edited 6/26/2026
How to Install Respondus LockDown Browser on a Mac
Step 1: Download the Installer
Use the official Young Harris College download link below. Do not download Respondus from any other website.
Sometimes the link may not autocorrect and will send you to the Windows installer, if that happens please click on “Do you need the Mac version?” or click this additional link
https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?ostype=2&id=318107954
https://download.respondus.com/lockdown/download.php?ostype=2&id=318107954
• Click the link above to open the download page
• Click the "Install Now" button
• The file will save to your Downloads folder
• It will have a name like InstallLDBPackage64c-2-1-5-05.zip
Step 2: Unzip the File
• Open Finder (the smiley-face icon at the bottom of your screen)
• Click on Downloads in the left sidebar
• Double-click the file you just downloaded
• This will create a new file called "Install Respondus LockDown Browser.pkg" — it looks like a small open box
Step 3: Open the Installer
• Double-click the .pkg file (the box icon) to start the installation
If the installer opens normally, skip ahead to Step 5.
If you see a message that says something like "can't be opened because it is from an unidentified developer" or "Apple cannot check it for malicious software," go to Step 4.
Step 4: Bypass the Security Warning
This is the most common reason the file "won't open" on a Mac. Here's how to get past it:
1. Find the .pkg installer file in your Downloads folder
2. Hold the Control key on your keyboard and click the file at the same time (this is called a "right-click")
3. A small menu will pop up — click Open
4. Another window will appear asking if you're sure — click Open again
5. The installer should now launch
If the menu still won't let you open it:
1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen
2. Click System Settings
3. Click Privacy & Security on the left
4. Scroll down — you'll see a message about Respondus being blocked
5. Click the "Open Anyway" button next to that message
6. Enter your Mac password if it asks
7. Go back to the installer and double-click it again
Step 5: Follow the Installation Prompts
• Click Continue on each screen
• Click Agree to accept the terms
• Click Install
• Enter your Mac password when asked (this is the password you use to log into your Mac, not your school account)
• Wait for the installer to finish
• Click Close when it's done
Step 6: Open LockDown Browser
• Open Finder
• Click Applications on the left sidebar
• Find LockDown Browser (it has a blue globe with a padlock)
• Double-click it to open
Step 7: Allow Camera, Microphone, and Screen Recording
The first time you open LockDown Browser, your Mac will ask permission to use certain features. You must say YES to all of them, or your test won't work.
When pop-ups appear, click OK or Allow for:
• Camera
• Microphone
• Screen Recording
If you accidentally clicked "Don't Allow," fix it like this:
1. Click the Apple menu → System Settings
2. Click Privacy & Security on the left
3. Click Camera — make sure LockDown Browser is turned ON
4. Go back and do the same for Microphone
5. Go back and do the same for Screen Recording
6. Quit LockDown Browser completely (press Command + Q) and reopen it
Step 8: Test It Out
• Log into Moodle (or whichever site your teacher uses)
• Click on your quiz or test
• LockDown Browser should launch automatically and you're ready to go!
Still Having Trouble?
If the file still won't open after trying everything above:
• "The file is damaged" message: The download didn't finish. Delete the file from Downloads and try the link in Step 1 again.
• Close background apps: Before starting a test, fully quit apps like Zoom, Teams, Spotify, Discord, FaceTime, and Photo Booth by pressing Command + Q in each one.
• Make sure your Mac is updated: Click the Apple menu → System Settings → General → Software Update and install anything that's available.
• Contact your teacher to let them know you're having trouble, and reach out to the YHC IT Support Team for help.