About one-third of at-home test takers experience technical delays of 15 minutes or more. This guide walks you through every common GRE at-home technical issue with step-by-step fixes so you can test with confidence.
The most common reason for equipment check failures is using an unsupported device or operating system. Verify your setup meets every ETS requirement before proceeding.
You must use a desktop or laptop -- tablets, Chromebooks, and Surface Pro devices are not permitted. Use a single monitor and built-in keyboard (no dual screens or external keyboards). PC users need Windows 11+ with Chrome; Mac users need OS X 11+ with Chrome or Firefox. The OS must be licensed and the browser must be the latest version.
Your testing setup requires a webcam that can rotate for a 360-degree room scan, an internal or external microphone, and internal or external speakers. Headsets, earphones, and earbuds of any kind are strictly prohibited -- the proctor must hear your environment through open speakers, and students wearing headphones will be asked to remove them before testing begins.
Starting January 5, 2026, ETS requires a second camera for all at-home GRE sessions. Use your smartphone or tablet (iOS 12+ or Android 8+) and scan the QR code displayed on your computer during check-in. Make sure the device is fully charged and propped up for a stable view throughout the exam.
| Requirement | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Computer | Desktop or laptop only | No tablets, Chromebooks, or Surface Pro |
| OS | Windows 11+ or Mac OS X 11+ | Must be licensed; Chrome or Firefox browser |
| Webcam | Built-in or external | Must rotate for 360-degree room scan |
| Audio | Mic + speakers (no headsets) | Headphones and earbuds prohibited |
| Second Camera | Smartphone or tablet | iOS 12+ or Android 8+ (2026) |
| Display/Input | Single monitor, single keyboard | Dual screens and external keyboards not allowed |
| Internet | Stable broadband connection | Wired Ethernet recommended |
Check your full setup against ETS requirements at least one week before test day -- most pre-test failures come from prohibited devices, outdated operating systems, or using headphones instead of speakers.
Enter your internet speed and connection type to check whether your setup meets ETS requirements for the GRE at-home test.
The ETS equipment check is your most important defense against test-day technical problems. This diagnostic tests your computer, webcam, microphone, speakers, and bandwidth all at once. Students who skip it are far more likely to encounter issues when it matters most.
The ETS Secure Browser locks down your computer during the test, preventing access to other websites and applications. Download it from the official ETS at-home testing page at ets.org, where separate versions are available for Windows and Mac. After installing, launch the browser and use its built-in Equipment Check button -- do not run the check from a regular browser like Chrome or Firefox.
If the installer fails or the browser will not launch, check whether your firewall or antivirus software is blocking it. Security software frequently flags the ETS Secure Browser as suspicious because it restricts other system processes.
Green checkmarks mean a component passed; red triangles mean it failed. You must resolve all red-flagged items before check-in. Common failures include microphone not detected (browser permission issue), bandwidth too low (network congestion), and camera not found (USB or browser setting). Visit the ETS Equipment Check Support page if on-screen tips do not resolve your problem.
Bandwidth varies throughout the day based on household and neighborhood usage. Run the equipment check at the same time of day you plan to test, since peak hours (evenings) may cause failures even if your connection is fine at other times. Complete your first check 48 hours to one week before test day, and run a final check 30 to 60 minutes before your start time with all other applications closed.
| Issue | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam not detected | Browser permissions or USB connection | Grant camera permission in browser settings, try a different port |
| Microphone not working | System mute or wrong input selected | Unmute at system level, select correct input in sound settings |
| Bandwidth check fails | Network congestion or background apps | Close all apps, disconnect other devices, try wired Ethernet |
| ETS Secure Browser won't launch | Firewall or antivirus blocking | Add browser to firewall exceptions, temporarily disable antivirus |
| Second camera won't connect | QR code scan failure or old OS | Ensure iOS 12+/Android 8+, re-scan QR code, restart mobile app |
| Proctor not connecting | ProctorU system delay | Wait 15 minutes, then use Live Chat or call 1-855-772-8678 |
| Internet drops during test | WiFi instability or ISP issue | You auto-reconnect; proctor reopens exam if possible |
Troubleshooting Flow: Webcam Not Detected
Your equipment check shows a red triangle next to "Webcam" and a green checkmark for all other items. You have an external USB webcam plugged in, but the ETS Secure Browser does not detect it.
Internet connectivity is the most reported category of GRE at home technical issues. Most network problems are preventable with proper preparation.
Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of WiFi whenever possible. Ethernet is not subject to interference from walls, appliances, or competing devices. If your computer lacks an Ethernet port, USB-to-Ethernet adapters are inexpensive and widely available.
If WiFi is your only option, sit as close to your router as possible. Close all unnecessary browser tabs and applications, and ask household members to pause streaming, video calls, and downloads during your test. Consider disconnecting other devices from WiFi entirely and scheduling your GRE during off-peak hours when fewer people are online.
Brief internet interruptions are handled automatically -- you will reconnect to your proctor when your connection is restored, and the proctor will reopen your exam if possible. Your answers up to the point of disconnection are typically preserved.
For prolonged outages, contact ProctorU at 1-855-772-8678. ETS typically offers a free retest if a technical issue prevents you from completing the exam. Run a speed test shortly before your exam to confirm adequate bandwidth, and keep your ETS confirmation email handy for reschedule requests.
A wired Ethernet connection is the single most effective upgrade you can make -- if WiFi is your only option, test when household usage is lowest and close every non-essential application.
The proctor needs to see you, hear your environment, and communicate through your speakers. When any audio or video component fails, check-in stalls until the issue is resolved.
If your webcam is not detected, verify browser camera permissions (Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Site Settings > Camera). For external USB webcams, try a different USB port. Restart the ETS Secure Browser after any changes, as it may cache the previous state. If your external webcam will not work, use the built-in laptop camera as a fallback -- just ensure it can rotate for the 360-degree room scan.
Check that your microphone is not muted at the OS level (Windows: right-click speaker icon > Sound Settings; Mac: System Preferences > Sound > Input). Ensure the correct input device is selected and volume is turned up. If the proctor cannot hear you despite detection, close video conferencing apps like Zoom and Teams completely -- they hold onto microphone access even when minimized.
For speaker issues, verify your system volume is not muted and test with a short audio clip before launching the ETS Secure Browser. All audio must come through external or built-in speakers -- headphones and earbuds are prohibited.
If the QR code scan fails, ensure your smartphone camera has QR scanning enabled and your phone is connected to the internet. If the second camera disconnects mid-test, the proctor will pause your exam and display a new QR code. Scan it, wait for confirmation, and the proctor will resume your test -- your timer is paused during reconnection, so no testing time is lost.
Fix Walkthrough: Firewall Blocking ETS Browser
The ETS Secure Browser launches but fails the bandwidth check despite a strong internet connection. Your firewall or antivirus software is blocking the browser's outbound traffic.
Background software is one of the most overlooked causes of GRE at home failures. The ETS Secure Browser needs unimpeded access to your camera, microphone, and network -- competing applications cause failed equipment checks, lag, or test cancellation.
Close and disable auto-start for all screen-sharing and remote-access software: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, TeamViewer, and Apple Remote Desktop. Writing assistants like Grammarly must be disabled both as browser extensions and desktop apps, since they inject code that the ETS Secure Browser may flag as unauthorized interference.
Disconnect any VPN software before testing -- VPNs route traffic through external servers, increasing latency and causing equipment check failures. Pause cloud backup services (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive) as well, since they consume bandwidth in the background.
| Software | Category | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Zoom, Teams, Skype | Video conferencing | Close and disable auto-start |
| TeamViewer, Apple Remote Desktop | Remote access | Close and disable auto-start |
| Grammarly, spell-check extensions | Writing assistants | Disable browser extension and desktop app |
| VPN software | Network | Disconnect and close before testing |
| Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive | Cloud backup | Pause sync during testing window |
If the ETS Secure Browser fails the bandwidth check despite a strong connection, your firewall or antivirus may be blocking it. Add the browser to your firewall's allowed applications list (Windows: Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app; Mac: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall).
If the exception does not resolve it, temporarily disable antivirus real-time scanning during the test and re-enable it immediately after. On work or school computers with managed security policies, you may need to use a personal computer instead.
Even with perfect technology, your test can be disrupted by room environment violations. The proctor monitors your room throughout the exam, and knowing these rules prevents unnecessary interruptions.
Test in a private room where you are completely alone -- no public spaces, glass-walled rooms, or shared offices. Close all doors and draw blinds before testing begins. Position your desk so the room door is visible to the proctor through your webcam.
Clear your desk completely except for your computer, keyboard, mouse, and approved note-taking materials (one small whiteboard with dry-erase marker, or paper in a transparent sheet protector with erasable marker). Your ears must remain visible throughout the test, and eating or drinking is prohibited.
Your first line of communication is the ProctorU chat function in the testing interface. If your screen is frozen, wave and speak to get the proctor's attention through your webcam. If neither chat nor voice works, call ProctorU directly at 1-855-772-8678 -- keep this number written down near your desk.
You can connect with a proctor starting 5 minutes before your scheduled test time. If the proctor has not connected within 15 minutes, use the Live Chat in your ProctorU account to report the delay. Document any technical issues with timestamps in case you need to request a reschedule from ETS.
If your equipment check shows red triangle indicators, follow the on-screen tips to resolve each issue. Common fixes include updating your browser, adjusting microphone permissions, or closing background applications. If you cannot resolve the issues yourself, visit the ETS Equipment Check Support page for detailed troubleshooting steps. You must pass the equipment check before checking in for your test.
If you lose internet connection momentarily during the GRE at home test, you will automatically be reconnected to the proctor when your connection is restored. If your exam can be reopened, the proctor will do so. For prolonged outages, call ProctorU at 1-855-772-8678 for assistance. If the issue prevents you from completing the test, ETS typically offers a free retest.
No, headphones, earbuds, and headsets are not allowed during the GRE at home test. You must use an internal or external speaker to hear the proctor and an internal or external microphone that is not part of a headset to communicate. This rule exists so the proctor can hear your testing environment and ensure no unauthorized audio assistance is provided.
Starting January 5, 2026, ETS requires a second camera for at-home testing. Use your smartphone or tablet running iOS 12+ or Android 8+. During check-in, scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen using your mobile device. Position the second camera to provide an additional view of your testing area as directed by the proctor.
You can connect with a proctor starting 5 minutes before your scheduled test time and up to 15 minutes after. If the proctor has not connected after 15 minutes, use the ProctorU Live Chat feature in your ProctorU account to report the issue. You can also call ProctorU at 1-855-772-8678 for immediate assistance. Document the time and issue for records.
You must disable all screen-sharing and remote-access software before the test, including Apple Remote Desktop, Microsoft Teams, Skype, TeamViewer, Zoom, Grammarly, and spell-check extensions. These programs must remain disabled throughout the entire test and should be configured so they do not launch automatically during the exam.
If someone enters your room during the test, it may be flagged as a security violation. The proctor may pause your exam and ask you to resolve the situation. In serious cases, your test could be terminated and scores invalidated. To prevent this, lock your door, inform household members of your test schedule, and post a visible sign outside your door.