Lockdown Browser does not record audio by default, but it does record video of your screen and captures keystroke and mouse activity during exams

Lockdown Browser is a test-taking application made by Respondus that restricts what you can do on your computer during an online exam. The software monitors your screen, keyboard, and mouse movements, but audio recording is not a standard feature. However, your instructor or institution can enable a webcam recording feature that captures both video and audio if they choose to do so — and you will see a notification that recording is active.

The confusion often comes from the fact that Lockdown Browser can work alongside other Respondus tools, particularly Respondus Monitor, which does include audio and video recording. Whether audio is being captured depends on which tools your school has set up and whether your instructor turned on the recording feature for your specific exam.

Key Takeaways

  • Lockdown Browser alone records your screen, keyboard, and mouse activity but not audio.
  • Respondus Monitor, a separate tool that works with Lockdown Browser, can record both video and audio if your instructor enables it.
  • You will see a notification in Lockdown Browser if webcam and audio recording is turned on before your exam starts.
  • Your school's testing policy determines which monitoring tools are used and what data is collected during your exam.

What Lockdown Browser actually monitors

Lockdown Browser works by locking down your computer so you cannot switch to other programs, access the internet outside the exam, or use certain keyboard shortcuts during a test. It records a continuous log of your screen activity, which means the test administrator can see what appeared on your monitor throughout the exam. It also tracks your keyboard and mouse movements — not the content of what you type, but the pattern and timing of your interactions.

This data is stored on Respondus servers and can be reviewed by your instructor or your school's testing center after the exam is complete. The purpose is to detect unusual patterns that might suggest cheating, such as long pauses followed by rapid typing, or mouse movements that suggest copying from another source.

When audio recording happens: Respondus Monitor

Audio recording enters the picture when your school uses Respondus Monitor, which is an add-on proctoring tool that works alongside Lockdown Browser. Monitor uses your computer's webcam and microphone to record video and audio of you during the exam. If your instructor has enabled Monitor for your test, you will see a clear notification before the exam begins that says recording is active.

Respondus Monitor is designed to provide live or recorded proctoring — meaning either a human proctor watches you in real time, or the recording is reviewed later by a staff member. Schools choose to use Monitor when they want a higher level of exam security, typically for high-stakes tests or courses where academic integrity concerns are higher.

How to know if audio recording is enabled for your exam

Before your exam starts, Lockdown Browser will display a setup screen that tells you exactly what monitoring is active. If Respondus Monitor is enabled with audio and video recording, you will see a message asking you to position your webcam and confirm that your microphone is working. This happens before the exam timer starts, so you have a chance to back out or contact your instructor if you have concerns.

If you do not see a webcam setup screen and no message about recording, then audio is not being captured for that exam. You can also check your course syllabus or exam instructions, which should state whether proctoring with recording is required. If you are unsure, contact your instructor or testing center directly — they can tell you exactly what monitoring tools are active for your specific exam.

Privacy and data storage for recordings

If audio and video are being recorded through Respondus Monitor, that data is stored on Respondus servers, not on your personal computer. Your school has access to the recordings and can download them for review. The length of time recordings are kept depends on your institution's data retention policy — some schools delete them after a semester, others keep them longer.

You have the right to know what data is being collected about you. Most schools include this information in their testing policies or student handbooks. If your institution uses Respondus Monitor, that policy should explain how long recordings are kept, who can access them, and whether they are used only for academic integrity investigations or for other purposes as well.

What happens if you disable Lockdown Browser or cover your webcam

Lockdown Browser is designed to prevent you from closing it or minimizing it during an exam. If you try to exit the application, the exam ends immediately and is submitted as-is. If Respondus Monitor is active and you cover your webcam or mute your microphone, the system logs this as a flag — the recording will show the obstruction, and your instructor will see a note that monitoring was interrupted.

Attempting to disable or work around Lockdown Browser or Monitor is typically treated as an academic integrity violation by your school. The consequences vary by institution but can include a failing grade on the exam, a failing grade in the course, or disciplinary action. It is not worth the risk — if you have a legitimate reason you cannot use the monitoring tools (a broken webcam, a noisy environment, a disability that makes the setup difficult), contact your instructor or disability services before the exam to arrange an alternative.

Alternatives if you have concerns about monitoring

If you are uncomfortable with audio and video recording, you have a few options. First, check whether your school offers exam accommodations through disability services — if you have documented anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or other needs, you may be able to take the exam in a proctored testing center instead of at home, which uses different monitoring methods.

Second, talk to your instructor before the exam. Some instructors have flexibility in how strictly they apply monitoring tools, or they may be able to explain why the monitoring is necessary for that particular course. Third, review your school's testing policy to understand the rules — knowing exactly what is being monitored and why can reduce anxiety about the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Lockdown Browser record audio without me knowing?

No. If Respondus Monitor with audio recording is enabled, you will see a notification and a webcam setup screen before the exam starts. You cannot be recorded without your knowledge — the system requires you to confirm your microphone is working before the test begins.

Does Lockdown Browser listen to what I say during the exam?

Lockdown Browser alone does not capture audio. Only Respondus Monitor, a separate proctoring tool, records audio. If Monitor is not enabled for your exam, nothing you say is being recorded.

Can my instructor see me if I take the exam on my phone?

Lockdown Browser is designed for computers and tablets, not phones. If your school requires Respondus Monitor with video proctoring, you must use a device with a webcam and microphone. Check your exam instructions to see what devices are allowed.

What if my internet cuts out during an exam with Lockdown Browser?

If your connection drops, Lockdown Browser will pause the exam. When you reconnect, you can usually resume where you left off, though this depends on your school's settings. Contact your testing center immediately if this happens so they can help you restart without penalty.

Is the audio recording encrypted or private?

Recordings are stored on Respondus servers and are accessible to your school. Whether they are encrypted in transit and at rest depends on Respondus's security practices and your school's data agreements. Your school's privacy policy should explain how recordings are protected and who can access them.