How to Use Helperbird in Locked Mode on Chromebooks
Learn how to make Helperbird work during locked mode quizzes on Chromebooks. This guide covers force-installing Helperbird through Google Admin Console so students can use accessibility features during assessments.
When a teacher turns on locked mode for a Google Forms quiz, it takes over the Chromebook screen so students cannot navigate away. Most extensions and keyboard shortcuts are disabled during this time. However, accessibility extensions like Helperbird can still work if they are set up correctly by your school admin.
What Is Locked Mode?
Locked mode is a feature in Google Forms that locks down a managed Chromebook while a student is taking a quiz. When locked mode is on:
- The screen is taken over by the quiz and students cannot open other tabs or apps.
- Most Chrome extensions are disabled.
- Most keyboard shortcuts are disabled.
- The Chromebook shelf (taskbar) is hidden.
Locked mode only works on managed Chromebooks. It does not work on personal devices, iPads, Macs, or Windows PCs.
Does Helperbird Work in Locked Mode?
Yes, Helperbird can work in locked mode, but only if it is force-installed through the Google Admin Console by your school or district admin.
If Helperbird was installed manually by the student or teacher (not through Google Admin), it will be disabled when locked mode is active.
Google allows accessibility extensions to run in locked mode to support students with IEP accommodations and 504 plans. Other accessibility tools like Read&Write and Snap&Read also work this way.
How to Set It Up
To make Helperbird work in locked mode, your Google Admin needs to force-install the extension. Here is how:
Step 1: Open Google Admin Console
- Go to admin.google.com.
- Sign in with your admin account.
Step 2: Navigate to Apps & Extensions
- Go to Devices > Chrome > Apps & extensions.
- Select the organizational unit (OU) where your students are.
Step 3: Add Helperbird
- Click the + button to add a new app or extension.
- Search for Helperbird or enter the Chrome extension ID: ahmapmilbkfamljbpgphfndeemhnajme
- Click on Helperbird to add it.
Step 4: Set to Force Install
- Under Installation policy, select Force install or Force install + pin to ChromeOS taskbar.
- Click Save.
This means Helperbird will be automatically installed on every managed Chromebook in that OU. Students cannot remove it, and it will stay active during locked mode quizzes.
Step 5: Set the Subscription Key (Optional)
If your school has a Helperbird Pro or Unlimited subscription, you can also push the subscription key through a JSON policy so students are automatically logged in. See our guide on How to Set Helperbird JSON Policy in Google Admin for details.
Tips for Students
Since the Chromebook shelf is hidden during locked mode, students will need to use keyboard shortcuts or the Helperbird toolbar to access features. Here are some tips:
- The Helperbird icon should still appear in the browser toolbar during the quiz.
- Students can click the Helperbird icon to open the Helperbird menu and turn on features like text-to-speech, dyslexia fonts, or reading rulers.
- If a student needs specific features during assessments, we recommend having them set up their preferred Helperbird settings before the quiz starts. Helperbird will remember their settings.
Troubleshooting
Helperbird is not showing during locked mode:
- Make sure Helperbird is force-installed through Google Admin, not manually installed.
- Check that the student's Chromebook is in the correct organizational unit.
- Make sure the Chromebook is managed by your school district.
Helperbird features are not working:
- Make sure the student has an active Helperbird Pro or Unlimited subscription. Some features are only available on paid plans.
- Try setting the subscription key via JSON policy so it activates automatically.
Related Helperbird Guides
- How to Deploy Helperbird to Your School
- How to Set Helperbird JSON Policy in Google Admin
- How to Disable Helperbird Features Using JSON Policy
- How to Set Up a Child Organizational Unit for Helperbird
- How to Login to Helperbird
Validate Your Policy
Before deploying, use our JSON Policy Validator to check for errors, validate feature codes, and see exactly what each setting does.
