How to unsubmit an assignment on Canvas
You can't delete a submission — but a new attempt replaces it. Here's how resubmitting really works.
Last updated June 1, 2026
Short version: Canvas has no 'unsubmit' or delete button for a student submission. What you can do is submit a new attempt that becomes the graded one. Here's how, and what your professor sees.
- 1Reopen the assignment
Go back to the assignment you submitted. If resubmission is allowed, you'll see a 'New Attempt' or 'Re-submit Assignment' button.
- 2Upload the corrected version
Attach your new file or edit your text entry, then submit. Canvas keeps this as a new attempt.
- 3Confirm the latest attempt
By default, the most recent attempt is the one graded. You'll see attempt history in 'Submission Details' — your professor sees each attempt and its timestamp.
What your professor can see
Canvas keeps the full submission history, so your professor can see that you submitted more than once and when. Most only look at the latest attempt for grading, but the earlier ones aren't erased — there's no way to hide that a first version existed.
If 'New Attempt' isn't there
Some assignments are set to a single attempt, or lock after the due date. If you don't see a resubmit option, the assignment doesn't allow it — email your professor and ask them to allow another attempt or accept a corrected file by email.
Submit the right version the first time
The cleanest fix is not needing to resubmit. Minutely lets you read and approve the full draft before anything is submitted into Canvas, so the version that goes in is the one you actually meant to send.
Minutely shows you the full draft to approve before it ever submits into Canvas — so you send the right version the first time, no resubmit needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you unsubmit an assignment on Canvas?+
Not exactly — there's no delete button. You submit a new attempt that replaces the old one as the graded version, if the assignment allows resubmission.
Will my professor know I resubmitted?+
Yes. Canvas keeps the full attempt history with timestamps, so both submissions are visible even though usually only the latest is graded.
What if I can't resubmit?+
The assignment is set to one attempt or has locked. Email your professor and ask them to allow another attempt or accept a corrected copy directly.