Canvas Lockdown Browser Can Access Your Webcam, But Only When an Instructor Requires It
Lockdown Browser is a test-taking process that restricts what you can do on your computer during an exam. It can access your webcam, but it does not turn it on automatically. Your instructor must specifically enable webcam monitoring for a particular exam, and you will see a notification before the test starts telling you that video recording is required.
The webcam access is built into Lockdown Browser's proctoring features. When an instructor turns on webcam monitoring, the process records video of you during the exam to verify your identity and watch for cheating. The video is stored and reviewed by a human proctor or an automated system, depending on how your school has set up the exam.
You control whether to take an exam that requires webcam monitoring. If your instructor has enabled it and you do not want to be recorded, you can contact your instructor or your school's testing center to ask about alternatives—some schools offer in-person proctoring instead, or may make exceptions for students with privacy concerns or technical barriers.
Key Takeaways
- Lockdown Browser can access your webcam only if your instructor has turned on proctoring for that specific exam.
- You will receive a clear notification before the exam starts if video recording is required.
- The webcam does not set up on its own; Lockdown Browser only uses it when an instructor configures it to do so.
- If an exam requires webcam monitoring and you have concerns, contact your instructor or testing center about alternatives.
- Video recorded during a proctored exam is typically reviewed by a human proctor or automated system to detect cheating or identity issues.
How Lockdown Browser Detects Webcam Hardware
When you install Lockdown Browser on your computer, the process scans for connected hardware, including your webcam. This scan happens during installation and setup, not during every exam. The software needs to know whether a webcam is available so it can tell your instructor whether proctoring is technically possible on your device.
If you do not have a webcam, Lockdown Browser will still run, but your instructor cannot enable video proctoring for your exams. Some schools allow students without webcams to take exams in a testing center instead, where a human proctor watches in person. Others may permit unproctored exams for students who cannot meet the webcam requirement.
When Your Instructor Turns On Webcam Monitoring
Your instructor controls whether webcam monitoring is active for each exam. They make this choice when they set up the test in Canvas. Common reasons instructors enable it include high-stakes exams, courses with a history of cheating, or programs that require remote proctoring for accreditation.
Before your exam begins, Lockdown Browser displays a warning screen that tells you video recording is enabled. You will see this message before you enter the exam—not during it. At that point, you can choose to proceed or contact your instructor if you have questions or concerns. Once you start the exam, Lockdown Browser locks your screen and begins recording.
What the Webcam Records and Who Sees It
The webcam records your face, upper body, and the area around your desk. It captures video throughout the entire exam. Lockdown Browser also records your screen activity and mouse movements, so the proctor can see what you are doing on your computer.
The video file is uploaded to your school's Canvas system or to a third-party proctoring service, depending on your school's setup. A human proctor or an automated system reviews the recording to check that you are the person taking the exam and to flag any suspicious behavior—such as looking away from the screen, talking to someone off-camera, or using unauthorized materials.
Your school controls how long the video is kept and who can access it. Most institutions retain proctoring videos for a set period (often one to three years) and limit access to instructors, proctors, and academic integrity staff. Check your school's privacy policy or testing center website for specifics about your institution.
Privacy and Technical Considerations
Lockdown Browser does not transmit webcam video in real time to your instructor. The recording is local to your computer during the exam and uploaded after you finish. This means your instructor is not watching you live; they review the video afterward if they choose to.
If you are concerned about privacy, you have legitimate options. You can request to take the exam in your school's testing center, where a human proctor supervises in person instead of via webcam. You can also ask your instructor whether the exam truly requires video proctoring or whether an alternative arrangement is possible. Some instructors will make exceptions for students with documented concerns.
Make sure your webcam lens is clean and that you have adequate lighting in your test space. Poor video quality can trigger flags during proctoring review, even if you did nothing wrong. Position your camera so it can see your face and desk clearly, and remove any objects that might obstruct the view.
Disabling or Covering Your Webcam
You can physically cover your webcam with tape or a webcam cover when you are not taking a proctored exam. Lockdown Browser will still launch and function normally on exams that do not require video monitoring. However, if your instructor has enabled webcam proctoring for an exam, Lockdown Browser will detect that your camera is blocked or disabled and will not let you start the test.
If you disable your webcam in your operating system settings, Lockdown Browser will also detect this and prevent you from taking a proctored exam. The process checks for camera availability before the exam begins, so you cannot bypass the requirement by disabling hardware after you have started.
What Happens If Your Webcam Fails During an Exam
If your webcam stops working or disconnects during a proctored exam, Lockdown Browser will pause the test and alert you. You will not be able to continue until the camera is working again. This is a safety measure to may support the proctor has a complete video record of the exam.
If your camera fails and you cannot fix it quickly, contact your testing center or instructor when ready. Do not restart the exam on your own. Your school may allow you to resume the exam later, move to an in-person testing location, or make other accommodations depending on the circumstances and your institution's policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Lockdown Browser access my webcam without my knowledge?
No. Lockdown Browser only activates your webcam when your instructor has explicitly enabled proctoring for a specific exam, and you receive a notification before the test starts. The webcam does not turn on automatically or without your awareness.
Does Lockdown Browser record audio as well as video?
Yes, most proctoring setups record both video and audio. The microphone captures sound in your testing space so the proctor can hear if you are talking to someone or if there are unusual noises. Check with your testing center about your school's specific configuration.
Can I take a proctored exam without a webcam?
No, not through Lockdown Browser. If your instructor requires webcam proctoring and you do not have a camera, contact your testing center. Many schools offer in-person proctoring as an alternative, where you take the exam at a campus location with a human proctor watching.
Who can see the video after my exam is over?
Your instructor and your school's proctoring staff can access the video. Some schools also allow academic integrity committees to review recordings if cheating is suspected. Your institution's privacy policy explains exactly who has access and for how long the video is kept.
What if I think the proctor made a mistake in reviewing my exam?
Contact your instructor or testing center to request a review. You can ask to see the proctoring report and explain any behavior that may have been flagged. Many schools have an appeal process if you believe the proctoring decision was unfair.