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 an assessment, you will not be able to print or copy questions, visit other websites, access other applications, or close the quiz or exam until it is submitted. Quizzes and exams created for use with LockDown Browser cannot be accessed 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 | Verified by UBC’s Privacy Impact Assessment process. |
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 March 2024 with version 2.1.2.04 of LockDown Browser.
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. If your instructor allows the use of an iPad, you can download the LockDown Browser app on an iPad. However, we do not recommend using an iPad, due to technical difficulties that can occur. You can view the minimum technical requirements for LockDown Browser on their support site.
Chromebooks and other mobile devices including phones do not work with LockDown Browser at UBC.
Tips
- LockDown Browser works similar to other web browsers, but it restricts what you can do during an assessment on the device it is on. Like other web browsers, you can also uninstall LockDown Browser when you are done. Follow the steps for uninstalling LockDown Browser on their support site.
- You can use LockDown Browser on a UBC computer instead of downloading it on your own device, if your device is not compatible. 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, you can borrow a laptop from the Library Service Desk or use a computer in ART215.
How do I use LockDown Browser?
You will first need to download LockDown Browser, then prepare to take your LockDown Browser quiz or exam 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 a quiz name in Canvas, you will need to download LockDown Browser to take the quiz or exam. You will not be able to take a locked-down assessment in a standard browser (i.e., Chrome, Firefox, or Safari).
- Go to the LockDown Browser download page.
- Click Download.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the download. This process will include finding where the LockDown Browser installer has downloaded and running the installation wizard.
Although LockDown Browser is available for iPad, we do not recommend using it as your primary way to take timed quizzes or exams that require LockDown Browser. It is possible to be locked in the iPad application but not be able to access your assessment before the timer runs out.
- 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 quiz or exam.
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 download the app and begin a quiz or an exam with it. Instructors need to enable this option in the LockDown Browser advanced settings, and not all instructors do.
Prepare for LockDown Browser assessments
- Get your setup ready in advance. Make sure that you can meet the minimum technical requirements for LockDown Browser by downloading the browser ahead of time, and pick a good place to take the assessment.
- Complete any LockDown Browser 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 the actions that 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 raise any other concerns that you have.
Tips
- If you will need to submit a quiz or an exam 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 a quiz name in Canvas, you will need to use LockDown Browser to take the quiz or 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.
- 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.
- Log in to Canvas using your UBC CWL (Campus-Wide Login) and navigate to your Canvas course. Then, click Quizzes in the Course Navigation.
- You will need to complete a multi-factor authentication on your phone or hardware token before you are logged in to Canvas.
- Click the name of the assessment that you want to take.
- If you are unable to open the assessment, you will need to access it another way:
- Close LockDown Browser and open your regular browser.
- Log in to your Canvas course, and re-access the assessment. Click to begin and then click Open LockDown Browser to launch it.
- Click Take the Quiz or Begin (whichever you see).
- 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.
- Once you have completed the assessment, click Submit Quiz or Submit (whichever you see) when you arrive at the end.
- You can now close LockDown Browser. You can also uninstall LockDown Browser from your device, if you would like.
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 the Zoom 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 bar below.
- 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: 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 quiz or exam.
- 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 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 device's power button for 5-20 seconds or longer.
- After you restart, close all programs that start up automatically, like Spotify. Ideally, LockDown Browser should be the only thing running on your device.
- Disconnect any additional screens or displays connected to your device.
- Temporarily disable any spyware detection or anti-virus software on your device.
- Ensure that LockDown Browser is updated 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).
- 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 bar 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.
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 practice quiz set up by your instructor in Canvas. Taking a LockDown Browser practice quiz will help you get a sense of what using LockDown Browser is like, as well as ensure your device meets the minimum technical requirements.
If your instructor has not set up a practice 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 practice 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 practice 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, you can borrow a laptop from the Library Service Desk or use a computer in ART215.
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 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.