LockDown Browser Second Camera User Guide for Students

When you're using LockDown Browser with an exam in Canvas, your instructor may ask you to use a second camera (in addition to the webcam built into your laptop). The instructions below show you how to set up a phone or tablet as a second camera.

When you launch the exam and get to the Pre-Exam Check, you'll see that Step 2 is for second camera set-up

Click continue to go to the next screen

Put your mobile device in "Do Not Disturb" mode

Once you've activated "Do Not Disturb" mode check the checkbox and click "Confirm"

Remember to plug in your mobile device and laptop

Click "Setup Second Camera" to continue

Scan the QR code with your phone or tablet

After scanning the code you'll see the camera view and you'll be prompted to position your phone

The set up for yourself, your laptop, and your phone should be:

  1. You seated at a desk, table, or other work surface
  2. Your laptop in front of you at a normal typing distance
  3. Your phone propped about an arm's-length away and angled slightly to get the correct view (see below).
  4. Both laptop and phone are plugged into a power source and have a stable internet connection

NOTE: the phone can be horizontal or vertical, whichever gives a more complete view.

The view in your phone's camera should show the side of your face and body and the front of your laptop screen and keyboard, like this:

The front of your face and body, and your laptop screen and keyboard should all be visible.

Once you have the phone camera view set up, tap the "I'm Ready" button on the phone screen

Be sure to keep the phone in place the whole time, so the camera view does not change.

Continue with the rest of the LockDown Browser Pre-Check and then you go into the exam

If you have techical difficulties during any part of the LockDown Browser Pre-Check reach out to Respondus tech support:

If you have technical difficulties during the exam itself:

  • The LockDown Browser app has a "Help Center" button located on the toolbar to access help 24/7 via chat. Use the "System & Network Check" to troubleshoot issues. If an exam requires you to use a webcam, also run the "Webcam Check" from this area.
  • If your screen is frozen during an exam with LockDown Browser, or you get a "failed to load" or "timed out" error message, Canvas has saved your work, so do the following:
    • Quit out of all apps
    • Shut your computer down all the way
    • Re-start your computer
    • Go back into Canvas and re-launch the exam
  • If you need help urgently call the TTS help desk at 617-627-3376. NOTE: when you call you will be advised to restart your computer as described above.