What Lockdown Browser's webcam does during an exam
Lockdown Browser is a test-taking process made by Respondus that locks down your computer during online exams. When your instructor enables webcam monitoring, the browser uses your device's camera to record video of you and your testing space throughout the exam. The recording stays on your computer until the exam ends, then uploads to your school's server where an instructor or proctor can review it later.
The webcam requirement serves as a deterrent and verification tool. Your school uses the recording to confirm that you are the person taking the test, that you are alone in the room, and that you are not using unauthorized materials or devices during the exam. The camera does not stream live to an instructor in real time — it records locally and uploads after you finish.
Not every exam using Lockdown Browser requires a webcam. Your instructor chooses whether to turn on webcam monitoring for each test. If your course uses Lockdown Browser but the instructor has not enabled the webcam feature, you will not need a camera at all.
Key Takeaways
- Lockdown Browser records video of you and your testing space during an exam if your instructor enables the webcam feature, then uploads the recording after the test ends.
- The webcam must be positioned to show your face and your desk or testing area so the recording can verify your identity and confirm you are working alone.
- You need a working webcam, adequate lighting, and a clear view of your space before you start the exam — Lockdown Browser will not let you begin if the camera fails its check.
- The recording is stored on your school's server and reviewed by instructors or proctors after the exam, not monitored in real time by a live person.
- If your webcam is broken or not available, contact your instructor before exam day because Lockdown Browser will block you from starting if the camera requirement is on.
How to set up your webcam before the exam starts
Before you open Lockdown Browser on exam day, test your webcam on the device you plan to use. Open your computer's camera app or video call software (Zoom, Skype, or your operating system's built-in camera) and confirm the camera turns on, shows a clear image, and has good lighting. If you see a dark or blurry picture, move to a brighter location or add a desk lamp.
Position your webcam so it can see your face and your desk or testing area. If you are using a laptop, the built-in camera is usually at the top of the screen. If you are using a desktop computer, you may need to attach an external USB webcam to the monitor or place it on your desk. The camera should be at eye level or slightly above so it captures your face clearly and can see the surface where you are working.
When you launch Lockdown Browser, it will run a camera check before the exam begins. The browser will ask you to position yourself in front of the camera and confirm that the image is clear. If the camera fails this check — because it is not connected, not working, or blocked by software — Lockdown Browser will not let you start the exam. You will see an error message telling you to fix the camera problem before you can proceed.
What the webcam records and what it does not
The webcam records continuous video of your face and the area directly in front of you during the entire exam. This means the recording captures your facial expressions, your eye movement, your hands, and anything on your desk or in the background. The audio from your microphone is usually not recorded unless your instructor has specifically enabled audio recording as well.
The webcam does not record what is on your computer screen. Lockdown Browser captures your screen activity separately through a different method — the webcam is only for recording you and your physical space. This means the recording cannot show whether you typed an answer or clicked a button; it only shows that you were present and working at your desk.
The recording does not stream to anyone watching in real time. Some test-taking systems use live proctoring, where a human watches your webcam feed as you test. Lockdown Browser does not work that way. Your recording is saved to your computer and sent to your school after the exam ends, where an instructor or staff member can review it later if they choose to.
Privacy and what happens to the recording
The webcam recording is stored on your school's server after the exam ends. Your school owns the recording and controls who can view it. Typically, only your instructor and authorized proctoring staff can access the video. Your school's privacy policy governs how long the recording is kept and whether it can be used for purposes beyond verifying your exam integrity.
You should assume the recording will be reviewed if your exam answers raise questions — for example, if your score is unusually high or low compared to your previous work, or if the instructor suspects cheating. The recording gives the instructor a way to verify that you took the test yourself and did not receive help from another person or use unauthorized materials.
Before exam day, check your school's privacy policy or ask your instructor what happens to the recording and how long it is kept. Some schools delete recordings after a set period; others keep them for the entire term or longer. Knowing your school's policy helps you understand what you are consenting to when you start the exam.
Troubleshooting webcam problems before and during the exam
If Lockdown Browser will not recognize your webcam, first check that the camera is physically connected (if it is external) and that your operating system has not disabled it. On Windows, open Settings, go to Privacy, and check Camera. Make sure the camera is turned on and that Lockdown Browser has permission to use it. On Mac, go to System Preferences, Security & Privacy, Camera, and confirm Lockdown Browser is listed and enabled.
If you see a black screen or blurry image during the camera check, improve the lighting in your testing space. Close curtains if sunlight is creating glare, or turn on a desk lamp. Move the camera closer to your face or adjust the angle so the lens is not pointing at a bright window. Wait a few seconds for the camera to adjust to the new lighting, then try the camera check again.
If your webcam is broken and you cannot fix it before the exam, contact your instructor when ready. Do not wait until exam day. Your instructor may be able to postpone the exam, allow you to test in a location with a working camera (such as a campus computer lab), or disable the webcam requirement for your exam. Some schools also have loaner cameras available through their IT department.
Webcam requirements across different devices
Lockdown Browser works on Windows computers, Mac computers, and iPad tablets. The webcam requirement depends on your device type and your instructor's settings. If you are testing on a Windows or Mac computer, you need either a built-in camera or an external USB webcam. If you are testing on an iPad, the built-in front-facing camera is used.
External USB webcams are inexpensive and widely available. Any standard USB webcam will work with Lockdown Browser as long as your operating system recognizes it. You do not need a high-end camera — a basic 720p or 1080p webcam is sufficient for the browser to verify your identity and see your testing space.
If you are borrowing a computer or using a shared device, make sure the webcam works before exam day. Test it with the same user account you will use to take the exam, because some computers restrict camera access by user account. If the camera works for one account but not another, contact your IT department or instructor for help.
What to expect during the exam if webcam monitoring is on
Once the exam starts, you will see a small indicator on your screen showing that the webcam is recording. The recording continues for the entire duration of the exam. You should assume you are being recorded from the moment you click "Start Exam" until you submit your final answers and the exam closes.
During the exam, keep your face visible to the camera and stay at your desk. Do not leave the testing space, cover the camera, or position yourself so the camera cannot see you. If you need to step away — for example, to use the bathroom — pause the exam if possible, or let your instructor know beforehand that you may need a brief break. Some schools allow short breaks; others do not.
After you submit the exam, Lockdown Browser stops recording and begins uploading the video file to your school's server. The upload may take several minutes depending on the file size and your internet connection. Do not close Lockdown Browser until the upload is complete, or the recording may not reach your school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cover my webcam or turn it off during the exam?
No. If you cover the camera or disconnect it, Lockdown Browser will detect the interruption and may flag the exam or prevent you from continuing. The browser is designed to may support the camera stays active throughout the test. If you need to disable the webcam requirement, contact your instructor before the exam.
Does the webcam record audio as well as video?
Usually not. Lockdown Browser records video by default, but audio recording is a separate setting your instructor must enable. If audio recording is on, you will typically see a notification before the exam starts. Check your exam instructions or ask your instructor if you are unsure whether audio is being recorded.
What if someone else is in the room with me during the exam?
The webcam recording will show if another person is present. If your instructor reviews the recording and sees someone else in the room, it may be flagged as a potential violation of academic integrity policies, depending on your school's rules. Check your exam instructions to confirm whether you must test alone.
How long does it take for the recording to upload after I finish the exam?
Upload time depends on the file size and your internet speed. Most recordings upload within a few minutes, but larger files or slower connections may take longer. Stay connected to the internet and keep Lockdown Browser open until the upload is complete. If the upload fails, contact your instructor or IT department right away.
Can I request that my recording not be reviewed?
No. Once you start an exam with webcam monitoring enabled, the recording is created and sent to your school. You cannot prevent the recording from being made or request that it be deleted. If you have concerns about privacy or the webcam requirement, discuss them with your instructor before the exam date.