Highlights browser compatibility Follow

Hāpara Highlights does not work on iPads, iPhones, Android devices, or in browsers that cannot install the Highlights browser extension (such as Safari or Firefox). To use Highlights, students must be on a Chromebook, Windows laptop, or MacBook using a supported browser (Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge) with the correct Highlights extension installed and turned on.

Use this article to quickly check whether a learner’s device and browser are compatible with Hāpara Highlights. If a student is not appearing online in Highlights, first confirm they are not using one of the unsupported browsers or devices listed below.

Unsupported browsers and devices

1. Other desktop browsers (Safari, Firefox, etc.)
   Highlights is only supported in browsers that can run the Hāpara Highlights extension:

• Google Chrome for Google Workspace schools

• Microsoft Edge for Microsoft 365 schools

Browsers such as Safari, Firefox and others do not support the Highlights Chrome or Edge extension in a way that allows Highlights to connect, so student activity will not appear in the teacher’s Highlights view.

2. Android tablets and smartphones
   The Google Chrome browser on Android devices (for example, Android tablets or smartphones) does not support the type of browser extension that Hāpara Highlights uses. Even if a student can open Chrome and sign into their Google account, Highlights will not connect from an Android device.

3. Apple iPads and iPhones
   Apple’s iOS platform (for iPads and iPhones) does not allow full Chrome or Edge extension support. Because the Hāpara Highlights student extension cannot be installed on iOS, student activity from iPads or iPhones will not appear in Highlights.

Steps to follow when troubleshooting

1. Ask the student which device they are using.

   • If they are on an iPad, iPhone, Android tablet, or smartphone, Highlights will not work.

2. Ask which browser they have open.

   • For Google Workspace schools, students must use Google Chrome with the Hāpara Highlights Chrome extension installed and enabled.

   • For Microsoft 365 schools, students must use Microsoft Edge with the Hāpara Highlights Edge extension installed and enabled.

3. Have the student switch to a supported setup.

   • Chromebook, Windows laptop, or MacBook

   • Correct browser (Chrome or Edge, depending on your school’s platform)

   • Signed into the browser with their school account

   • Hāpara Highlights extension installed, enabled, and visible in the toolbar

4. Refresh Highlights.

   • Once the student is on a supported device and browser with the extension enabled, refresh your Highlights class view and confirm that the student now appears Online.

Additional tips

• If your school uses both Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, confirm which platform is used with Hāpara so you know whether students should use Chrome or Edge.

• If a student is using a personal Windows or Mac device at home, they must still use the correct browser and be signed into the browser with their school account for Highlights to work.

• If a student is on a supported device and browser but still does not appear, use the Highlights installation and connectivity troubleshooting articles to confirm that the extension is deployed correctly and can reach Hāpara’s servers.