Respondus LockDown Browser is required for some exams in Canvas. It prevents you from printing, copying, going to another website, or accessing other applications during an exam.
Important Notes:
- Auburn University does not support Respondus Monitor (the webcam feature). If a course or exam asks for Monitor, contact your instructor for clarification.
- ALEKS Math Placement Exams do not use Auburn’s LockDown Browser system. For ALEKS support, please contact McGraw-Hill directly: ALEKS Support Contact Page.
Before the Exam
- Restart your computer and install any pending system updates.
- Update LockDown Browser:
- Windows: Open LockDown Browser → click the Information (“i”) button in the toolbar → select Check for Updates. Install if prompted.
- Mac: Launch LockDown Browser → from the LockDown Browser menu, select Check for Updates. Install if prompted.
- Close all applications before class, including browsers, messaging apps, Word, Excel, and email.
Download and Install
You can install LockDown Browser in two ways:
From a Quiz in Canvas
- Navigate to a quiz in your Canvas course that requires LockDown Browser.
- Click Take the Quiz. If LockDown Browser is not already installed, you will be prompted to download it.
Using the Direct Link
- If you recieved a new computer or if a practice quiz is not provided in your course, use Auburn's direct link, Auburn University Respondus LockDown Browser
If you have trouble installing the Lockdown Browser, please contact the OIT Service Desk at 334-844-4944 or servicedesk@auburn.edu. We also recommend informing your instructor of any issues if they occur.
Starting a Quiz
Canvas currently has two quiz tools: Classic Quizzes and New Quizzes. Because of this difference, you’ll see two sets of instructions below.
- Classic Quizzes (shown with an open rocket icon) require you to launch LockDown Browser before logging into Canvas.
- New Quizzes (shown with a filled-in rocket icon) allow you to start in a regular browser, then automatically launch LockDown Browser when you open the quiz.
Classic Quizzes
- Close all programs, unless one is used to connect to the Internet
- Locate the LockDown Browser shortcut on your desktop (Windows) or in the Applications folder (Mac)
- If prompted, allow LockDown Browser to close any blocked applications (e.g., screen capture, messaging).
- Log into Canvas using LockDown Browser.
- Navigate to your course and select the quiz.
- Begin the quiz.
New Quizzes
- Close all programs, unless one is used to connect to the Internet.
- Log into Canvas in a standard browser, navigate to the course, and open the quiz.
- If LockDown Browser is not installed, you will be prompted to download and install it.
- Return to the quiz and select it again. It will automatically launch in LockDown Browser.
- If prompted, allow LockDown Browser to close any blocked applications
Troubleshooting and Support:
- Use the Help Center button inside LockDown Browser to run a System & Network Check.
- Visit the Respondus Knowledge Base: support.respondus.com → Select LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor.
- Contact the Auburn OIT Service Desk at 334-844-4944 or servicedesk@auburn.edu if you experience installation issues.
- Inform your instructor if you encounter technical problems during an exam.
Related Articles and Resources:
Respondus LockDown Browser for iPads
Installing Respondus LockDown Browser Videos: Windows, Mac, and Chromebook