How to delete or unenroll from a Canvas course

You can remove yourself from a Canvas course in two ways: unenroll (which hides the course from your dashboard but keeps your grade record) or delete (which removes all your work and grades permanently). Most students want to unenroll. If you are an instructor, you delete the course itself, which removes it for all students. The steps differ depending on whether you are a student or instructor.

Canvas does not send a notification to your instructor when you unenroll, so if you are dropping a course, tell them separately. If you are an instructor removing a course, all enrolled students lose access when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Students unenroll from a course by clicking the course menu and selecting "Unenroll" — this hides the course but keeps your grade record intact.
  • Unenrolling does not notify your instructor, so contact them directly if you are dropping the course.
  • Instructors delete a course by opening course settings and choosing "Delete this course" — this removes the course for all students permanently.
  • Once you unenroll or delete, you cannot undo the action through Canvas; contact your institution if you need to restore access.

Steps to unenroll as a student

Open Canvas and go to your Courses page. Find the course you want to remove and click on it to open it. In the top right corner, click the three-dot menu icon (or the gear icon, depending on your Canvas version). A dropdown menu will appear.

Look for the option labeled "Unenroll" and click it. Canvas will ask you to confirm. Click "Unenroll" again to confirm your choice. The course will disappear from your course list and your dashboard. Your grade record and all your work remain in Canvas — your institution can still see them if needed.

Steps to delete a course as an instructor

Log in as an instructor and open the course you want to delete. Click the Settings icon (gear icon) in the left navigation menu. Scroll down to find the "Delete this course" button near the bottom of the page.

Click "Delete this course." Canvas will warn you that this action is permanent and will remove the course for all enrolled students. Confirm the deletion. The course and all student work, grades, and submissions are permanently removed from Canvas. This action cannot be undone through Canvas itself.

What happens to your grades and work after unenrolling

When you unenroll as a student, your grades and assignments remain in the Canvas system. Your institution's records show that you were enrolled and what grades you earned. You straightforward cannot see the course on your own dashboard anymore.

If you need to see your grades or work again after unenrolling, contact your institution's Canvas administrator or your instructor. They can re-enroll you or provide you with a copy of your work. Do not unenroll if you think you may need to reference the course material or grades later.

Difference between unenroll and delete

Unenroll is for students. It removes the course from your view only. Your grades, submissions, and all course data stay in Canvas and remain accessible to instructors and administrators. You can be re-enrolled by your instructor or institution at any time.

Delete is for instructors. It removes the entire course from Canvas for everyone. All student work, grades, discussions, and files are permanently erased. Deletion cannot be reversed through Canvas. If you delete a course by mistake, contact your Canvas administrator when ready — they may be able to restore it from a backup, but this is not may provide.

If you cannot find the unenroll option

Canvas layouts vary slightly between institutions. If you do not see an unenroll option in the course menu, try these steps: click the course name at the top of the page, then look for a menu icon (three dots or a gear). If that does not work, scroll to the bottom of the course page — some Canvas versions place the unenroll link there.

If you still cannot find it, contact your institution's Canvas support team or help desk. They can unenroll you directly or tell you where the option is located in your version of Canvas. Do not delete the course yourself unless you are the instructor — that removes it for everyone.

What to do before you unenroll

Before you remove yourself from a course, read or save any materials you may need later. Take screenshots of your grades, save assignment instructions, and read any files you uploaded. Once you unenroll, you can still ask your instructor for copies, but it is easier to save them first.

If you are dropping the course, send your instructor an email explaining why. This is a courtesy and may help them understand enrollment patterns. If the course is required for your program, check with your academic advisor before unenrolling — you may need to retake it or it may affect your progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I unenroll and then re-enroll in the same course?

Yes, but only if your instructor or institution re-enrolls you. You cannot re-enroll yourself through Canvas. Contact your instructor or registrar if you want to rejoin the course. They can add you back, though this depends on the course enrollment important date and your institution's policies.

What if I delete a course by mistake?

Contact your Canvas administrator or IT support when ready. They may be able to restore the course from a backup, but this is not may provide and depends on your institution's backup schedule. The sooner you report it, the better your chances of recovery.

Does my instructor get notified when I unenroll?

No. Canvas does not send a notification to your instructor when you unenroll. If you are dropping the course, email your instructor directly to let them know. This is especially important if you are dropping close to the important date.

Can I hide a course without unenrolling?

Yes. In some Canvas versions, you can click the star icon next to a course name to hide it from your dashboard without unenrolling. The course stays in your account and you keep access. Look for a star or eye icon next to the course name on your Courses page.

What happens to my grade if I unenroll mid-course?

Your current grade stays in the system. If you earned a 75% before unenrolling, that 75% remains on your record. The course will not appear on your transcript as incomplete or withdrawn unless your institution has a separate withdrawal process — unenrolling in Canvas is different from officially withdrawing through your registrar.