LockDown Browser is a web browser that controls what you can do during an assessment in Canvas. When your instructor has you use LockDown Browser for an assessment, you will not be able to print or copy questions, visit other websites, access other applications, or close the assessment until it is submitted. Assessments created for use with LockDown Browser cannot be taken with standard browsers.
| Access | You can access LockDown Browser from your computer as soon as you download LockDown Browser. | |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | Low demand on internet connections. | |
| Privacy | Complies with UBC’s privacy requirements. |
What will I use it for?
Your instructor may have you use LockDown Browser for course assessments:
- Take assessments in Canvas with restrictions intended to ensure fairness
- Review outcomes of assessments in Canvas with restrictions intended to protect the questions and answers
This tool guide was last reviewed in November 2024.
What do I need to use LockDown Browser?
A desktop or laptop computer with LockDown Browser
You will need to download the LockDown Browser web browser on a desktop or laptop computer.
Although you can download the LockDown Browser app on an iPad, we do not recommend using an iPad due to technical difficulties and incompatibilities that can occur.
Chromebooks and other mobile devices including phones do not work with LockDown Browser at UBC. You can view the minimum technical requirements for LockDown Browser on LockDown Browser’s support site.
Tips
- You can uninstall LockDown Browser once you finish your assessment. Follow the steps for uninstalling LockDown Browser on LockDown Browser’s support site.
- You can use LockDown Browser on a UBC computer instead of downloading it on your own device. Find details in our FAQ on other options for taking LockDown Browser assessments below.
How do I use LockDown Browser?
You will first need to download LockDown Browser, then prepare to take your LockDown Browser assessment in Canvas.
Click any accordion bar below for instructions and tips for using LockDown Browser.
Download LockDown Browser
If you see "Requires Respondus LockDown Browser" next to an assessment name in Canvas, you will need to download LockDown Browser. You will not be able to take a LockDown Browser assessment in a standard browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
- Go to the LockDown Browser download page.
- Click Download.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the download.
Tips
- If you have used LockDown Browser before, make sure you update to the latest version. To check and update your version, open LockDown Browser and click the info button (the "i" button) in the toolbar.
Prepare for a LockDown Browser assessment
- Ensure that LockDown Browser is ready in advance. Confirm that you meet the minimum technical requirements for LockDown Browser by downloading, installing, and opening the browser ahead of time.
- Complete any LockDown Browser mock quiz, or ask for one to be set up. This practice allows you to try out the experience before the stakes are high.
- Know that your instructor will be able to set up access to any files, websites, or tools you might need for the exam. For example, you will be able to open a spreadsheet in a quiz question, click a link in a quiz question, or use a calculator tool as needed.
Tips
- If you need to submit an assessment in a language different from your default keyboard, you can update your keyboard settings ahead of time. Follow LockDown Browser's instructions to update keyboard language on Windows or update keyboard language on Mac.
Take a LockDown Browser assessment in Canvas
If you see "Requires Respondus LockDown Browser" next to an assessment name in Canvas, you will need to use LockDown Browser to take that assessment. We recommend taking any timed assessment on a desktop or laptop computer, as they are more reliable than using the iPad app.
- Open LockDown Browser.
- If a prompt appears from LockDown Browser to close a blocked program (e.g., screen capture, instant messaging), choose to close the process or application.
- You will automatically be directed to log in to Canvas using your UBC CWL (Campus-Wide Login). Navigate to your Canvas course and click Quizzes in the Course Navigation.
- You may need to complete a multi-factor authentication on your phone or hardware token before you are logged in to Canvas.
- Click the assessment name.
- If you are unable to open the assessment through LockDown Browser, you can try to access it from a standard browser. In your regular browser, log in to your Canvas course and re-enter the assessment. Click to begin, then click Open LockDown Browser to open the assessment in LockDown Browser.
- You may be prompted to enter an "Access Code" before you can begin, which your instructor will have given to you. After entering the access code, click Submit.
- Click either Take the Quiz or Begin (whichever you see).
- You might be prompted to restart LockDown Browser. This prompt is normal for a certain type of Canvas quiz and not a reason to be concerned.
- Once you have completed the assessment, click either Submit Quiz or Submit (whichever you see).
- You can now close LockDown Browser. You can also uninstall LockDown Browser from your device, if you would like.
Tips
- If LockDown Browser closes your assessment unexpectedly, remain calm and notify your instructor. Then come back to this page to follow the troubleshooting steps in the accordion section below.
- We do not recommend taking assessments on iPad, but instructions with screenshots are available. Follow the steps for using LockDown Browser on iPad for different types of Canvas quizzes on LockDown Browser's support site.
Troubleshoot issues with a LockDown Browser assessment in Canvas
When LockDown Browser closes or appears to freeze, it is commonly due to one of the following: having a pop-up from another application appear behind 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.
- Let your instructor or TA know that you are having an issue, particularly if you are in a timed assessment.
- If you are taking the assessment in a space with an in-person invigilator, ask the invigilator to enter the "Proctor Exit Password" to close LockDown Browser for you.
- If you are using an iPad, switch to a desktop or laptop computer.
- If LockDown Browser has closed, open it again and attempt to re-enter the assessment. Find your way back to the question you were on using the question list in the sidebar of the Canvas quiz.
- If re-entering the assessment does not work, restart your device. You can force a restart by holding down the device's power button for 5-20 seconds or longer.
- After you restart, close all programs that start up automatically. Ideally, LockDown Browser should be the only application running on your device.
- Disconnect any additional screens or displays connected to your device.
- Temporarily disable any extra spyware detection or anti-virus software you have added to the device.
- Ensure that LockDown Browser is updated to the latest version. To check and update your version, open LockDown Browser and click the info button (the "i" button).
- If you are at home, reset your internet connection or, if you are in a public space, forget and re-join the network. Then turn your internet connection off and on.
- For a full reset, you can also optionally uninstall LockDown Browser and download it again using the instructions in the earlier accordion section of this guide.
- Open LockDown Browser and attempt to re-enter the assessment again. 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 the help desk below.
LockDown Browser FAQ
Find UBC-specific answers to frequently asked questions by clicking any accordion bar below.
You can test LockDown Browser before an exam by taking a mock quiz that may be set up by your instructor in Canvas. Taking a LockDown Browser mock quiz will give you a sense of what using LockDown Browser is like and ensure your device meets the minimum technical requirements.
If your instructor has not set up a mock quiz in your course, you can ask if one could be set up. You can also enrol in the Chapman Learning Common's Exam Practice Course on Canvas and take the mock quiz that is set up there. Once you are enrolled into the course, click Quizzes in the Course Navigation and select the Lockdown Browser Exam - Requires Respondus LockDown Browser mock quiz.
Yes. If your device does not meet the minimum technical requirements, we recommend borrowing a UBC desktop or laptop computer. At UBC Vancouver, you can borrow a laptop from the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre or use a desktop computer in the Chapman Learning Commons.
At UBC Okanagan, please consult the list of UBCO Computer Labs - Hardware and Software to find where Respondus LockDown Browser is installed. UBCO computer labs are available for student use when not previously booked by a class.
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 UBC IT request form.
If you have technical issues while taking a LockDown Browser timed assessment:
- 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.
- Visit the UBC Vancouver’s Centre for Accessibility page or the UBC Okanagan’s Disability Resource Centre page to learn more about available support for students with disabilities and ongoing medical conditions.
Learn more
- Read the Student Support FAQ available on LockDown Browser’s support site.