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For enhanced exam security, Talview uses your mobile phone as a secondary camera. This provides proctors with an extended view of your test environment, ensuring visibility beyond the primary webcam and helping maintain exam integrity. In this article, you’ll learn how to prepare your mobile device, grant the required mobile browser permissions, position the camera correctly, and manage the secondary camera before and during the exam.

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✅ Before You Begin

Ensure your secondary device (mobile phone) meets the following requirements before starting your test:
  • Fully charged battery or connected to a power source to avoid interruptions
  • Functional front-facing camera (selfie camera) and back camera
  • Stable internet connection maintained throughout the test
  • Updated browser - Google Chrome or Safari latest version
  • QR code scanning capability through your phone’s camera app or dedicated QR scanner

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🧰 Setting Up Your Secondary Camera

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Step 1: Scan the QR Code

During candidate onboarding, a QR code will appear on your primary device (laptop/desktop).
  • Open your mobile phone camera or QR scanning app
  • Point it at the QR code displayed on the primary screen
  • This links your mobile phone as the secondary camera to the proctoring system

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Step 2: Grant Mobile Device Permissions

After scanning the QR code, your mobile browser will request permission to access device features. These permissions are mandatory for the secondary camera to function correctly.

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Required Permissions on Mobile

You must allow the following:
  • Camera – required to stream your environment
  • Microphone – required for audio monitoring
  • Browser access – allow permissions when prompted

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How to Enable Permissions (If Blocked)

If permissions are denied accidentally - On Android (Chrome):
  1. Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Site Settings
  2. Select Camera and Microphone
  3. Allow access for the exam URL
  4. Refresh the browser page
On iPhone (Safari):
  1. Go to Settings → Safari
  2. Enable Camera and Microphone
  3. Return to the exam page and refresh
⚠️ If camera or microphone permissions are not enabled, the secondary camera setup will fail, and you may not be allowed to continue the exam.

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Step 3: Position Your Phone

Place your mobile phone (secondary device) in a stable position using a tripod, phone holder, shelf, or table.
  • Position the phone diagonally from your test desk
  • Ensure it is no more than 2 to 2.5 feet away from your seating position
  • Do not handhold the phone during the exam

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📷 Camera Positioning Guidelines

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1. Optimal Setup Requirements

Positioning AspectBest Practice
OrientationUse landscape mode (hold phone sideways) for a wider viewing angle
Camera AnglePosition at eye level or slightly above, tilted downward toward your face
View CoverageCapture your face, upper body profile (waist to head), computer screen, keyboard, and desk clearly
DistancePlace your secondary camera 2 to 2.5 feet away from your primary device
LightingEnsure adequate lighting so the camera can see you clearly
ObstructionsRemove any objects or furniture blocking the camera’s line of sight

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2. Device Settings

  • Disable auto-lock / screen timeout on your mobile phone
  • Keep the phone plugged into a power source throughout the exam
  • Close unnecessary apps to prevent background interruptions

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📌 Essential Do’s and Don’ts

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Dos

  • Keep the secondary camera running continuously without interruptions.
  • Maintain your phone in the same stable position throughout the test.
  • Ensure both your primary and secondary devices stay connected to the internet.
  • Keep both the primary and secondary device charged.

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Don’ts

  • Do not touch, move, or reposition the mobile phone once set
  • Do not block or obstruct the camera view
  • Do not allow the phone battery to drain or disconnect

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📲 What to do if you don’t have a Secondary device?

If you do not have access to a mobile phone or another supported device for use as a secondary camera:
  • Check the test instructions or invitation to see if a secondary camera is mandatory for your assessment.
  • Contact your exam administrator or organization in advance to inform them of the limitation.
  • Do not start the exam unless you receive confirmation or alternate instructions, as proceeding without a required secondary camera may lead to disqualification or session termination.
Starting the exam without a required secondary camera may result in session termination or disqualification.

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Additional Tips

  • Run a quick internet speed test before your exam to confirm stable connectivity.
  • Double-check that the secondary camera is properly linked to your primary device before beginning your test.
  • Once the secondary camera reconnects successfully, resume your test as usual.
  • Make sure your secondary device maintains a stable internet connection throughout reconnection.
  • Ensure your camera view remains unblurred and clearly shows your testing area.
  • Do not ignore warning messages when the proctor asks you to adjust your secondary camera during the examination.