# Join code problems

> Join failures usually trace to expired codes, exhausted uses, wrong role, or a missing enrollment period on paid/institution courses.

Source: https://www.curacourse.com/help/join-code-problems

## At a glance

Join failures usually trace to expired codes, exhausted uses, wrong role, or a missing enrollment period on paid/institution courses.

## Prerequisites

- Access to **Course Settings** → **Course Join Codes**.

## Steps

1. Open the join code in **Course Join Codes** and read the status badge:
   
   
   
   - **Expired** — Create a new code or extend **Edit** expiration.
   - **Max Uses Reached** — Raise max uses or create a new code.
   - **Available** / **In Use** — Code should still work if other rules pass.
2. Confirm the code role matches the user (**For Learners** vs instructor/assistant).
3. For **learner** codes on paid or institution billing:
   
   
   
   - Ensure an **enrollment period** is attached; otherwise the UI may warn that learners **cannot use** the code.
4. Ask the learner to enter the code exactly (from **Join course** on the dashboard)—no extra spaces.
5. Remember: deleting a code blocks new joins but does not remove existing enrollments.

## Common gotchas

- Institution and paid courses require enrollment periods on learner codes even when the course is otherwise ready.
- Assistants and instructors need codes created for their role, not the student code.

## Next steps

- [Manage join codes](https://www.curacourse.com/help/add-students-to-your-course-manage-join-codes-learners-and)
- [Manage your roster](https://www.curacourse.com/help/manage-your-roster-enrolled-learners)
- [Need help? Use Get support and Give feedback](https://www.curacourse.com/help/need-help-use-get-support-and-give-feedback)

## Need help?

Profile icon → **Get support** (include the join code role and status badge). **Give feedback** for UX issues with joining.