Sale: Get Helperbird Pro for $15
Helperbird Helperbird logo: Stylized owl with large yellow eyes and a beige face, against a green background.

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

  1. Go to admin.google.com.
  2. Sign in with your admin account.

Step 2: Navigate to Apps & Extensions

  1. Go to Devices > Chrome > Apps & extensions.
  2. Select the organizational unit (OU) where your students are.

Step 3: Add Helperbird

  1. Click the + button to add a new app or extension.
  2. Search for Helperbird or enter the Chrome extension ID: ahmapmilbkfamljbpgphfndeemhnajme
  3. Click on Helperbird to add it.

Step 4: Set to Force Install

  1. Under Installation policy, select Force install or Force install + pin to ChromeOS taskbar.
  2. 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

Validate Your Policy

Before deploying, use our JSON Policy Validator to check for errors, validate feature codes, and see exactly what each setting does.

References

More help articles

What People Are Saying

Join over 1,000,000 people who use Helperbird every day.

Read All Reviews

This chrome extension is absolutely amazing. I'm a Primary school teacher and it helps children with a broad range of needs. It's so easy to set up. I love the way it syncs across devices so set up is seamless across all the children's computers. The customizable features are a game changer for allowing children to enjoy reading and accessing the web in our school. The best application I have ever seen for school children. Looking forward to trying the iPad application soon.

Luke Mccarthy

Luke Mccarthy

Teacher

Insightful functionality. Well done.

David Linde

David Linde

Helperbird user

It used to be a little rough but the Helperbird support team gave me access to the beta and can't wait for it to be released. Giving it 5 stars mostly for support and the upcoming features.

Firefox user

Firefox user

Helperbird user

wonderful

Ayman Mahrous

Ayman Mahrous

Helperbird user

It an extension that makes reading easy while surfing the internet.

Mohammad F.

Mohammad F.

IT intern

This extension has been an absolute lifesaver. I have that fantastic combo of ADHD and Dyslexia while trying to go through college. I have difficulty keeping letters in order, seeing the gaps between words, and with ADHD on top, I lose focus A LOT. The immersive reader has been my new best friend. It drowns out the rest of the content on the page, changes the font to something I can read, and highlights the word as it reads to me. My eyes are forced to keep going in the right direction. I can slow down and pay attention to what I'm reading. I don't even have to go back and read the same paragraph 5 times to understand it! The screen overlay has been outstanding for eye strain and being able to distinguish between words and spaces. The custom font and spacing for research articles have been an enormous advantage! I can actually read the research papers now and not have this daunting 2 column fine print page to squint over.All around, this has been the best purchase I've ever had. I use this every day, with every assignment. I don't even struggle with story-based questions anymore. The immersive reader helps me read, listen, and understand the question all at once. I am still exploring what I can use this with and how it can make my academic career, and I keep getting impressed with every new way I find to use it. Seriously, try it out. You won't regret it at all. Even if you don't have dyslexia or ADHD, just try it out. You might find that it helps you understand the content you're trying to learn even better!

Mason Hunter

Mason Hunter

Helperbird user

Helperbird logo: Stylized owl with large yellow eyes and a beige face, against a green background.

Download Helperbird

Make browsing easier and more accessible with tools like Text to Speech, Immersive Reader, and more.

Get Helperbird

Available on all your favorite browsers and platforms

Browsers

Chrome Edge Firefox Safari

Apps & Add-ons

Google Docs Google Slides iPad iPhone

Browse Helperbird