Troubleshoot Smart Browser issues

Issue

Fix

“No Internet Connection” when opening Smart Browser

Check Wi‑Fi/Ethernet, disable VPN briefly if needed, then click Reload. You must be online to continue.

Windows: “Microsoft Visual C++ Required”

Use Quick Install in Smart Browser, or download the redistributable from Microsoft, install it, then click Verify Installation.

Update check failed / stuck on updates

Check your network and click Try again. Allow the update to finish; the app may restart automatically. Corporate-managed installs may follow IT policy instead.

Permissions missing (camera, microphone, screen recording; macOS also Full Disk Access)

Follow the on-screen permissions wizard. On macOS: System Settings → Privacy & Security → allow SmartBrowser for each permission, then use Quit & Reopen if asked. On Windows: open Windows Settings from the wizard, allow SmartBrowser, return to the app (it rechecks when focused). Full Disk Access is a permission gate only — SmartBrowser does not read or upload your personal files.

Display setup fails (mirroring / multiple displays)

Turn off screen mirroring, disconnect external monitors and wireless displays, and use only your primary laptop/desktop screen. Then retry the check.

Required domains or real-time services fail

Ensure company firewall, proxy, DNS, or security software is not blocking HackerEarth domains (including realtime/Firebase endpoints). Ask IT to allow HTTPS access, then retry.

Connection quality fails

You need roughly 512 kbps download or better. Switch to a stronger network (avoid unstable hotspots), close heavy downloads, then retry.

Host environment: virtual machine detected

Run Smart Browser on a physical computer, not inside a VM.

Host environment: remote access detected

Disconnect remote desktop / remote-control tools. On Windows, use Open Remote Desktop settings, turn Remote Desktop off, disconnect active sessions, then retry.

Camera check fails (“couldn’t open,” timeout, “in use,” dark/blocked)

Allow camera access for Smart Browser. Close other apps using the camera (video calls, virtual cameras, IR/Windows Hello helpers if they interfere). Uncover the shutter, improve lighting, then retry. On multi-camera laptops, Smart Browser tries multiple devices automatically.

Audio check fails

Allow microphone access. Complete the short mic sample and speaker playback when prompted. Unmute speakers/headphones and retry.

Asked to close background applications

Close every listed app, or choose Try closing automatically. If some remain, close them manually in your OS, then retry. Writing assistants (for example Grammarly) and similar tools must be fully quit—not just minimized.

Session link not detected / welcome screen waits for Start

Return to your invitation email or browser page and click Start. Or copy the session link, then open Smart Browser — if detected, use Resume your session. You do not type the URL into Smart Browser.

Issue

Fix

Smart Browser does not open when you click Start

1. Confirm Smart Browser is installed. 2. Quit other browser instances if the deep link seems stuck. 3. Open Smart Browser from Applications / Start Menu once. 4. Return to the invite and click Start again. 5. If needed, copy the invite link and use clipboard Resume after system checks.

macOS: app not listed under Privacy & Security

Open Smart Browser and complete the permissions wizard so the OS registers the app, then enable Camera, Microphone, Screen Recording, and Full Disk Access as prompted. Restart Smart Browser if still missing.

Issue

Fix

Security warning after leaving the test / switching apps

Click back inside the Smart Browser session window immediately. You typically have 10 seconds to return or the session may end.

Restricted applications running mid-test

Close the listed apps immediately (use the in-app close action if shown). Writing aids and messaging/tools apps can trigger this.

External display or screen mirroring warning

Unplug extra monitors / disable wireless display / turn off mirroring within 10 seconds, or the app may quit.

Inbound remote access warning

Disconnect the remote session. This warning does not end the test by itself, but remote access violates policy and is recorded. On Windows you can open Remote Desktop settings from the warning.

Connection interrupted / page fails to load

Use Retry Now if shown, or wait for automatic retry. Check that your network is stable. If the window shows a fatal URL/DNS error, verify connectivity and relaunch via invitation Start.

Cannot type answers (Grammarly or similar)

Fully quit Grammarly and other writing-aid / overlay apps before and during the assessment. Relaunch Smart Browser after they are closed.

Windows: taskbar covers Submit / Run

Click inside the test window or use the session refresh control if available. The taskbar is normally hidden during the secured session.

Screenshots / screen recording don’t work or show a black window

Expected. Smart Browser protects the assessment window from capture. Do not attempt to screenshot or record the test.

Issue

Fix

OS permission or System Settings prompt appears

Prefer granting Camera, Microphone, Screen Recording, and Full Disk Access during the before-test system check, not after the assessment has started. Path: System Settings → Privacy & Security.

Assessment closed after interacting with a system prompt

Relaunch from your invitation Start link. Permissions already granted should persist. Complete any remaining setup checks, then continue.

False warnings about Notification Centre

Current Smart Browser versions allowlist Notification Center / Notification Centre so they should not trigger restricted-app warnings. Update Smart Browser if you still see this on an older build.

Issue

Fix

Disconnected due to network or crash

Reopen the invitation and click Start, or relaunch Smart Browser and use clipboard Resume if you copied the link.

App closed after a security countdown

Fix the cause (return focus, close restricted apps, remove extra displays), then restart via Start from the invite.