Turnitin FAQs

Getting started

How do I access Turnitin?
You can access Turnitin at turnitin.com.

As a doctoral candidate, how should I access Turnitin to check my thesis?
To gain access to Turnitin to check your thesis, please email doctoraladvice@auckland.ac.nz.

I've never used Turnitin before - what do I do and what help is available?
If you are a new user, access the Turnitin guide for students:

For additional support, contact your lecturer or course coordinator.

If you are having technical difficulties using Turnitin in a University computer lab, the Faculty IT assistant or Student IT Hub staff may be able to help.

Links to training videos and manuals that may be of assistance are available on the Turnitin website.

Passwords

What is my class id and password?
Your class ID and password should have been provided by your lecturer or course coordinator.

My class id and password don't work - what do I do?
Check that you have entered the class ID and password correctly.

Passwords are case sensitive.

If this does not work, contact your:

  • Lecturer
  • Course coordinator
  • Tutor

I used Turnitin last year - do I use the same email and password to login to Turnitin?
If you have previously used Turnitin, you can use the same email and password to log on to Turnitin.

I have forgotten my Turnitin password - how can I find it?
If you have forgotten your Turnitin password, click on the 'Retrieve password' link on the Turnitin homepage.

Submitting assignments

I am a doctoral candidate, can I submit parts of my thesis to Turnitin to check?

As a doctoral candidate, you can access Turnitin to check your thesis.

To gain access, please email doctoraladvice@auckland.ac.nz.

I'm having problems uploading my files. What causes this problem?

  • Check the size of your file. Large files will take longer to upload. Files with images may also take time to upload
  • Check if there are any specific error messages when you try to upload your file. This may indicate the problem
  • Check the file type. Turnitin only accepts certain types of files. Turnitin sometimes has problems with .docx files. If experiencing this issue, save the file as a .doc and submit through Turnitin

If you are still having problems uploading your file, contact your lecturer or visit the Student IT Hub.

I am getting the message 'Page cannot be displayed' when trying to submit my assignment to Turntin!
If you are receiving this message from a computer in one of the information commons, please visit the Student IT Hub.

What formats can assignments be submitted in?

  • Microsoft Word
  • PDF
  • WordPerfect
  • Rich Text Format
  • Postscript
  • HTML
  • Plain text.

How do I get a digital receipt for my assignment?
If you have successfully submitted your paper, Turnitin will display a digital receipt. This is the confirmation that your assignment has been received.

You can note the paper ID number and/or print this out for future use if needed.

You will also receive an electronic receipt via e-mail of your submission.

If you do not receive a digital receipt, your assignment has not been correctly submitted.

What is the maximum file size accepted for submission?
The maximum file size is 20 MB.

You can reduce the size of your files by removing images.

You cannot upload or submit files to Turnitin that are:

  • Password protected
  • Encrypted
  • Hidden, system files
  • Read only files. 

Text only files may not exceed 2 MB.

Please note, papers which have been scanned must be sent through Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software before they can be submitted to Turnitin. This means that the document has been text recognised. 

I've submitted my assignment to the wrong class
You will need to contact your

  • Lecturer
  • Course coordinator
  • Tutor

They will be able to remove your assignment.

I've submitted a draft copy of my assignment by mistake
You will need to contact your

  • Lecturer
  • Course coordinator
  • Tutor

They will be able to remove your assignment so that you can submit the final version.