Short answer:
Participants only need to download the Participate app when they are on a mobile device and the researcher needs to record or see their screen.
This applies to all mobile study modes except Interview.
The simple rule
A participant needs to download the Participate app only if both of the following are true:
They are using a mobile or tablet device (iOS, iPadOS, or Android), and
The study requires the researcher to record or see the participant’s screen
If either condition is not true, no app download is required.
How this works by study mode (mobile devices)
Study mode | Is the participant’s screen recorded or visible? | App required? |
LiveShare (moderated) | Yes | ✅ Yes |
SelfTest (unmoderated) | Yes | ✅ Yes |
Tasks (unmoderated) | Yes | ✅ Yes |
Interview (moderated) | No (conversation-focused) | ❌ No |
The one exception: Interview on mobile
In a moderated Interview on a mobile or tablet device:
participants can join directly in their browser
no app download is required
screen sharing is not available
the researcher will not see or record the participant’s screen
This limitation is due to mobile operating system restrictions, not a Lookback constraint.
If you need to see or record the participant’s screen during a moderate session on mobile, use a LiveShare round instead - which does require the app.
Desktop and laptop participants
Participants joining from a desktop or laptop computer:
never need to download an app or extension
join directly in a supported browser (Chrome, Edge, or Brave)
can share their screen and be recorded without installing anything
What participants experience when they click the link
On mobile:
if the app is required, participants are prompted to install Participate
once installed, reopening the same link continues the setup flow
On desktop/laptop:
participants proceed directly in the browser with no installation step
How to set expectations with participants
To avoid confusion and drop-off:
explicitly state in your invite whether a mobile app download is required
if screen sharing is needed on mobile, mention the Participate app up front
if no download is required (e.g. Interview on mobile), clarify that screen sharing will not be available
Using clear instructions - or starting from the provided email templates - reduces last-minute issues.