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Task based tests: How to install the browser extension

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Learn how to install and set up the browser extension for Task based tests. This setup helps you get ready if you're asked to share your screen or speak your thoughts out loud. You can also download the extension directly from the Chrome Web Store.

In this article:

Step 1: Install the extension

  1. When you arrive on the setup page, a message will prompt you to install the extension and share your screen. Click Set up device to begin.

A setup screen on the UserTesting platform titled Set up your device. The page explains that for the test, the participant will need to speak their thoughts out loud while recording their screen. Three setup steps are listed with icons: Install extension, Check your mic, and Share your screen. A blue button labeled Set up device is displayed on the right. The layout is minimal and designed to guide participants through preparation for a Task based test.

2. Click Install extension to open the extension page in a new window.

A setup screen on the UserTesting platform titled Install extension, labeled Step 1 of 2. The page explains that the UserTesting Browser Recorder helps collect feedback by measuring data such as clicks, paths, and durations during tests. It states that the extension is only active while completing UserTesting tests. A link is provided to read more about how data is used, and a blue button labeled Install extension appears on the right.

3. Click Add to Chrome and then Add extension to install it.

A Chrome Web Store listing for the UserTesting Browser Recorder Extension. blue Add to Chrome button is displayed on the right. Below, a preview image features the UserTesting logo and a video thumbnail titled How to Record Your Feedback, with images of participants speaking. The layout presents key details about the extension, including its purpose and user engagement. A Chrome browser prompt asking to confirm installation of the UserTesting Browser Recorder Extension. The dialog lists the extension’s permissions: read and change all your data on all websites, modify data you copy and paste, and view and manage your tab groups. Two buttons are displayed at the bottom: Cancel and Add extension.

4. You'll receive a confirmation message once the extension is installed. Click Agree and continue to move to the next step.

A confirmation screen from UserTesting showing that the browser extension has been successfully installed. A green checkmark appears next to the message Extension installed, and a progress indicator at the top shows Step 1 of 2. Below the message, a blue button labeled Agree and continue is displayed. The layout is clean and signals that the participant is ready to move to the next setup step.

Step 2: Set up screen recording

5. Click Share screen when prompted.

The UserTesting interface displays step 2 of 2 for device setup. The screen instructs the participant to share their entire screen to enable recording, with a blue "Share screen" button shown on the right side. A progress bar at the top indicates that this is the final step in the setup process.

6. A pop-up will appear with screen options. Select your entire screen, and then click Share.

Screen share prompt for the UserTesting Browser Recorder Extension. The dialog box shows three tab options at the top—Chrome Tab, Window, and Entire Screen—with Entire Screen selected. Two screen thumbnails are displayed below, labeled Screen 1 and Screen 2, each showing a preview of the respective desktop screens. The Cancel and Share buttons appear at the bottom, with Share currently disabled.

7. Make sure you've selected the correct screen to avoid sharing private information. Then click Continue.

Confirmation screen in the UserTesting Browser Recorder setup. The screen shows a preview of the selected screen being shared with the recorder. A progress bar at the top shows Step 2 of 2. Below, a sample screenshot displays a live preview of the browser window with screen sharing in progress. At the bottom, a toolbar indicates the extension is recording and offers options to stop sharing or hide the notification.

8. Your device is all set! Click Start test to begin.
UserTesting test readiness screen with a message reading All set! Before you start, remember. It lists three reminders with icons: Speak your thoughts clearly, Take your time to share honest and thoughtful feedback, and Help is available in the test menu. A blue button labeled Start test appears below the reminders.

Optional: Set up audio recording

Tip icon

Some Task based tests ask you to think out loud as you complete tasks. If that happens, you’ll be prompted to set up your microphone during setup.

Set up audio recording

If your test includes a voice recording step, follow these instructions when prompted:

  • Select Share access to begin your mic check.
    UserTesting microphone setup screen with the heading, Check your mic. Instructions explain that microphone access must be granted by selecting Allow while visiting the site. A grey microphone icon is centered on the screen, and a blue button labeled Share access appears below it. The progress bar at the top shows this is step 2 of 3.
  • Click Allow when your browser asks for microphone access.
    UserTesting Browser Recorder microphone access prompt displayed in Chrome. The extension asks for permission to use available microphones. Three permission options are shown: Allow while visiting the site, Allow this time, and Never allow. The main screen in the background shows the Check your mic setup step with a microphone icon and a blue Share access button. The progress bar indicates step 2 of 3.
  • Speak out loud to test your mic. Once we've confirmed your mic is working, you can click Continue.
    UserTesting microphone check step in setup flow. The screen prompts the user to say, I’m ready to think out loud. A large blue animated microphone icon appears at the center, indicating voice detection. Below it, the selected microphone is MacBook Air Microphone with a green checkmark. A blue Continue button appears on the right. Progress bar at the top shows step 2 of 3.

Tip icon

Using headphones or an external mic? Plug it in before you start the mic check.

Get help with the recorder

If you’re having trouble with the recorder, make sure you're using the latest version of Google Chrome. Learn how to update Chrome

Still stuck? Chat with our virtual assistant, Edison, for help.

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