The correct installation of SMOWL CM is a fundamental step to ensure that your experience during a supervised assessment is smooth and free of technical issues. If you are a user of an Apple computer with the macOS Catalina operating system (version 10.15), this article will guide you in detail through every stage of the process, from the initial download to the configuration of necessary privacy permissions.
It is very important that you pay attention to the specific security requirements of this macOS version, as Catalina introduced significant changes in privacy management that affect the operation of monitoring tools.
Important Notice about SMOWL CM Compatibility
Before proceeding with the installation, we want to inform you about an important update to our technical support policy.
Starting October 21st, the new version of SMOWL CM (5.1.1) will no longer be compatible with macOS Catalina.
If your computer uses this operating system version, we strongly recommend that you consider updating macOS to a more recent version (such as Big Sur, Monterey, or later) before that date. This will allow you to continue using the most current versions of our tools with all the included security and performance improvements. If you cannot update your system, make sure to complete your pending assessments before the indicated date.
Prerequisites before Installation
For the installation process to be successful, verify that you meet the following points:
Stable internet connection: A weak connection can corrupt the download file.
Administrator permissions: You must have your Mac's administrator password to install applications and modify security settings.
Disk space: Make sure you have at least 200 MB of free space.
Updated browser: We recommend using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based versions) for better integration with SMOWL EXTENSION.
1. Downloading SMOWL CM
The download of the tool, in the case of SMOWL CM installation on macOS Catalina, is not done from an external application store, but directly from this link. We recommend using Google Chrome.
Download link for macOS Catalina: https://swl.smowltech.net/monitor/SCMdownloadCatalina.php
2. Running the Installer
Once the file has been fully downloaded:
Go to your Downloads folder and double-click the SMOWL CM file.
An installation window will open. In most cases, you will need to drag and drop the SMOWL CM icon to the Applications folder.
Once copied, go to your Applications folder and find the tool's icon.
What to do if the "Unidentified Developer" message appears?
macOS Catalina has a security system called Gatekeeper that can block applications that do not come from the App Store. If you receive a warning when trying to open the application indicating that Apple cannot verify the application because it is from an unidentified developer, follow these steps:
Click the Apple icon in the upper left corner and select System Preferences.
Go to Security & Privacy.
Select the General tab.
At the bottom, you will see a message about SMOWL CM. Click the Open Anyway button.
Confirm the action by clicking Open in the dialog box that appears.
3. Configuring Privacy Permissions
This is the most critical step in macOS Catalina. For SMOWL CM to correctly supervise your activity (as required by your institution), you must grant access permissions to certain system components.
Without these permissions, the tool will not be able to capture the necessary evidence and your activity might not be validated.
Camera and Microphone Access
Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
Go to the Privacy tab.
In the list on the left, find Camera.
Make sure the box next to SMOWL CM is checked.
Repeat the same process for the Microphone.
Screen Recording (Essential in Catalina)
macOS Catalina requires explicit permission for applications to view the content of your screen.
Within the same Privacy menu, scroll down the list on the left until you find Screen Recording.
Click the lock icon in the lower left corner and enter your password to make changes.
Check the box next to SMOWL CM.
The system may ask you to "Quit Now" the application for the changes to take effect. Accept and restart the tool.
Accessibility
Depending on the monitoring configuration for your exam, you may also need to enable Accessibility permissions. This allows features like Browser Lock to work correctly, preventing the use of disallowed keyboard commands.
In the Privacy menu, select Accessibility.
Make sure SMOWL CM is on the list and checked.
4. Installation Verification
To check that everything is ready before the day of your exam:
Start the SMOWL CM application from your Applications folder.
If the tool opens and displays an "Waiting to start activity" screen or a version confirmation message, the installation has been successful.
We recommend performing the "Test Exam" or "Demo" that your institution usually enables. This will allow you to confirm that the camera, microphone, and screen capture function correctly in your environment.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
The SMOWL CM icon appears with a question mark
This happens if you have moved the original download file but have not correctly installed the application in the Applications folder. Delete the shortcut and drag the executable from the .dmg file back to the Applications folder.
I cannot check the privacy boxes
Make sure you have clicked the lock icon located in the lower left part of the Security & Privacy window. Without authenticating with your Mac user, the options will appear grayed out and you will not be able to modify them.
SMOWL CM closes unexpectedly
Verify that you do not have other videoconferencing applications (such as Zoom, Teams, or Skype) open in the background, as they may conflict over camera use. Completely close any software that might interfere before starting your assessment.
Final Recommendations for Exam Day
Restart your Mac: A clean restart before the test helps free up RAM and close unnecessary processes.
Close unnecessary tabs: Keep only the browser with your exam open.
Battery charge: Connect your laptop to the power source. Intensive use of the camera and supervision consumes more battery than usual.
Remember that keeping your software updated is the best way to avoid incidents. Although this guide covers installation on macOS Catalina, we encourage you to transition to a more recent system version to enjoy full compatibility with SMOWL CM version 5.1.1 starting October 21st.
Do you have more questions?
Consult our related articles or contact our support team through the chat. You can open it by clicking the blue owl in the bottom right corner of this page.