Using Your Smartphone as a Second Camera for the Duolingo English Test

Starting August 2024, the Duolingo English Test (DET) now requires test-takers to use a smartphone as a second camera to enhance test security. This update ensures a fair and secure testing environment for all.

In this guide, you'll learn:
✅ Why this change was made
✅ How to set up your smartphone as a second camera
✅ Best practices to avoid test invalidation

Why This Change Was Made

Duolingo is committed to maintaining the integrity of the Duolingo English Test. The second camera requirement helps:

• Prevent test invalidation due to suspicions of unauthorized materials.
• Ensure fairness and transparency for all test-takers.
• Provide proctors with a clear view of the testing environment.

By following this setup, you minimize the chances of having your test flagged or invalidated.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Smartphone as a Second Camera

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• A smartphone (fully charged) 📱
• A stable object (e.g., a mug or a phone holder) to keep your phone steady.

Step 2: Open the Duolingo English Test Desktop App

Launch the Duolingo English Test desktop app on your computer. The app will guide you through the setup process.

Step 3: Scan the QR Code with Your Phone

• A QR code will appear on your computer screen.
• Use your smartphone's camera to scan the QR code.
• This syncs your phone with the Duolingo test system.

Step 4: Enable Camera Access

• Grant the desktop app permission to access your smartphone’s camera.
• This allows test proctors to monitor your environment effectively.

Step 5: Position Your Smartphone Correctly

• Place your smartphone against the stable object or a phone holder.
• Ensure it clearly shows your screen and keyboard.
• The phone can be on either side of your computer, whichever gives the best view.

Step 6: Adjust and Stabilize

• Adjust your phone until the screen and keyboard are fully visible.
• Make sure your phone does not move or fall during the test.

Step 7: Activate 'Do Not Disturb' Mode

• To avoid interruptions, enable Do Not Disturb mode.
• This prevents calls, messages, and notifications from disrupting your test.

The Four Most Commonly Broken Rules of the Duolingo English Test

The Importance of This New Setup

This update isn’t just a technical requirement—it’s essential for maintaining test security. By using your smartphone as a second camera, you:
✅ Ensure there are no unauthorized materials in your environment.
✅ Protect your test results from being invalidated.
✅ Help proctors monitor test conditions fairly.

Final Tips for a Successful Duolingo English Test

🟢 Prepare Your Environment – Choose a quiet, well-lit, and distraction-free area.
🟢 Practice Before Test Day – Familiarize yourself with the Duolingo English Test format.
🟢 Stay Calm and Focused – The second camera helps you, not hinders you.

If you have questions or need further assistance, reach out to the official Duolingo English Test support team.

🎯 Good luck with your test preparation—stay confident, and you’ve got this! 🚀

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When does the Duolingo English Test require a smartphone as a second camera?

Starting August 2024, the Duolingo English Test (DET) requires test-takers to use a smartphone as a second camera to enhance test security.

Why did Duolingo add the second camera requirement for the DET?

The second camera requirement was added to help maintain the integrity of the Duolingo English Test by preventing test invalidation due to suspicions of unauthorized materials, ensuring fairness and transparency, and giving proctors a clear view of the testing environment.

How do I connect my smartphone to the Duolingo English Test desktop app as a second camera?

Open the Duolingo English Test desktop app on your computer, then scan the QR code that appears on your screen using your smartphone’s camera to sync your phone with the Duolingo test system, and grant the app permission to access your smartphone’s camera.

How should I position and prepare my phone to avoid interruptions or test disqualification?

Place your smartphone against a stable object or in a phone holder so it clearly shows your screen and keyboard, adjust it until they are fully visible, ensure the phone does not move during the test, and enable Do Not Disturb mode to prevent calls, messages, and notifications from disrupting your test.