This article is for students taking Canvas quizzes or exams that require Respondus LockDown Browser. By reading this article, you will learn how to install or update LockDown Browser, start a quiz correctly, resolve common access issues, and contact support if troubleshooting does not resolve the problem.
Respondus LockDown Browser is a separate browser used for some Canvas quizzes and exams. If your quiz requires LockDown Browser, you may not be able to take it in a regular browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.
When a quiz or exam requires LockDown Browser, you will only be able to start the assessment when accessing the class with the LockDown Browser.
Before Your Quiz or Exam
Complete these steps before the day of your quiz or exam whenever possible:
- Install the Johns Hopkins version of Respondus LockDown Browser using the link provided by your instructor or from the Canvas quiz.
- Use a supported device. Respondus supports Windows, Mac, Chromebook, and iPad in specific situations, but some course settings or managed devices may limit what you can use.
- Take the practice quiz if your instructor provides one.
- Restart your computer before the quiz or exam, and disconnect any additional monitors.
- Close programs you do not need, including messaging apps, screen recording tools, remote desktop tools, virtual machine software, video meeting apps, other browsers, password managers, and cloud storage pop-ups.
- Disable notifications, alarms, and calendar alerts.
- Use a reliable internet connection and plug in your computer or make sure it is fully charged.
Install or Update LockDown Browser
Use the Johns Hopkins download link provided by your instructor or by the Canvas quiz. LockDown Browser download links are institution-specific.
If you are using a Mac and only see a .pkg file after downloading, open the .pkg file to install LockDown Browser. After installation, you can open LockDown Browser from the Applications folder or by using Spotlight search.
If you are using a Windows computer, make sure you run the installer after downloading it. LockDown Browser does not install just by downloading the file.
If you are using a Chromebook, the LockDown Browser extension must be installed through the Johns Hopkins LockDown Browser installation link. If your Chromebook is managed by an employer or another organization, you may not have permission to install the required extension.
To check for updates, open LockDown Browser and look for the information or settings option. Then select Check for Updates if that option appears. If you are unsure whether your installation is current, uninstall LockDown Browser and reinstall it using the Johns Hopkins link.
Start the Quiz the Correct Way
The launch steps can vary by quiz.
For some Canvas quizzes, you begin in a regular browser, open the quiz in Canvas, and then select the button or prompt to launch LockDown Browser. The button may say Launch LockDown Browser, Launch Quiz, or something similar.
For other quizzes, especially some Canvas Classic Quizzes, you may need to open LockDown Browser first, sign in to Canvas inside LockDown Browser, go to the course, and then open the quiz.
If one quiz opens correctly but another quiz does not, the quizzes may be configured differently. Follow the instructions shown on the quiz page and contact your instructor if the quiz still will not open.
LockDown Browser Will Not Install or Open
Try these steps:
- Confirm that you used the Johns Hopkins LockDown Browser download link.
- Restart your computer.
- Close other applications and disconnect additional monitors before opening LockDown Browser.
- Temporarily disable virtual private network (VPN), proxy, firewall, ad-blocking, or antivirus tools that may interfere with LockDown Browser, unless the Center for Media and Technology Solutions (CMTS) or your instructor has specifically asked you to use the Johns Hopkins VPN.
- If you are using a managed, work-issued, or borrowed computer, try a personal supported device if possible.
If LockDown Browser asks you to close a blocked program, choose the option to close it. If the program does not close, exit LockDown Browser, close the program manually, restart your computer, and try again.
If your computer still seems restricted after you finish an exam, make sure LockDown Browser is fully closed. Restart your computer if needed.
Cloudflare or "Verify You Are Human" Repeats
Some students have reported getting stuck on a Canvas or Cloudflare verification page inside LockDown Browser. If this happens during a timed quiz or exam, contact your instructor right away so they know you are having access trouble.
Then try these steps:
- Restart your computer.
- Update or reinstall LockDown Browser using the Johns Hopkins download link.
- Make sure your computer date, time, and time zone are correct.
- Turn off VPNs that are not the Johns Hopkins VPN, proxies, ad blockers, privacy extensions, network filters, or security tools that may be changing your connection.
- Allow JavaScript, cookies, pop-ups, and redirects for Canvas and Respondus-related pages in your regular browser settings.
- Try a different reliable network, such as a home network or phone hotspot.
- If you are using a Mac and the verification loop continues, connect to the Johns Hopkins VPN, then open LockDown Browser and try again. Turn off any other VPN before using the Johns Hopkins VPN.
- Try another supported device if one is available.
If the verification loop continues, contact your instructor and then contact CMTS at CMTShelp@jhu.edu with screenshots or a short screen recording of where the loop occurs.
Password or Access Code Prompt
If Canvas asks for a quiz password or access code, double check to ensure that you are using the LockDown Browser to access the quiz and contact your instructor if you cannot continue. CMTS cannot provide exam passwords, access codes, extensions, or permission to reopen an exam unless the instructor approves the change.
If Something Goes Wrong During the Exam
If you cannot start, continue, or submit the quiz:
- Follow any instructions shown in LockDown Browser.
- If you must exit early, enter a clear reason when prompted.
- Take a photo or screenshot of the error if possible.
- Contact your instructor immediately.
- Then contact CMTS if additional technical support is needed.
Contacting Support
Contact your instructor first for quiz availability, access codes, extensions, retakes, exam settings, or grading concerns.
If the issue appears technical or the troubleshooting steps above do not resolve it, contact CMTS at CMTShelp@jhu.edu or submit a request through the Knowledge Base request form.
Include:
- Course name and number
- Quiz or exam name
- Date and time the issue happened
- Whether the issue happened before, during, or after the quiz
- Device type and operating system
- LockDown Browser version, if you can find it
- Internet connection used, such as home Wi-Fi, campus Wi-Fi, hotspot, VPN, or public Wi-Fi
- Exact error message or description of what happened
- Screenshot, photo, or short screen recording, if available
- Troubleshooting steps you already tried