Here’s a fact that Duolingo doesn’t want you to know: Your test will be invalidated once the camera stops working. Many users have faced the same issue during the test, encountering camera malfunctions that disrupted their exam process.
And you definitely don’t want to end up in the same situation! Many test-takers have faced this issue, and what typically happened was that the camera stopped working at a critical point, causing the test to be interrupted or invalidated.
In this post, LUME will share practical solutions and tips to handle the Duolingo English Test (DET) camera not working issue. Note: It’s important to address this issue before starting the test to avoid any disruptions.
These 9 fixes will help you avoid problems and ensure your test is fully certified.
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The camera is essential for keeping the test fair and reliable, especially with online testing.
Duolingo uses a two-camera system so proctors can clearly see both you and your testing space. This system is used to record both video and audio throughout the test, including during the listening sections, to ensure the integrity of your responses.
This ensures that every test is taken honestly and follows the rules.
Also, by recording your behavior and surroundings, Duolingo adds an extra layer of security, making cheating very hard.
As the entire testing space is visible, universities can trust that your score truly shows your ability.
To use the two-camera system properly, you need:
You can borrow a phone if needed, and a tablet is acceptable.
First, ensure the Duolingo desktop app has permission to access your camera.
On both Windows and macOS, you can manually control which apps can use your camera.
If permissions are turned off, the Duolingo English Test (DET) app won’t be able to detect or activate it.
You need to open your device settings and look for “Camera Privacy” or “App Permissions.” On Windows, make sure to enable access by turning on ‘Allow desktop apps to access your camera’ in the privacy settings.
Then, confirm that the Duolingo English Test (DET) app is allowed to use your camera.
Many applications can lock the webcam in the background without you realizing it.
Be sure to fully exit all other applications that might be using the camera before starting the Duolingo English Test.
Video apps like Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, or even browser tabs with camera access can prevent the Duolingo English Test (DET) app from using the camera correctly.
Camera interruptions sometimes result from unstable or slow internet.
The Duolingo English Test (DET) requires a minimum of 2 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload.
Also, a stable connection is just as important as speed.
If your connection drops, the camera stream will freeze or disconnect.
All you need to do is run a quick online speed test and switch to a wired connection for stability.
When multiple people or devices share your Wi-Fi, the camera stream may fail if your network becomes overloaded.
To avoid this, you can disconnect unnecessary devices and ask others in your home to pause their internet use during your test.
Besides, you can turn off smart TVs, game consoles, or cloud backups.
Network congestion is usually higher in the evening.
If you continue experiencing camera dropouts, try taking your test late at night or early in the morning.
During these hours, your internet connection is more stable, reducing the chances of the camera being cut off.
The Duolingo English Test (DET) app shows a small preview of your face in the top right corner.
This window allows you to confirm that your camera is functioning throughout the exam. If your camera was working fine before the test but stops during the exam, immediate troubleshooting is needed to ensure your test can be certified.
If you notice the preview freezing or disappearing at any point, stop and fix it before continuing the test.
Outdated webcam drivers or operating systems can cause sudden camera issues. Recent changes to drivers or system settings may also impact camera performance, so it’s important to review any modifications made before the problem started.
To handle this, visit your device’s update settings and install pending updates.
If you use Windows, also check the Device Manager for webcam drivers and update them to the latest version.
Even if you are using the desktop app, past browser permissions can conflict with camera access.
For example, if Chrome or Safari is blocking cameras globally, it may affect other applications.
You need to open your browser settings and ensure camera permissions are set to ‘Ask’ or ‘Allow,’ not ‘Blocked.’ Also, check the site permissions for the Duolingo test site and make sure the site is allowed to access your camera.
If you use an external webcam, loose cables or a faulty USB port can cause it to disconnect unexpectedly.
This often happens when the test tries to activate both audio and video at the same time.
Also, make sure the cable is firmly plugged in and try a different USB port.
If possible, test the webcam in another application to confirm it is stable.
PC users should also check for hardware conflicts or driver issues that might prevent the camera from working properly.
Below are the key steps to follow so your device, camera, and internet are fully ready before you start:
For the macOS system, you can follow these steps to prepare before the test:
Before you begin the test, make sure both cameras can clearly capture you and your workspace by following these steps:
You can drink water during the test, but there are some rules.
You need to use a small bottle (20 oz or less) and remove any labels.
Also, take small sips without looking away from the screen, as looking away can break the test rules.
No, you cannot change devices once the Duolingo English Test (DET) has started.
The test requires a continuous, secure setup, so switching devices during the session is not allowed.
In short, if your Duolingo English Test (DET) camera is not working, it can disrupt your test and affect your results.
Setting up your devices correctly and following simple troubleshooting steps can help ensure a smooth, fully certified test experience.
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