If you’re unable to join a class on JoVE MyClass, for example, if the “Join Class” button doesn’t appear, the class code doesn’t work, or you can’t access assigned videos, this usually means that your account type, access method, or network configuration isn’t being recognized correctly.
This can happen for a few reasons: you might be using the wrong site, signed in with a faculty account instead of a student one, or your institution’s network isn’t authenticating properly.
Common Causes
Incorrect Account Type — The “Join Class” feature is available only for student accounts. If you registered as a faculty member, the option will not appear.
Using the wrong site (marketing vs app) — The marketing website (Homepage ) is for general browsing. All course and class content lives in app.jove.com.
Invalid or expired class code — The class code may have been entered incorrectly or the class may no longer be active.
Network access not recognized — You may be off campus or not connected to your institution’s authorized network or proxy, preventing the system from identifying your access.
Browser cache or privacy settings — Cached sessions, disabled cookies, or browser extensions can block MyClass features from loading properly.
Third-Party Cookies for MyClass (Direct vs. LMS Access)
If you open MyClass directly in your browser via JoVE | Peer Reviewed Scientific Video Journal - Methods and Protocols , third-party cookies are not needed.
If you access MyClass via Canvas, Moodle, Blackboard, or another LMS, third-party cookies are required to complete authentication. How to Enable 3rd Party Cookies for the JoVE LTI Tool
Troubleshooting Steps
1. Go Directly to the Application Site
Use https://app.jove.com — this is where JoVE’s interactive tools like MyClass and quizzes are hosted.
Bookmark the page to avoid being redirected to the marketing site.
2. Verify Your Account Type
Log into your account and check your role under your profile.
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If you signed up as faculty, you won’t be able to join classes.
Contact JoVE Support to switch your account to “Student,” or
Create a new JoVE account using your institutional email and select “Student” as your role.
3. Check the Class Code
Copy and paste the class code exactly as provided—avoid extra spaces or characters.
If your instructor shared a link, open it directly in JoVE | Peer Reviewed Scientific Video Journal - Methods and Protocols .
If the code still doesn’t work, confirm with your instructor that the class is active and published.
4. Check Your Network Connection
On campus: Connect to your institution’s official Wi-Fi (not guest or public).
Off campus: Log in through your institution’s VPN or EZproxy link to authenticate your student access.
5. Clear Browser Cache or Try a Different Browser
Use an updated browser (Chrome, Edge, or Firefox).
Try Incognito/Private Mode to bypass cached sessions.
Clear cookies and site data if you’ve previously logged in as faculty.
Ensure third-party cookies are allowed—these may be required for authentication.
6. Confirm With Your Instructor
If you still can’t join:
Ask your instructor to verify that the class is published, active, and assigned to students.
Ensure that there are playlists or quizzes added—empty classes may appear inactive.
Self-Troubleshooting Tips
If the “Join Class” button doesn’t show up, refresh the page or log out and back in.
Try accessing the same class link from another browser or device.
Disable ad blockers or privacy extensions temporarily.
If you’re using your school’s SSO (Single Sign-On), ensure you log in through the official institutional portal.
Report the Issue
If you’ve followed these steps and still can’t join your class, please contact JoVE Support and include the following details to help us investigate quickly:
Your institution name
Class code or class link you’re trying to join
A screenshot or short video of the error or missing button
Whether you’re accessing from campus, VPN, or off campus
Browser and device used (e.g., Chrome on Windows, Safari on Mac)
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