Signs Your Webcam Is Active in Lockdown Browser
Lockdown Browser will show you a clear indicator when your webcam is on. Look for a red dot or a red circle with a line through it in the top-right corner of the Lockdown Browser window — this appears whenever the webcam is actively recording. If you see this icon, the browser is using your camera. If the icon is not there, your webcam is off.
The red indicator is intentional: test administrators want you to know when you are being recorded, and the software is designed to make it obvious. Some versions also display text that says "Recording" or show a small preview of what the camera sees. The exact appearance depends on which version of Lockdown Browser your school or testing organization uses, but the red icon is the most common signal across versions.
You can also check by looking at your computer's physical webcam light, if your device has one. Many laptops have a small LED near the camera lens that lights up when the camera is in use. If both the Lockdown Browser indicator and your hardware light are on, the browser is definitely using the camera.
Key Takeaways
- A red dot or red circle icon in the top-right corner of Lockdown Browser means your webcam is actively recording.
- The red indicator appears automatically whenever a test requires webcam monitoring and stays visible for the entire exam.
- Your computer's physical webcam light (if it has one) will also turn on when Lockdown Browser is using the camera.
- Lockdown Browser does not allow you to disable the webcam during a monitored test — the indicator shows the current status, not a toggle.
When Lockdown Browser Uses Your Webcam
Lockdown Browser uses your webcam only during exams that require proctoring — human or automated monitoring of test-takers. Not every test administered through Lockdown Browser uses the camera. Your instructor or testing organization decides whether webcam monitoring is required for a particular exam.
Before you start a test, Lockdown Browser will tell you whether the exam requires a webcam. You will see a notification or prompt asking you to position your camera and confirm it is working. If no such prompt appears, that test does not use the camera. Once the test begins and the webcam is on, the red indicator will remain visible until the test ends or the proctor stops the recording.
What Lockdown Browser Records Through Your Webcam
When the webcam is on, Lockdown Browser records video of you and your testing environment. The camera typically captures your face, upper body, and the area around your desk. The purpose is to verify that you are the person taking the test and that you are not using unauthorized materials or receiving help from someone else.
The recording is sent to the testing organization or proctor, not stored on your computer. You do not have access to the video file after the test ends. The organization that required the webcam — usually your school or a testing company — controls how long they keep the recording and who can view it.
Checking Your Webcam Before a Proctored Test
Lockdown Browser includes a camera test feature that runs before a proctored exam starts. When you launch a test that requires a webcam, the browser will ask you to allow camera access. You will see a preview of what the camera sees, and you can adjust your position or lighting before the test begins.
If your webcam does not work during this test, Lockdown Browser will not let you start the exam. Common problems include a camera that is already in use by another program, a camera that is disabled in your device settings, or a camera that needs a driver update. If you see an error, close other programs that might be using the camera (like Zoom or Skype), check that your camera is enabled in your operating system settings, and try again.
Privacy and Webcam Access
Lockdown Browser requests permission to use your webcam the first time you run a proctored test. Your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) will ask you to confirm that you allow the browser to access the camera. You must grant this permission for the test to proceed. If you deny permission, you cannot take a proctored exam that requires a webcam.
Once you have granted permission, Lockdown Browser can access your camera whenever a test requires it. You can revoke this permission at any time through your device settings, but doing so will prevent you from taking any future proctored tests on that device. If you revoke permission and later need to take a proctored exam, you will have to grant it again.
Troubleshooting a Webcam That Will Not Turn On
If Lockdown Browser says your webcam is not working, start by checking that your camera is physically connected (if it is external) and that it is not disabled in your device settings. On Windows, open Settings, go to Privacy and Security, select Camera, and make sure the toggle is on. On a Mac, go to System Preferences, select Security and Privacy, choose Camera, and check that Lockdown Browser is listed and allowed.
Next, close any other programs that might be using the camera — Zoom, Skype, Discord, or a web browser with an open video call. Only one program can use a webcam at a time on most devices. If you have closed other programs and the camera still does not work, restart your computer and try the test again. If the problem persists, contact your school's technical support or the testing organization before your exam is scheduled to start.
What to Do If the Red Indicator Disappears During a Test
If the red webcam indicator vanishes while you are taking a proctored test, your camera connection has been lost. This can happen if your internet connection drops, if another program takes over the camera, or if there is a hardware problem. Stop what you are doing and contact your proctor or testing organization when ready — do not continue the test.
In most cases, the proctor can see that the camera feed has stopped and will reach out to you. If they do not, use the contact information provided in your test instructions to let them know. Depending on the organization's policy, you may be able to restart the test, or you may need to reschedule. Reporting the problem right away protects you from being marked as non-compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Lockdown Browser use my webcam without showing the red indicator?
No. The red indicator is a required part of Lockdown Browser's design. If the camera is recording, the red dot will be visible. If you do not see the indicator, the webcam is not in use. This transparency is intentional — test administrators want you to know when you are being recorded.
Does Lockdown Browser record audio through the webcam?
Lockdown Browser can record audio, but it does so through your computer's microphone, not the webcam. The microphone and camera are separate devices. If a test requires audio recording, you will see a separate notification about microphone access, and your microphone light (if your device has one) will turn on.
Can I cover my webcam during a proctored test?
No. Covering the camera will cause the test to stop or fail. The proctor needs to see you and your environment to verify that you are following test rules. If you cover the camera, the proctor will likely end the exam and report a violation.
What happens to the webcam recording after my test is done?
The recording is sent to your school or testing organization and stored on their servers. You do not receive a copy. The organization decides how long to keep the video — policies vary. Some delete recordings after a set period; others keep them for the duration of your enrollment or program.
Does Lockdown Browser access my webcam when I am not taking a test?
No. Lockdown Browser only activates the camera when you are actively taking a test that requires proctoring. The browser does not monitor your camera at any other time, even if the process is open on your computer.