Introduction
Some Apple privacy and network settings can make Brightspace show a blank white page or a spinner that never finishes. Brightspace pages load content from several sites at once, so settings that block tracking or hide your network identity can accidentally block that content too.
This article is for you if:
- The page loads, but a content area is blank, or
- The whole page is blank, or
- A loading spinner never finishes.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Narrow down the problem
- Try a different network, such as cellular data or a phone hotspot instead of Wi-Fi. If it works, the cause is likely a network or privacy setting.
- Try a different browser (Safari, Chrome, or Firefox).
- Try a different Brightspace page. Does only one item fail?
Update Your Device and Browser
- Update iOS/iPadOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Update Chrome or Firefox: Open the App Store, search for your browser, and select Update if available. Safari updates with iOS/iPadOS.
Apple: Update Your Device | Apple: Update Apps
Clear Cookies & Cache
You’ll be signed out of websites. Sign back in to Brightspace and test.
- Safari:
- iOS/iPadOS: Settings > Apps > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
- Mac: Safari menu > Clear History > All History
- Chrome: Open Chrome > three-dot menu > Delete Browsing Data. Select cookies/site data and cached files.
- Firefox: Open Firefox > Menu > Settings > Data Management. Clear website data or private data.
Safari Instructions | Chrome Instructions | Firefox Instructions
Check Privacy Settings
- iCloud Private Relay:
- iOS/iPadOS: Go to Settings > your name > iCloud > Private Relay. Temporarily turn it off and test Brightspace.
- macOS: System Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Private Relay > turn off
- Safari:
- iOS/iPadOS/macOS: Go to Settings > Apps > Safari and temporarily turn off Prevent Cross-Site Tracking.
- iOS/iPadOS/macOS: Safari menu > Settings > Privacy > uncheck Prevent cross-site tracking and Hide IP address from trackers
- Chrome: If available under Settings > Apps > Chrome, enable Allow Cross-Website Tracking.
- Wi-Fi privacy:
- macOS: System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Details... next to your network > set Private Wi-Fi Address to Off or Fixed, and turn off Limit IP Address Tracking
- Using eduroam? The randomized address can drop your network login, so check this one first.
Apple: Private Relay | Google: Cookie Settings
Enable Pop-Ups
- Safari:
- iOS/iPadOS: Settings > Apps > Safari > turn off Block Pop-ups temporarily.
- macOS: Safari menu > Settings > Websites > Pop-up Windows > set brightspace.utrgv.edu to Allow
- Chrome and Firefox: Check for blocked pop-up indicators or try opening the content in Safari if no pop-up setting is available.
Apple: Safari Pop-Ups | Chrome: Pop-Ups
Verify Your Brightspace Time Zone
- Sign in to Brightspace and open your profile menu.
- Select Account Settings.
- Navigate to the Time Zone section, scroll down towards the end to locate it.
- Continent is Americas
- Verify that your time zone is set to America/Chicago (Central Time).
- Save your changes.
D2L: Personal Settings
Verify Device Time Zone
- iPad: Settings > General > Date & Time
- Mac: System Settings > General > Date & Time
Test the Content Again
Close and reopen your browser, sign back in to Brightspace, and test the affected page. Try another content page or browser to determine whether the issue is limited to one item.
If the issue persists, contact COLTT Support and provide the:
- Course name (e.g., UTRGV-1301-01-Fall 2020)
- Affected page
- Device model
- iOS version
- Browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox)
- A screenshot of the blank area, if possible.
Resources
- Online Support Portal: Submit a trackable ticket anytime via the Ask COLTT support portal.
- 24/7 Telephone Assistance: Call the support center at (956) 665-5327 or (956) 882-6792 (Select Option 2 for live 24/7/365 Brightspace technical specialists).
- Immediate Chat Support: Access the Lumi Chat window embedded directly inside the lower-right menu bar of your Brightspace dashboard for automated fixes.
- In-Person Help Desks (Mon-Fri, 8 AM–5 PM):
- Edinburg Campus: Marialice Shary Shivers (EMASS) Room 3.142
- Brownsville Campus: Casa Bella (BCASA) Room 613
- Get Support on macOS/iOS | Apple
FAQ
Why do privacy settings break Brightspace?
Brightspace loads parts of a page from several sources. Tracking prevention and IP hiding can block some of them, which leaves blank areas.
Do I have to leave these settings off?
No. Turn them on again after testing, except the one that fixed the problem.
It works on cellular but not campus Wi-Fi. Why?
Likely a Wi-Fi privacy setting (Private Wi-Fi Address or Limit IP Address Tracking) or Private Relay. Try Wi-Fi privacy under Check Privacy Settings.
Does this apply to Windows or Chromebook?
No, this article covers iPad and Mac only. You may find other troubleshooting options in this related article: Brightspace Student Resources.