Respondus LockDown Browser (LDB) and Monitor provide exam security for your Canvas courses at the U of A. This guide will help you install, set up, and troubleshoot the software.
Getting Started
Before attempting any exam, including practice quizzes, ensure your device meets the minimum system requirements and you have a strong, stable internet connection.
Download the Browser: Usually, your instructor will require a practice quiz during which the application will install. If the application does not auto-launch when you open an exam, you can download LockDown Browser here.
Starting an Exam
In most cases, starting an exam is as simple as navigating to your Canvas course and clicking the exam link in your Module, Quizzes/Assignments page (if enabled in your course), or Calendar entry:
This should display a loading page in your standard browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, etc) while the Respondus browser opens:
If Respondus fails to launch or you must follow special special instructions (eg. disconnecting second monitors or closing banned applications, see below), you will need to close that browser tab, return to your Canvas course in your standard browser, and click the quiz link again.
Once Respondus launches, it will display the quiz entry page with the quiz Begin button. If this exams requires monitoring, the setup for the monitoring will not start until you click Begin:
Direct Launching & Special Instructions
- Canvas Classic Quizzes: If your instructor uses Classic Quizzes, you will need to launch the Respondus LockDown Browser application directly from your applications folder or system tray.
- Server Profile Selection: When launching the app directly or opening a Classic Quiz, you must select 'U of A Canvas' from the 'Server profile' dropdown box (to distinguish it from Continuing Ed).
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): If you have opted into student MFA and your exam requires accessing external authenticated resources, you may see your Duo Mobile authentication screen. Complete this verification to proceed.
Opening Hyperlinks: If your instructor allows external links during the test, fully set up LockDown Browser first. To open allowed links, right-click the link and select "Open link in new window."
Troubleshooting & Common Issues
Technical Errors
- "Update Check Failed: Error Code A4": This means your computer clock is out of sync.
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- Windows: Right-click the clock on your taskbar > Select Adjust date/time > Turn on Set time automatically > Click Sync now.
- Mac: Go to System Preferences > Date & Time > Check Set date and time automatically.
- 'Failed to fetch' Error or Freezes: This indicates a temporary internet drop. Always restart your LockDown Browser session and re-launch your Canvas quiz if this occurs to prevent data loss.
- Chromebook "No Access to Chrome Web Store": Click your avatar/initial in the top right of the browser window, select "Add another account" or "Add Chrome profile", and log in using your official UofA account.
Device & Feature Settings
- Accidental Swipe Gestures & Shortcuts: Swiping left on a Mac touchpad or pressing Windows shortcuts (like Alt+Tab or Windows+L) will trigger an alert on your first attempt and a warning on your second. A subsequent attempt will automatically close the browser and log the event for your instructor. You will have to go through the setup steps again to re-enter.
- Closing Unauthorized Applications: LockDown Browser will close other windows and attempt to shut down unauthorized apps. If it flags an application it cannot identify or close automatically, you may need to switch to a different device to take your quiz.
- Multiple Displays: LockDown Browser requires you to disable or disconnect any secondary monitors:
For laptops, closing the device should route your display into any connected monitor.
- Mac Screen Recording Permissions: If your webcam or screen isn't sharing, toggle the Screen Recording permission off and on in your Mac System Settings. Ensure it is allowed for "Screen & System Audio Recording", not just audio.
- Chromebook Timer Missing: Some Chromebook models fail to display the quiz timer due to a known vendor bug. Keep track of your remaining time using a physical wall clock.
University-Loaned Devices: LockDown Browser requires administrator permissions. It may not work on university-loaned laptops if strict security profiles are active. (Standard campus lab computers already have it pre-installed).
Advanced Features & Accessibility
Depending on your course, instructors may enable additional features. Review these specific vendor guides if they apply to your setup:
Accessibility Support
Respondus is WCAG 2.2 compliant and compatible with most assistive technologies.
- NVDA & Read&Write: Function normally in local campus testing.
- Kurzweil ReadTheWeb Limitations: There are two known bugs—quiz answers cannot be read back, and the mouse-hover aloud feature does not work. These have been reported to the vendor.
For more details, check the vendor's accessibility guide.
Getting Help
If you run into issues, technical support is available depending on your situation:
- 24/7 Live Chat (Primary Contact): Respondus offers built-in live chat support, which is your fastest resource during an exam. Click the Help Center link at the top center of the LockDown Browser window. You can also search for articles on the Respondus Student Support portal.
- Campus Labs & Study Rooms: If your personal device fails, you can use a Windows machine in the Cameron or Rutherford Library computer labs. If your exam requires a webcam (Respondus Monitor), you can book a Cameron Library study room and bring your own webcam.
- eClass Support: If Respondus support cannot resolve your issue, contact us at (780) 492-9372 or email us at eclass@ualberta.ca. Let us know that Respondus was unable to help, and we will create a ticket documenting the technical issues you encountered so you can share it with your instructor.
Practice Exams
eClass and Canvas Support
