Google Forms Locked Mode Explained: What It Blocks and How It Works
What is Google Forms locked mode? Learn which devices it works on, what it blocks during a quiz, what happens if you exit and how to prepare for a locked quiz.
If your teacher says a Google Forms quiz is in locked mode, it works very differently from a normal form. This guide explains what locked mode is, what it does and how to avoid problems.
What locked mode is
Locked mode is a quiz setting available to schools using Google Workspace for Education. When a teacher enables it, students taking the quiz on a school-managed Chromebook are locked into the quiz until they submit.
It is usually turned on from the quiz settings in Google Forms or when creating a quiz assignment in Google Classroom.
What locked mode blocks
While the quiz is open in locked mode:
- The quiz is shown full screen.
- You cannot open other tabs, windows or websites.
- Extensions are disabled, including study tools.
- Screenshots and other apps are blocked.
- Notifications are suppressed.
Which devices it works on
Locked mode only works on Chromebooks managed by your school. It does not lock personal laptops, Windows PCs, Macs or phones. If a quiz requires locked mode and you try to open it on another device, you may not be able to start it at all.
If you leave the quiz
Leaving a locked quiz is recorded, and teachers may be notified, depending on how the school set it up. You might need to reopen the quiz to continue. If you leave by accident, tell your teacher right away so they know it was not intentional.
Common problems
- "You need a managed device": you are not on a school Chromebook. Switch devices or ask your teacher.
- Quiz will not start: make sure the Chromebook is up to date and connected to the school network, then restart.
- Accidentally exited: inform your teacher immediately.
How to prepare
Since extensions and other tabs are blocked, everything depends on what you know when the quiz opens:
- Find out which topics the quiz covers.
- Practise with similar questions beforehand. Use AI to generate them and tools like TrustStudy to check your answers on practice forms.
- Review mistakes from earlier quizzes.
See how to study with Google Forms practice quizzes.
Locked mode is about fairness
Learn more
For the general picture of what forms record, read can teachers see if you switch tabs on Google Forms? and how Google Forms quizzes work.
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Try the question yourself, then highlight it and press Alt + X to check your answer right on the page. No tabs, no copy-paste. Start with 3 free credits.
Install extensionFrequently asked questions
What is locked mode in Google Forms?
Locked mode is a quiz setting for schools using Google Workspace for Education. On school-managed Chromebooks, it keeps the quiz full screen and blocks other tabs, apps and extensions until you submit.
Does locked mode work on a personal laptop or phone?
No. Locked mode only works on Chromebooks managed by your school. On other devices, the quiz either opens normally or cannot be opened, depending on the school's setup.
What happens if I exit locked mode?
Exiting is recorded, and depending on the setup, your teacher may be notified. You may need to reopen the quiz to continue. Avoid exiting unless you are finished.