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What are the technical requirements for ScienceDirect?
Last updated on March 02, 2026
Requirements for the best performance include using the latest version of one of the recommended browsers, and enabling JavaScript.
On this page:
Browsers
For optimal performance we recommend using the latest version of your preferred browser. Follow the links to find out which version of your browser you are currently using and how to update it (if needed).
Recommended browsers:
- Google Chrome (last 3 versions)
- Mozilla Firefox (last 3 versions)
- Edge (last 2 versions)
- Safari (last 2 versions)
Since 1st October 2021 Internet Explorer is no longer supported.
Required browser settings
The following settings are required to make use of all features in ScienceDirect:
- JavaScript must be enabled
- Cookies must be enabled
- Adobe Acrobat Reader is up to date.
Proxy and WebVPN configuration
ScienceDirect PDFs are delivered from pdf.sciencedirectassets.com, with a security check served from challenges.cloudflare.com. There's no need for a WebVPN or web proxy to proxy pdf.sciencedirectassets.com — in most cases the simplest configuration is to exclude it so requests go directly from the user's browser.
If you must proxy pdf.sciencedirectassets.com
Your proxy must pass through responses from challenges.cloudflare.com without modifying or rewriting them. If those responses are altered, the security check will fail and users may see errors or repeated verification prompts when opening a PDF.
This is usually configured by your IT or library systems team, or by the vendor that supplies your WebVPN or proxy service.
Common questions
Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often about technical requirements for accessing and using ScienceDirect.
Your access to ScienceDirect content was blocked by our firewall, because our system has detected activities matching the patterns associated with automated activity. Some examples of those patterns are:
- Doing the same thing over and over again very quickly
- Accessing a website in a way that is different from how most people do
- Sending or requesting a large amount of data
The use of automation is strictly prohibited according to our website's Terms and conditions. If you are not using any automation tools or software, we recommend the following steps:
- Check your browser settings to ensure that it is not blocking any necessary cookies required for our website's functionality. You can find a list of cookies used on our ScienceDirect web pages by accessing the "Cookie Settings" option located at the bottom of the pages.
- Disable any browser extensions and try your request again. Sometimes browser extensions can unintentionally modify requests, which may trigger our bot/automation prevention mechanisms.
- If you’ve accessed ScienceDirect through an organization (e.g., university, company), please contact your librarian or admin and let them know what happened.
Certain content and features in our services depend on cookies to function. For example, authentication cookies are used to identify and recognize registered users and to enable them to gain access to requested content or features. If you choose to block cookies, you cannot sign in or use certain content or features. If you choose to delete cookies, any settings and preferences dependent on those cookies will be lost.
Also view our Cookies on ScienceDirect policy page for more information.
JavaScript must be enabled to successfully download articles and chapters on ScienceDirect. View the Activate JavaScript website to check if JavaScript is enabled.
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