Turnitin issue: error message ‘Invalid or missing state’

Please see guidance below if you see “invalid or missing state” error message when accessing Turnitin.

What’s the cause?

The issue seems to have been caused by an update to browser security and privacy settings, which prevents access to “api.turnitinuk.com”. This is affecting a few users and can happen on different browsers.

How to resolve the issue?

• Please run a browser compatibility check to ensure
  • your browser is supported,
  • “third party cookies” are allowed (for guidance, please scroll-down to the heading “How to enable third party cookies”).
  • “pop-up windows” are allowed.
• If using Safari, please ensure “Prevent Cross site tracking” is disabled.
• If using Firefox, please ensure “Enhance Tracking Protection” is disabled.
• Update your browser to latest available version and try again

For a quick fix, please check your browser’s address bar. If you see an “Eye” icon with a crossover, please click the icon, and allow third party cookies. The screenshot below shows where to locate the icon in Chrome browser. In other browsers, the location and icon may vary.

Workarounds if you need immediate access to Turnitin

• Try Private (incognito) window.
• Switch to a different browser (for example, if Safari is not working, try Chrome).
• Try submitting work using a different computer or device.

Get support

If you have tried these options and the issue persists, please raise a support ticket along with a screenshot of the “Browser compatibility checker” results.

Email dts@reading.ac.uk or log a ticket on the DTS Self-Service Portal.

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How to enable third-party cookies?

To enable third-party cookies, please follow the steps below, depending on what browser you are using:

Google Chrome

1. On Windows – Click on the Chrome menu and select Settings
   1. (On Mac – Click on Chrome > Preferences)
2. Click on Privacy and security
3. Click on Cookies and other site data
4. Here, ensure that the Block third-party cookies option is unchecked
5. Close or refresh your browser.

Mozilla Firefox

1. On Windows – Click on the Tools menu and select Options
   1. (On Mac – Click on Firefox > Preferences)
2. Click on Privacy & Security
3. It is recommended to select the Standard option for Enhanced Tracking Protection
4. If you use Custom, ensure that you do not enable any of the options that may or will cause websites to break under Cookies
5. Close or refresh your browser.

Safari

1. Click on Safari > Preferences
2. Click on Privacy
3. Ensure that the box for Cookies and website data is unchecked
4. Close or refresh your browser

Microsoft Edge

1. Click on the 3 horizontal dots
2. Click on Settings
3. Click on Cookies and Site permissions
4. Click on Manage and delete cookies and site data
5. Ensure that the option Block third-party cookies are disabled
6. Close or refresh your browser.