LockDown Browser

LockDown Browser by Respondus is a special browser that restricts your device functionality in order to secure the testing environment within Canvas. It prevents navigating to other sites or apps, copying/pasting, and printing, among other functions for the entire duration of the assessment. When an exam requires LockDown, students must first launch it to be allowed to take the exam.

System Requirements

Disclaimer: Exact OS versions and requirements are maintained by Respondus and may change.

LockDown Browser itself has a small install footprint, but 4GB of available storage is recommended if using a camera during an assessment to have space for a potentially large video file.

• PC: Windows 10 or 11

• Mac: MacOS 12 or higher

• iPad: iPadOS 15 or higher

  • Each assessment must be configured in Canvas to allow iPads. You may need to request this change from your professor.

• Chromebook: Some quizzes may not be compatible.

Installing LockDown Browser

LockDown Browser must be installed using Olivet's unique download link so it points to our Canvas system. If you install from a standard public link, the institutional ID will be incorrect and you will be unable to access your assessment.

1. Click the Download LockDown Browser button above.

2. Run the downloaded installer and follow the on-screen prompts.

3. Once installation finishes, restart your computer if prompted.

Taking an Exam

1. Open your regular browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox) and sign into Canvas.

2. Navigate to your course and open the required quiz/assessment.

3. Click Launch LockDown Browser.

4. LockDown will launch automatically and guide you through any required pre-exam checks (webcam test, student ID photo, environment check).

5. Complete any checks and take your exam.

6. Submit the quiz when finished, then exit LockDown Browser.

Troubleshooting

Installer won’t run

Ensure you are signed in with administrator privileges on your computer.

iPad won't run the assessment

Try these steps if you experience issues running LockDown on an iPad:

1. Make sure the Canvas Student iPad app is completely closed (swipe up from the app switcher), then open the LockDown app directly and sign in.

   • If you get bounced back to Canvas, close both apps and try opening LockDown again.

2. Do not tap the assessment from your "To-Do" list; manually open your course and navigate to the quiz within the course modules/quizzes tab.

Webcam not detected

Close all other apps that might be using the camera (Zoom, Teams, FaceTime), reconnect external cameras, or reboot your machine.

Exam says “webcam must be used” but course is unknown

Contact the IT Help Desk or your Canvas administrator. This usually indicates an institutional ID or course sync issue.

Browser crashes or runs poorly

Verify your operating system meets the minimum requirements, close all unnecessary background programs, and ensure you have sufficient available RAM and storage.

FAQ

Can students use calculators or external websites during an exam?

Only if your instructor has specifically enabled the built-in calculator or whitelisted external domains for that exam.

Does LockDown Browser work on Chromebooks?

Chromebook support depends on how the instructor sets up the quiz. For maximum reliability, use a Windows or Mac computer. If you do not have access to one, visit the Benner Library Lower Level Computer Lab (Room 013) to use designated LockDown machines.

Will my antivirus block LockDown Browser?

Some strict third-party antivirus utilities may flag LockDown. If blocked, temporarily pause protection during the install/exam or whitelist the application.

Where can I download the correct version for Olivet?

Use the download button in the Installing LockDown Browser section above. This link embeds Olivet’s institutional ID to ensure seamless Canvas integration.