← Back to Documentation

Troubleshooting

Solutions to common issues encountered by students and instructors.

For Students

Viva Shows 'Locked'

Your viva is not yet available. This happens when:

  • The publish/start date has not arrived yet
  • You need to submit a linked LMS assignment first
  • You are outside the allowed availability window
Essay Understanding Check
Psychology 101
Locked
Available: Feb 10, 2026 at 9:00 AM
If linked to an LMS assignment:
Please submit your work in your LMS before accessing this viva.

Cannot Start Viva

If clicking "Begin Viva" does nothing or shows an error:

  1. Try Chrome or Safari (Firefox works but Chrome is best)
  2. Disable browser extensions (ad blockers, privacy tools can interfere)
  3. Clear cache and try again
  4. Check permissions (see Permissions section below)
Could not start the viva. Please try again.

Lost Progress or Disconnected

Your progress is automatically saved. If your browser crashes, internet disconnects, or you accidentally close the tab:

  1. Return to your VivaEdu dashboard
  2. Find your viva (it will show "Continue Viva")
  3. Click to resume from where you left off
Lab Report Viva
Chemistry 201
Continue Viva
2 of 5 questions completed

Previously recorded responses are saved. You will continue from the next unanswered question.

Submission Stuck Uploading

After completing your viva, uploads happen automatically. If it seems stuck:

  • Wait 1-2 minutes (large recordings take time on slower connections)
  • Keep the page open (closing stops the upload)
  • If still stuck after 5 minutes, reload the page and return to the viva

Submitting your viva...

Uploading your responses. Please keep this page open.

Uploads2/5
This may take a moment on slower connections.

Viva Shows 'Overdue' or 'Practice Only'

You missed both the due date and the late submission window. You can still practice the viva, but responses will not be submitted.

Contact your instructor to request an extension. If granted, the viva will become available again.

Your viva deadline has passed. Contact your instructor for assistance.

Microphone & Camera Permissions

Microphone or Camera Not Working

VivaEdu needs permission to access your microphone (required) and camera (if enabled by instructor).

Enable mic/camera in Chrome
Click the lock icon in the address bar, then allow Microphone and Camera access.
Microphone access is blocked in your browser.
To fix blocked permissions:
Chrome
  1. Click the lock/tune icon in the address bar
  2. Find "Microphone" and "Camera"
  3. Change from "Block" to "Allow"
  4. Reload the page
Safari
  1. Go to Safari β†’ Settings β†’ Websites
  2. Click "Microphone" in the left sidebar
  3. Find VivaEdu and set to "Allow"
  4. Repeat for "Camera" if needed

Permission Prompt Not Appearing

If you never see the permission popup:

  • Another app might be using your microphone/camera (close Zoom, Teams, etc.)
  • Your browser may have previously blocked access (check settings)
  • Try opening VivaEdu in a new private/incognito window
  • Try a different browser

For Instructors

Students Cannot See the Viva

Check the following:

  1. Is it published? Draft vivas are not visible to students.
  2. Has the publish date arrived? Check your Dates & Availability settings.
  3. Are students enrolled? They must be in the class roster.
  4. Did you select them in Step 5? If you selected specific students, others cannot see it.
  5. Is there a prerequisite? If linked to an LMS assignment, students must submit there first.

Cannot Edit Questions

Questions are locked once the first student submits a response. This ensures fairness since students answer the same questions.

Before any submissions, you can freely edit questions. After submissions begin:

  • Question text and pool are locked
  • You can still edit: title, description, dates, rubric
  • You can still add/remove students who haven't started
LockedQuestions cannot be modified after submissions exist

Cannot Edit Verification Viva

Verification vivas become locked once the student starts or responds. Before that, you can freely edit questions and the due date.

EditableBefore student starts
LockedAfter student starts or responds

Cannot Play Student Video

If video playback fails, it is usually a browser codec issue. The audio and transcript are always available as fallbacks.

  • Try Chrome or Firefox (best codec support)
  • Use the transcript view if video continues to fail
  • Audio playback usually works even when video does not

Connection Issues

VivaEdu shows your connection quality during recording. If you see warnings:

Good connection
Average connection
Poor connection
Offline

Poor or Offline Connection

If your connection drops during a viva:

  • Responses are saved locally and uploaded when connection returns
  • If you lose connection during recording, the current question may need to be re-recorded
  • Return to the viva from your dashboard to continue

Tip: Use a stable wired connection or strong WiFi when possible.

Browser Compatibility

🌐
Google Chrome
Best experience, full feature support, reliable recording
Recommended
🧭
Safari
Good support on macOS/iOS, some features may differ slightly
Supported
🦊
Firefox
Works well, may have minor differences in media handling
Supported
πŸ”·
Microsoft Edge
Chromium-based, works similarly to Chrome
Supported
πŸ“±
Mobile Browsers
Not recommended for recording vivas (desktop/laptop preferred)
Limited
Recommendation

Use Google Chrome on a desktop or laptop computer for the most reliable experience. Ensure your browser is up to date.

Still Need Help?

Students

Contact your instructor first. They can grant extensions, check your enrollment, and help with access issues.

Instructors

Contact your institution's VivaEdu administrator for technical issues or configuration questions.

Related Documentation

Comments

Leave a comment, question, or feedback. Comments are public β€” please don’t include personal data.

Loading comments…