I’m using free for teachers Canvas, and course copying/importing has completely stopped working for me. I have done this for years with no issues. Every attempt results in “Failed” with the message: “There was an unexpected error, please contact support.” What makes this especially confusing is that this happens even in brand-new courses, and even when trying to copy a single item. Here is what I’ve already tried: * “Copy this course” (both full course and selective content) * “Import course content” (full and selective) * Creating a brand-new course and attempting to import just one module * Logging out and back in * Restarting my computer * Using a private/incognito window * Using a different browser or Firefox only In a brand-new course, Canvas immediately shows the warning: “Previously imported content from the same course will be replaced.” No content will import at all, not even a single page or assignment. I suspect this may be a stuck or corrupted content migration job at the account level, rather than an issue with a specific course. Has anyone experienced this on free Canvas? If so, what ultimately resolved it? Is this something only Canvas support can reset on the backend? I have already submitted a support ticket, but haven’t received a response yet. I am desperate because my new class starts on Monday. I do not want to start from scratch. Help!

Free Canvas – All Course Imports Failing with “Unexpected Error”

I’m using free for teachers Canvas, and course copying/importing has completely stopped working for me. I have done this for years with no issues.

Every attempt results in “Failed” with the message: “There was an unexpected error, please contact support.”

What makes this especially confusing is that this happens even in brand-new courses, and even when trying to copy a single item.

Here is what I’ve already tried:

“Copy this course” (both full course and selective content)
“Import course content” (full and selective)
Creating a brand-new course and attempting to import just one module
Logging out and back in
Restarting my computer
Using a private/incognito window
Using a different browser or Firefox only

In a brand-new course, Canvas immediately shows the warning:
“Previously imported content from the same course will be replaced.”

No content will import at all, not even a single page or assignment.

I suspect this may be a stuck or corrupted content migration job at the account level, rather than an issue with a specific course.

Has anyone experienced this on free Canvas?
If so, what ultimately resolved it?
Is this something only Canvas support can reset on the backend?

I have already submitted a support ticket, but haven’t received a response yet.

I am desperate because my new class starts on Monday. I do not want to start from scratch.

Help!

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Accepted answers

KarlAvillo

We've all had the same problem and I think it's almost a week now. The earliest report of this issue happening was 17 January. Same thing. I cannot import course content and saying that it failed. I've never had this problem before

I submitted a ticket to Canvas as well

And I followed up with them 2 days ago

They said that their engineers are working to fix it but they, unfortunately, cannot give us a timeframe to expect when it's going to get fixed

Which is super frustrating and sad :(

All comments

kdCOCO

I'm having the exact same issue within the last few days (and have never had an issue before). Hopefully someone has a solution!

MarissaBrandon

I’ve had zero problems for almost five years until this week. I’m really hoping there’s a quick fix, because the idea of recreating everything from scratch is overwhelming.

kdCOCO

Did you also report the issue through Canvas itself? I've been searching for a solution and some other replies have said that is the most direct way to get help, I think this is something they can only fix on their end

KarlAvillo

We've all had the same problem and I think it's almost a week now. The earliest report of this issue happening was 17 January

I submitted a ticket to Canvas as well

And I followed up with them 2 days ago

They said that their engineers are working to fix it but they, unfortunately, cannot give us a timeframe to expect when it's going to get fixed

Which is super frustrating and sad :(

KarlAvillo

MarissaBrandon

I did two reports, but I haven't heard anything back. I agree, it is definitely something on their end.

MarissaBrandon

Well, that is definitely frustrating, but thank you for responding with this update.

I guess I should start working on manually inputting everything :(

AnthonyClayton65446

I am having the same issue. I have tried this in multiple accounts with multiple courses. I can still build a course from scratch, but coping keep sfailing giveing the same issue. I submitted a ticket also this morning. I am sure they know what the issue is. This is not something that should be confusing the engineers at Canvas. The company is too large and been around too long. This is a system-wide issue, and they need to come clean and correct it already!!! This is a very bad look for the company and its reputation!

KarlAvillo

I completely agree with you, Anthony, when you said "This is not something that should be confusing the engineers at Canvas"! It's been a week already! And they can't even give us a timeframe for when it's going to get fixed

MichelleLiu73

1/25/2026. First, I love Canvas. Second, this copy problem has been going on since 1/10/2026, so nearly 15 days. Please, Canvas, can you please fix this?

MarissaBrandon

Has anyone heard any updates?

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