Attempt" or similar. The exact wording might vary slightly depending on your Canvas version. Be cautious as this action is irreversible.

Clearing Attempts for All Students

Sometimes, you might need to delete all attempts for a quiz, perhaps because of a technical error or a need to reset the quiz.

Access Quiz Settings: After opening the quiz, look for a "Settings" button or similar option.
Find the Attempt Reset Option: Look for a button to reset all attempts or to clear grades. Again, this will usually be a permanent action, so proceed with care.
Confirm Deletion: Once you've initiated the process, confirm the deletion. This process usually makes the quiz available for all students to retake.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"Delete Attempt" Option Missing: This option may be unavailable if the quiz settings don't allow for attempt deletion. Check the quiz settings or contact Canvas support if needed.
Accidental Deletion: Double-check before deleting any attempts. There's typically no undo button once you delete an attempt.
Technical Difficulties: If you experience technical problems (e.g., Canvas crashing during the quiz), contact your instructor immediately. They can often make exceptions or grant extra attempts.

Important Considerations

Canvas Version: The exact steps might vary depending on your Canvas version. Consult your institution's Canvas help documentation if you're having difficulty.
Institutional Policies: Your institution might have specific policies regarding deleting quiz attempts. Refer to your institution's guidelines for clarification.
Backup Data: Always make sure you have a backup of important data before making significant changes, such as deleting quiz attempts.

By following these steps and keeping these considerations in mind, you can effectively manage quiz attempts on Canvas, both as a student and an instructor. Remember to always communicate with your instructor if you have any issues or questions.