How to Fix Being Stuck in the Browser During Login

Overview

Some students may experience issues logging into the Brightspace Pulse mobile app where the login process completes in a web browser but does not return to the app. This issue can occur on both iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android devices and is usually related to browser security settings, cached login data, or pop-up restrictions.

This article explains how to fully resolve the issue by resetting the app and adjusting required mobile browser settings.

Important Information About iOS and Cross-Site Tracking

On iOS devices, Safari includes a security feature called Prevent Cross-Site Tracking. While this feature is useful for general web browsing, it can interfere with secure authentication systems like Okta when they need to pass a login token from a browser back into a mobile app.

Why This Matters

• Okta authentication occurs in a browser window

• Brightspace Pulse requires Safari to securely pass a login token back to the app

• When cross-site tracking is blocked, this token handoff may fail

• This can cause the login process to appear “stuck” in the browser

Temporarily disabling cross-site tracking allows the authentication process to complete correctly.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Instructions

Step 1: Remove and Reinstall the App

1. Delete the Brightspace Pulse app from your device

2. Restart your phone or tablet

3. Reinstall the app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)

Step 2: Clear Browser Data

iOS (iPhone / iPad)

1. Open Settings

2. Select Safari

3. Tap Clear History and Website Data

4. Confirm the action

Android

1. Open your browser (Chrome or default browser)

2. Go to Settings

3. Clear Cache and Cookies

Step 3: Adjust Required Browser Settings

iOS – Safari Settings (Required)

1. Open Settings

2. Select Safari

3. Ensure the following:

   • Allow Pop-Ups → ON

   • Prevent Cross-Site Tracking → OFF

These settings allow Okta to securely complete authentication and return you to the Pulse app.

Step 4: Allow Pop-Ups for Required Sites

Students must allow pop-ups for both of the following sites:

• elearn.northeaststate.edu

• myne.northeaststate.edu

If pop-ups are blocked, the login process cannot return you to the Pulse app.

Step 5: Complete Login Inside the Pulse App

1. Open the Brightspace Pulse app

2. Search for Northeast State Community College

3. Log in using your Okta credentials

4. Complete MFA authentication

5. When the Okta dashboard appears, tap the Brightspace/D2L icon

6. Wait for the browser to automatically return you to the Pulse app

7. If prompted, re-enter the school name

Do not close the browser window before it returns you to the app.

If You Are Still Having Trouble

• Make sure you are using the default browser (Safari on iOS, Chrome on Android)

• Do not manually open a browser to log in—always start from the Pulse app

• Verify pop-ups are enabled for the required sites

• Restart your device and try again

Need Additional Help?

If the issue continues after completing all steps above, submit a helpdesk ticket:

• Device type (iPhone, Android)

• Operating system version

• Description of where the login process stops