What to Do If Technical Issues Arise During the Duolingo English Test
In today's digital era, the Duolingo English Test (DET) has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional language proficiency exams like IELTS and TOEFL. Its convenience, affordability, and accessibility make it ideal for students and professionals worldwide. However, like any online test, technical glitches can sometimes occur, potentially affecting test performance or leading to incomplete submissions.
This blog aims to provide you with a comprehensive action plan in case of any technical issues during the Duolingo Test, alongside valuable tips to maximize your score and resources like Gurully’s DET mock tests to help you prepare thoroughly.
Understanding the Duolingo Test Format
Before diving into technical troubleshooting, it's essential to understand the structure of the DET.
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Sections:
Introduction and Setup (5 minutes)
Adaptive Test (45 minutes)
Writing and Speaking Sample (10 minutes)
Score Range: 10 to 160
Skills Tested: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking
With this adaptive format, your performance in early questions determines the difficulty of subsequent ones. Hence, even small interruptions can disrupt the flow and impact your overall score.
Common Technical Issues During DET
Here are the most frequent technical problems that test-takers experience:
Internet Connectivity Loss
Computer Crashes or Freezing
Microphone or Camera Malfunction
Browser Timeout
System Compatibility Issues
Software Conflicts (e.g., background apps interfering)
According to Duolingo, while such issues are rare, they can happen, especially if the system requirements are not met or your internet is unstable.
Duolingo’s Official Technical Requirements
To avoid issues, ensure your setup meets these minimum system requirements:
Run the Duolingo System Diagnostic Tool before your test day to ensure everything is compatible.
What to Do If Technical Issues Occur During the Test
1. Stay Calm and Focused
Panicking can make the situation worse. Stay composed and try to assess the issue. Most technical problems have straightforward solutions.
2. Do Not Exit the Browser
Avoid closing the browser unless absolutely necessary. Duolingo may interpret this as an attempt to cheat. Instead, wait a few moments to see if the issue resolves.
3. Document the Issue
Take screenshots or photos with your phone showing the error, time, and any error messages you receive. This documentation will help you in communicating with Duolingo support.
4. Restart and Resume (if safe)
If the browser or computer crashes, restart it quickly and log back into your Duolingo account. In many cases, you may be able to resume the test if it was interrupted during the early setup phase.
5. Contact Duolingo Support
Immediately contact Duolingo via their Help Center:
🔗 https://support.duolingo.com
Provide:
Your registered email
Date and time of the test
Screenshots or photos
A detailed explanation of the issue
They typically respond within 24-48 hours.
6. Request a Retake (If Needed)
If the technical error was beyond your control, Duolingo may offer a free retake. Many test-takers have reported receiving this when they provided sufficient evidence and the issue was genuine.
Preventive Tips Before Taking the DET
Use a Wired Internet Connection: Wi-Fi can drop. If possible, connect via Ethernet for a stable connection.
Close All Background Applications: Apps like Zoom, Skype, or antivirus software may conflict with the test.
Disable Notifications and Updates: Turn off automatic updates and notifications to prevent interruptions.
Test Your Equipment: Ensure your mic and webcam are working. Use the “tech check” offered by Duolingo before test day.
Do a Practice Run: Simulate a test-like environment with mock tests.
Tips to Score High on the Duolingo English Test
Scoring well in DET requires both language skills and test-taking strategy. Here's what data and experience say:
1. Understand the Adaptive Nature
Each correct answer increases the difficulty of the next. This means consistency is more important than rushing. Focus on getting early questions right.
2. Practice Typing Fast and Accurately
You'll need to write essays and answer in real-time. Practice typing 40–50 words per minute with 90%+ accuracy.
3. Develop Listening and Speaking Skills
According to 2024 Duolingo data:
Speaking and Listening together account for over 55% of test influence.
Use headphones (for mock practice) to simulate the audio clarity you'll need.
4. Use a Rich Vocabulary
Your spoken and written responses should show a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Avoid repetition.
5. Time Management
Each section is timed. Practice managing 5–10 seconds for speaking responses and 50–100 words for writing tasks.
Practice With Gurully’s Free DET Mock Test
One of the most effective ways to avoid technical surprises and improve your performance is to practice under real conditions. This is where Gurully’s Free Duolingo English Test Mock Test becomes an essential tool.
✅ Why Choose Gurully’s DET Mock Test?
Simulates the actual Duolingo interface
Real-time timer and question patterns
Instant performance analysis
Helps identify weak areas (Speaking, Writing, etc.)
Accessible 24/7 – no installations required
Absolutely free!
🔗 Take a Free DET Mock Test Today:
👉 https://www.gurully.com/duolingo
With regular practice using Gurully’s test series, you’ll not only feel confident on test day but also significantly reduce the risk of last-minute technical surprises.
Final Thoughts
Technical issues during the Duolingo English Test can be stressful, but with the right preparation and a calm mindset, you can handle them efficiently. Always ensure your system meets all technical requirements, and take advantage of mock test tools like Gurully to familiarize yourself with the test environment.
Remember, a strong score starts with a strong strategy—and the right preparation makes all the difference.
Also Read:- How to Type Faster During Duolingo Dictation Tasks?
- Common Error Patterns Tested in Duolingo Writing Section
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