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, during the assessment you will be unable 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
This tool guide was last reviewed in December 2022 with version 2.1.0 of LockDown Browser.
What do I need to use LockDown Browser?
A desktop or laptop computer with LockDown Browser
You will need to install the LockDown Browser web browser on a desktop or laptop computer or install the LockDown Browser app on an iPad, using the instructions below. Chromebook and other mobile devices do not work with LockDown Browser at UBC.
- 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 their support site.
- If you experience issues during an assessment with LockDown Browser, notify your instructor first. Then you can try to troubleshoot your issues with our guide or contact us using the information at the bottom of this page.
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).
Although LockDown Browser if available for iPad, we do not recommend using it as your primary way to take timed quizzes or exams. It is possible to be locked into the iPad application but be unable to access your assessment before the timer runs out.
- Go to the LockDown Browser download page.
- Click Install Now.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. These steps will include finding where the file has downloaded and running the installation wizard.
- 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" globe icon (Mac) or "i" info button (Windows) 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, and not all instructors do.
- You can use LockDown Browser on a UBC (Vancouver) computer instead of installing it on your own. 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 that you can meet the technical requirements (by installing the browser ahead of time) and that you have a good place to take the assessment.
- Complete any practice quiz 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 will or will not be allowed on your computer during the quiz or exam. Ask about procedures for opening spreadsheet editors and other tools for the assessment (if applicable), or any other concerns you have.
Tips
- If you will need to submit an exam in a language different from your default keyboard, you can update keyboard settings ahead of time. Follow LockDown Browser's instructions to update keyboard language on Windows and update keyboard language on 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. We recommend taking any timed quizzes or exams on a desktop or laptop computer, as they are more reliable than using the iPad app.
- Close all programs on your device, unless you are using one to connect to the internet.
- If you are using an iPad, make sure the LockDown Browser app is also closed to start.
- Log in to your Canvas course with your regular browser, and click Quizzes in the Course Navigation.
- Click the name of the quiz you want to take.
- Once you click the name, LockDown Browser should automatically launch.
- If LockDown Browser does not automatically launch, open LockDown Browser manually, log in to your Canvas course, and re-access the quiz.
- If prompted by LockDown Browser to close a blocked program (e.g., screen capture, instant messaging), choose to close the process or application
- Click Take the Quiz or Begin, whichever you see.
- Complete the assessment.
- Click Submit Quiz or Submit(whichever you see) when you arrive at the end.
- You can close LockDown Browser. You can also uninstall LockDown Browser from your device.
Tips
- If you are required to use Zoom with LockDown Browser, please do not open the Zoom link until you have started the exam in LockDown Browser. 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 notify your instructor. Then 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 with screenshots for taking assessments on an iPad are also available. Follow the instructions for locked-down Canvas Classic Quizzes or Canvas New 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 a few actions: 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.
- Let your instructor know you are having an issue, particularly if you are in a timed quiz or exam.
- 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 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 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 re-entering the assessment does not work, 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 programs that start up automatically, like Skype or Spotify. Ideally, LockDown Browser is the only thing running on your device.
- Disconnect any additional screens or displays.
- If you are at home, also reset your internet connection. If you are in a public space, turn your internet connection off and on.
- For a full reset, you can also optionally uninstall LockDown Browser and re-install it using the instructions in the earlier accordion section of this guide.
- 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 the help desk below.
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 timed quiz or 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.
- Read the Student Support FAQ available on LockDown Browser’s support site.