What Lockdown Browser is and why you need it
Lockdown Browser is a secure testing application made by Respondus that locks down your computer during online exams. It prevents you from opening other programs, accessing the internet outside the exam, taking screenshots, or using copy-and-paste functions. Schools and testing centers use it to maintain exam integrity when students test remotely.
Your instructor or testing center will tell you if you need it. You cannot take the exam without it installed, and you cannot install it during the exam itself — you must do it beforehand on the device you plan to use for testing.
Key Takeaways
- Lockdown Browser works on Windows, Mac, iPad, and Chromebook, but you must download the version that matches your device type.
- Download the installer from Respondus.com or from a link your school provides, then run the installer file and follow the on-screen steps.
- You need administrator access on your computer to install it; if you use a school or work device, contact IT support first.
- After installation, launch Lockdown Browser and enter your exam code when prompted — the exam itself opens inside the application.
- Test your setup at least one day before the exam by opening Lockdown Browser and checking that it launches without errors.
Download the correct version for your device
Lockdown Browser comes in separate versions for Windows, Mac, iPad, and Chromebook. Installing the wrong version will not work. Check what operating system your device runs before you download.
On Windows, go to Settings and search "About your PC" to see your Windows version. On Mac, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac," and look at the macOS version. On iPad, go to Settings, tap General, then About to see the iPadOS version. On Chromebook, click the time in the bottom right, select Settings, then About ChromeOS.
Visit Respondus.com/lockdownbrowser and select your device type from the download page. Your school may also send you a direct download link in an email — use that link if your school provides one, as it may be pre-configured for your institution.
Install on Windows or Mac
Once the installer file downloads, locate it in your Downloads folder. On Windows, the file ends in .exe. On Mac, it ends in .dmg. Double-click the file to start the installation.
On Windows, a setup wizard opens. Click "Next" through each screen, accept the license agreement, and choose the default installation location unless you have a reason to change it. Click "Install" and wait for the progress bar to complete. When it finishes, click "Finish." You may be asked to restart your computer — do so if prompted.
On Mac, a window opens showing the Lockdown Browser icon and an Applications folder. Drag the Lockdown Browser icon into the Applications folder. Wait for the copy process to finish. You can then close the window and eject the installer disk image.
You need administrator access to install on either system. If you see a message saying you do not have permission, contact your school's IT support or the device owner.
Install on iPad or Chromebook
On iPad, open the App Store, search for "Respondus Lockdown Browser," and tap the cloud icon to download it. Wait for installation to finish and the icon to appear on your home screen. Tap the icon to launch it.
On Chromebook, open the Chrome Web Store, search for "Respondus Lockdown Browser," and click "Add to Chrome." Confirm the permission prompt. The app installs automatically and appears in your app drawer. Click the Lockdown Browser icon to launch it.
Launch Lockdown Browser and enter your exam code
After installation, open Lockdown Browser on your device. The first time you launch it, you may see a setup screen asking for your name and email. Enter the information your school provided or that matches your student account.
When you are ready to take the exam, Lockdown Browser will prompt you to enter an exam code. Your instructor will give you this code in an email, on the course page, or in the exam instructions. Type the code exactly as written — it is case-sensitive. Once you enter the code, the exam loads inside Lockdown Browser and the lockdown begins.
Do not close Lockdown Browser or restart your computer during the exam. If the application crashes, restart it immediately and re-enter your exam code to resume where you left off.
Test your setup before exam day
Launch Lockdown Browser at least one day before your scheduled exam. Make sure it opens without error messages and that you can see the main screen. If you see any warnings or crashes, restart your computer and try again.
If Lockdown Browser will not launch after a restart, uninstall it and reinstall it using the steps above. If problems persist, contact your school's IT support or Respondus support at support@respondus.com before exam day. Do not wait until the exam starts to troubleshoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install Lockdown Browser on a phone?
Lockdown Browser does not work on phones. It runs on Windows, Mac, iPad, and Chromebook only. If you only have a phone, contact your instructor to ask about testing on a different device or at a testing center.
What if I get an error message during installation?
Restart your computer and try installing again. If the error persists, make sure you have administrator access and that your operating system is up to date. Contact your school's IT support with the exact error message text.
Do I need internet during the exam?
Yes. Lockdown Browser blocks access to other websites and programs, but the exam itself requires an internet connection. Make sure you have a stable, wired connection if possible — avoid Wi-Fi if your connection is unreliable.
Can I uninstall Lockdown Browser after the exam?
Yes. On Windows, go to Settings, select Apps, find Respondus Lockdown Browser, and click Uninstall. On Mac, open Applications, drag Lockdown Browser to the Trash, and empty the Trash. On iPad or Chromebook, press and hold the app icon and select Remove or Uninstall.
What if Lockdown Browser will not recognize my exam code?
Check that you typed the code exactly as your instructor provided it — codes are case-sensitive and may include numbers or special characters. If the code is correct and still does not work, contact your instructor or testing center to confirm the code is active.