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

Dislaimer: 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

LockDown must only be installed from an Olivet course in Canvas. If you install from a different location, the institutional ID may be incorrect and you will be unable to take your assessment.

1. From a standard browser, log into Canvas.

2. Navigate to the course and assessment requiring LockDown.

• There should be a Practice Test created within the course specifically for downloading LockDown. If you do not see this, please use the emergency backup link below.

3. If you do not have it installed, it should prompt you to Download & Install.

4. Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts.

5. Restart or open LockDown.

6. Launch the quiz from inside your Canvas when instructed.

Taking an Exam

1. Open your regular browser and sign into Canvas.

2. Go to the quiz/assessment page.

3. Click Launch LockDown Browser (or download if required).

4. LockDown will start and may present start-up checks (webcam, ID photo, instructions).

5. Complete any checks and begin the exam.

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

Troubleshooting

Installer won’t run

Ensure you have admin privileges.

iPad won't run the assessment

Students have discovered these work-arounds to be helpful for LockDown on iPad.

1. Make sure the Canvas iPad app is completely closed, then open the LockDown app and sign in.

   • If you are sent back to the Canvas app, close both Canvas and LockDown and repeat the above step.

2. Do not select your assessment from the "To-do" list, instead manually navigate to your assessment by opening the course on the main menu and locating it within.

Webcam not detected

Close other apps using the webcam, reconnect it, or try a different USB port. Reboot if needed.

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

Contact your Canvas admin. (Possible misconfiguration of institution ID or Canvas integration)

Browser crashes or poor performance

Confirm your operating system is supported, close other heavy apps, and ensure adequate RAM (especially for webcam recording).

FAQ

Can students use calculators or external sites?

Only if the instructor enables these options (e.g., calculator tool or approved URLs).

Does LockDown Browser work on Chromebooks?

Sometimes. For best reliability, use a Windows or Mac computer. If that is not feasible, visit the Benner Library Lower Level Computer Lab (Room 013) for designated LockDown machines.

Will my antivirus block it?

Depending on specific software, it may.

I do not see a practice exam and I need to install LockDown. Where can I go?

An emergency link is provided here which may or may not work on your specific assessment. Please notify your professor so they can make a practice exam for their students.