Turnitin is a widely used plagiarism detection tool in educational institutions. It helps ensure academic integrity by comparing student submissions to a vast database of internet sources, publications, and previously submitted papers. While Turnitin is reliable, students may occasionally encounter errors during submission or while accessing their reports. Understanding these errors and knowing how to fix them is essential to avoid penalties, missed deadlines, or submission failures.
Common Turnitin Errors and How to Fix Them
1. File Type or Size Not Accepted
Turnitin only accepts specific file types such as .doc, .docx, .pdf, .rtf, and .txt. Additionally, the file must not exceed 100 MB or 800 pages.
Fix:
- Make sure your document is in an accepted format.
- Convert files using Microsoft Word or Google Docs if necessary.
- Compress images or reduce content length if the file is too large.
2. Submission Not Showing or Stuck Upload
Sometimes after uploading, students see a blank screen or the submission status remains “processing.”
Fix:
- Refresh the page after waiting a few minutes.
- Clear your browser’s cache and cookies.
- Try a different browser such as Chrome or Firefox.
- Ensure a stable internet connection and avoid multiple submissions in quick succession.
3. No Similarity Report Generated
This can happen when Turnitin is still processing the document or there was an issue during upload.
Fix:
- Wait for up to 24 hours as reports are not always instant.
- If the report still doesn’t appear, contact your instructor or the system administrator to confirm the submission went through.
- Re-upload the file only if permitted.
4. Turnitin Integration Error on LMS (Moodle, Blackboard, etc.)
Learning management systems may display errors like “LTI Launch Failed” or “Invalid Assignment” when Turnitin is integrated.
Fix:
- Log out and log back into the LMS.
- Try accessing Turnitin using a different browser.
- Report the issue to your institution’s IT support team.
5. “Your Submission Could Not Be Processed” Message
This error usually appears if the file is corrupted or contains special characters Turnitin cannot read.
Fix:
- Open your file to check for corruption.
- Remove unusual fonts, emojis, or characters.
- Re-save the document in a clean format (e.g., Save As a new .docx file).
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6. Late Submission Not Allowed
If your instructor has set a deadline and the system blocks submissions after that, you will not be able to upload your file.
Fix:
- Contact your lecturer immediately to request an extension or alternative submission method.
- Do not attempt to bypass the system; always follow academic policies.
7. Turnitin Account/Login Issues
You may get login errors such as “Email not recognized” or “Invalid credentials.”
Fix:
- Reset your password through the Turnitin login page.
- Ensure you’re using the correct institutional email.
- If you’re accessing Turnitin through an LMS, use the platform’s login instead.
Tips to Avoid Errors
- Submit early to allow time to fix any issues.
- Double-check file format and size before uploading.
- Use trusted networks to avoid connection drops during upload.
- Avoid unusual formatting, which might interfere with processing.
- Back up your work, especially when working close to deadlines.
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When to Contact Support
If none of the fixes work, students should contact:
- Your course instructor, who can check the assignment settings.
- Your university’s IT helpdesk, especially for platform integration issues.
- Turnitin Support, for technical issues not resolved through local channels.
Include screenshots and error messages when reporting an issue to speed up the process.
Turnitin is a powerful tool, but like any system, it can occasionally encounter glitches. By understanding the most common errors and how to resolve them, students can ensure smooth submissions and avoid unnecessary stress. Always stay informed, act early, and seek help when needed to maintain your academic progress.
