Proctorio Setup Guide for macOS

This guide walks you through setting up Proctorio on a Mac using Google Chrome. Work through the steps in order, from installing the browser and extension to enabling permissions and running the system diagnostic test.

Step 1: Install and Open Google Chrome

Proctorio only runs in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. It will not work in Safari, Firefox, or other browsers.

• If Google Chrome is not already on your Mac: Download Chrome, install it, then open it.
  • Support Article: Adding Google Chrome to macOS

Step 2: Start Your Quiz and Add the Proctorio Extension

Open your course and launch the quiz in Google Chrome. Proctorio will prompt you to install the extension the first time.

• When the prompt appears, click Add Extension.
• If you do not see a prompt, go to getproctorio.com in Chrome and install it manually.

Step 3: Open the Proctorio Setup Page

Once you land on the Proctorio setup page, click Click here to install the Extension. Chrome will redirect you to the Chrome Web Store to finish the installation.

Step 4: Add the Extension to Chrome

On the Chrome Web Store page for Proctorio Secure Exam Proctor, click Add to Chrome, then confirm with Add extension.

You will know it worked when a shield icon appears in the Chrome toolbar in the upper right corner.

Step 5: Select Take the Quiz

Return to your course and open the quiz. Click Take the Quiz to launch it. Proctorio will start loading and walk you through the remaining setup.

Step 6: Close Any Extra Tabs and Windows

Proctorio needs a clean browser before it can run the diagnostic test.

• When prompted, click Click here to close extra tabs and windows automatically.
• If you do not see that option, close them yourself and click Continue.

Step 7: Run the Proctorio System Diagnostics Test

Proctorio will run a short system check before your exam starts. When Chrome asks for permission, click Allow for both your camera and microphone.

You may also see a macOS prompt asking to let Chrome use the camera and microphone. Click OK on each one.

Leave the diagnostic running. If it stops on the screen sharing check, that is expected. Step 8 covers the macOS permission it needs.

Step 8: Enable Screen Sharing Permissions

Chrome will ask for permission to share your screen with Proctorio. Click Open System Settings when prompted, then follow the steps in the next section to grant it.

Step 9: Turn On Screen & System Audio Recording for Chrome

In System Settings, go to Privacy & Security > Screen & System Audio Recording and turn the toggle on for Google Chrome.

This is what lets Proctorio securely record your screen during the exam.

Step 10: Quit and Reopen Chrome

After you grant the permission, macOS will prompt you to Quit & Reopen Chrome. Click it so the change takes effect.

If you do not get the prompt, quit Chrome fully by right clicking the application on your dock and selecting quit.

Step 11: Run the System Diagnostic Test

Return to your exam and follow the prompts to run the diagnostic test. When asked, allow access to your webcam and microphone, and choose Entire Screen and Share for screen sharing.

Step 12: Confirm the Diagnostic Test Passed

Everything is set up correctly when all of the diagnostic checks turn green. If any check turns red, see the troubleshooting section below.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Below are the issues students run into most often, along with the steps that resolve them. Select any item to expand it. Try these first, then reach out if the problem persists.

I installed Proctorio, but it still asks me for an access code.

This usually means Chrome is not seeing the extension, even if it looks installed.

1. Click the puzzle piece icon in the Chrome toolbar and look for Secure Exam Proctor. If you see it, click while on the exam page to load Proctorio.
2. Reinstall the extension. Open the Chrome menu in the top right corner and go to Extensions > Manage Extensions. Find Proctorio Secure Exam Proctor and click Remove, then reinstall it from https://getproctorio.com.
3. Check for a Chrome update. Go to Settings > About Google Chrome in the menu bar and let any update finish. Relaunch Chrome when it prompts you.
4. Reopen your quiz and try again.

My camera or microphone is not detected

• Quit every other app that uses the camera or mic, including Zoom, FaceTime, and Photo Booth, then reload the quiz page.
• In macOS, go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera and turn on Google Chrome. Do the same under Microphone.
• In Chrome, click the icon at the left edge of the address bar and set Camera and Microphone to Allow for the site.

The screen share check fails, or I cannot select Entire Screen

• Proctorio requires Entire Screen. Selecting a window or a tab will fail the check.
• If the Entire Screen option is grayed out, Chrome does not have screen recording permission yet. Revisit Step 8, then quit and reopen Chrome.
• If you already granted permission and it still fails, turn the toggle for Chrome off and back on in Privacy & Security > Screen & System Audio Recording, then restart Chrome.

My connection drops or the exam runs slowly

• Move closer to your router.
• Turn off any VPN. VPNs interfere with the exam connection.
• Pause any downloads or streaming that may interfere with your internet connection.

I lost connection in the middle of my exam

Do not close the tab. Reconnect to the internet and your exam will resume where you left off.

If you do get removed from the exam, you can re-enter it at any time. Reopen the quiz from your course and Proctorio will resume where you stopped.

Still Need Help?

If you worked through the troubleshooting steps and the diagnostic test still will not pass, reach out to support before your exam window closes.

• Submit a support ticket to support@smithchason.edu. Include your course, the name of the quiz, and a screenshot of the failed check so we can help faster.
• Proctorio offers live chat 24 hours a day. Click the shield icon in the Chrome toolbar during a proctored exam and select the chat option.
• Let your instructor know if a technical issue kept you from starting or finishing the exam.