LockDown Browser is a web browser that “locks down” what you can do during a quiz or exam in Canvas. When your instructor has you use LockDown Browser, you will be unable during the assessment to print or copy questions, visit other websites, access other applications, or close the assessment until it is submitted. Quizzes and exams created for use with LockDown Browser cannot be accessed with standard browsers.
LockDown Browser has passed a UBC Privacy Impact Assessment, meaning it follows UBC and provincial privacy policies.
What will I use it for?
Your instructor may have you use LockDown Browser for course assessments:
- Take quizzes or exams in Canvas
- Review outcomes of quizzes or exams in Canvas
What do I need to use LockDown Browser?
A desktop or laptop computer with LockDown Browser
You will need to install LockDown Browser on a desktop or laptop computer or an iPad, using the instructions below. Chromebook and other mobile devices do not work with LockDown Browser.
- LockDown Browser can be used on Windows, Mac, and iOS (iPad only). You can view the minimum technical requirements on LockDown Browser’s support site.
Tips
- LockDown Browser works similar to other web browsers, but it restricts what you can do during an assessment on the device it is installed on (e.g., no printing, copying, accessing other websites).
- Like other web browsers, you can uninstall LockDown Browser when you are done. Follow the steps for uninstalling LockDown Browser on the vendor’s support website.
How do I use LockDown Browser?
You will first install LockDown Browser, then prepare for and take your LockDown Browser quiz or exam in Canvas.
Click any bar below for instructions and tips for using LockDown Browser.
Install LockDown Browser
If you see "Requires Respondus LockDown Browser" next to a quiz name in Canvas, you will need to install LockDown Browser to take the quiz / exam.
You will not be able to take a locked-down assessment in a standard browser (such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari).
- Go to the LockDown Browser download page.
- Click Install Now.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
- Download and install the LockDown Browser app from the Apple App Store.
- Open the Settings app on your iPad, and choose LockDown from the left-hand navigation.
- Select Allow cross-site tracking (so it toggles to green) to allow images on LockDown Browser, in case images will be required for your course.
Tips
- If you've used LockDown Browser before, make sure you update to the latest version. To check and update your version, open LockDown Browser and click the "About" (Mac) or "i" info (Windows) button in the toolbar.
- Double-check that your instructor allows using LockDown Browser on an iPad, before you install the app. Instructors need to enable this option in the LockDown Browser advanced settings.
- You can use LockDown Browser on a UBC (Vancouver) computer instead of installing it on your own, if you wish. The Chapman Learning Commons can loan you a laptop to use, or you can visit their Help Desk on the third floor of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre to access LockDown Browser from one of their computers.
Prepare for LockDown Browser assessments
- Get your setup ready in advance. Make sure you can meet the technical requirements and have a good place to take the assessment.
- Complete the practice round ahead of time or ask for one to be set up. This practice allows you to try out the experience and test the technical requirements before the stakes are high.
- Know what restrictions your instructor has set around what actions are or aren’t allowed on your computer during the quiz or exam. Ask about washroom breaks, using scratch paper, or any other concerns you have.
Tips
- If you will need to submit an exam in a different language, you can update keyboard settings ahead of time on Windows and Mac.
- Find more tips for taking online assessments in Canvas on UBC's Keep Learning site.
Take a LockDown Browser assessment in Canvas
If you see "Requires Respondus LockDown Browser" next to a quiz name in Canvas, you will need to use LockDown Browser to take the quiz / exam.
- Close all programs on your computer, unless you are using one to connect to the Internet.
- Log in to your Canvas course with your regular browser, and click Quizzes in the Course Navigation.
Note that once in LockDown Browser, you may not be able to access the rest of these instructions; just read them for now.
- Click the name of the quiz you want to take. In the quiz name, it will typically say "Requires Respondus LockDown Browser".
- Once you click the name, depending on the type of quiz your instructor has used, LockDown Browser may automatically launch.
- If LockDown Browser does not launch, open LockDown Browser, log in to your Canvas course, and re-access the quiz.
- If prompted to close a blocked program (i.e., screen capture, instant messaging), choose Close Process.
- Click Take the Quiz or Begin, whichever you see.
- Complete the assessment.
- Click Submit when you arrive at the end.
- You can close LockDown Browser. You can also uninstall LockDown Browser from your computer.
Tips
- If you are required to use Zoom with LockDown Browser, you should not open the Zoom link until you have started the exam. If you open the Zoom link first, then start the exam, the Zoom tab in LockDown Browser will disappear. You will not be able to see or interact with the Zoom session in any way, including turning video or audio on/off and sending questions or answers via chat.
- If LockDown Browser closes your assessment unexpectedly, remain calm and come back to this page to follow the troubleshooting steps in the accordion section below.
- Don’t hesitate to contact your instructor or teaching assistant, if you encounter technical difficulties. Everyone wants to support you in removing roadblocks as soon as possible, so you can get back to learning!
- Instructions for taking assessments on an iPad are slightly different. Follow the relevant instructions for locked-down Canvas Classic Quizzes or Canvas New Quizzes on the support page.
Troubleshoot issues with a LockDown Browser assessment in Canvas
When LockDown Browser appears to "freeze" or closes, it is commonly due to a pop-up from another application appearing behind the LockDown Browser (meaning it will be hidden from you), clicking a corrupted web link (which LockDown Browser will block), or losing your internet connection.
In these cases, you may get bumped out of the assessment temporarily. Try to remain calm and walk through the steps below.
- If you are taking the assessment in a space with an in-person proctor, ask the proctor to enter the "Proctor Exit Password" to close LockDown Browser for you.
- If LockDown Browser has closed, open it again and attempt to re-enter the assessment to pick up where you left off. Find your way back to the question you were on using the question list in the sidebar of the Canvas quiz.
- Restart your device. You can force a restart by holding down the power button for 5-20 seconds or longer.
- After you restart, close all computer applications that start up automatically, like Skype or Dropbox.
- If you are at home, reset your internet connection. If you are in a public space, turn your internet connection off and on.
- Open LockDown Browser and attempt to re-enter the assessment to pick up where you left off. Find your way back to the question you were on using the question list in the sidebar of the Canvas quiz.
- If you still have issues, contact your instructor or teaching assistant.
Where can I get more support with LockDown Browser?
Technical support
If you have trouble with Canvas or LockDown Browser:
- Contact the UBC IT Service Centre Help Desk:
604 822 2008 or fill out the web form.
If you have technical issues while taking a LockDown Browser exam:
- Let your instructor or teaching assistant know right away.
Online learning support
- Visit UBC’s Keep Learning site and the Chapman Learning Common’s student toolkits.
Learn more
- Watch the 2-minute LockDown Browser overview for students.
- For more information, explore the LockDown Browser Quick Start Guide (Classic Quizzes) or LockDown Browser Quick Start Guide (New Quizzes).
- Read the Student Support FAQ available on the LockDown Browser support site.