Slido is a polling and engagement tool that teachers use to run live quizzes, collect questions, and take attendance during class

Slido is software that lets an instructor ask questions in real time and see answers from everyone in the room at once. Instead of raising hands, students answer on their phones or computers. The teacher sees a live chart of responses — how many picked A, how many picked B — and can adjust the lesson based on what students understood.

Schools ask students to install it because it works during lectures, labs, and large classes where calling on individuals takes too long. A professor teaching 200 people can ask "Did that explanation make sense?" and get 200 answers in 30 seconds. That feedback helps them know whether to move forward or spend more time on a concept.

Key Takeaways

  • Slido runs on phones and computers and connects to the internet, so you need a device and WiFi or data to use it during class.
  • Teachers use it to take attendance, run quizzes, and collect questions from students anonymously, which means your name is not attached to your answer.
  • Installing the app is usually optional — many schools let you use the web version instead, which does not require downloading anything.
  • Slido collects data about which questions you answered and how you answered them, but that information stays within your school's account unless you share it.

How Slido works in a classroom

The teacher opens Slido on their computer and creates a session — a set of questions or a poll for that day's class. They display a code or QR code on the screen. Students enter that code into the app or website, and their device connects to the same session. When the teacher launches a question, it appears on every student's screen at the same time.

Students tap their answer, and the teacher's screen updates when ready with a bar chart or word cloud showing all the responses. Some instructors use this to check understanding mid-lecture. Others use it to collect anonymous questions — students type a question into Slido, and the teacher can read them aloud without knowing who asked. This removes the pressure of asking in front of 300 people.

Why schools prefer the app over the web version

Slido works in a web browser without downloading anything, so technically students do not need the app. Schools push the app version because it is faster — the app loads quicker, stays connected better when WiFi is spotty, and does not require typing a URL every time. In a classroom with 100 phones on the same network, speed matters.

The app also sends notifications if the teacher starts a session, so students do not miss a poll because they were not paying attention to the screen. Some schools make it required; others list it as "recommended" and let students use the browser instead. Check your syllabus or ask your instructor which version they expect.

What data Slido collects and who sees it

When you answer a question in Slido, the app records your answer, the time you answered, and which session you were in. If you type a question or comment, that text is stored. Slido itself — the company that makes the software — can see this data, but your school controls who at your school can see it. Usually only your instructor and maybe the department can view results.

Slido's privacy policy says they do not sell your data to advertisers, but they do use it to improve the product and may share it with other companies they own or partner with. If you are uncomfortable with that, using the web version instead of the app does not change what data is collected — it changes only how the data reaches Slido's servers. The data collection is the same either way.

When you might not want to install it

If your phone is old or has very little storage space, the app takes up room you might need. The web version uses less space and works on almost any device with a browser. If you do not want Slido to have access to your phone's location, camera, or contacts, check the app's permission requests before installing — you can deny most of them and the app will still work for answering questions.

Some students object to being tracked during class, even anonymously. If that concerns you, talk to your instructor about whether you can participate using the web version or on a shared device instead of your own phone. Most schools will work with you on this, especially if you explain the concern.

How to install Slido or use it without installing

To install the app, search "Slido" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and tap Install. It is free. Once installed, open it and wait for your instructor to give you a session code or QR code to join.

To use Slido without installing, go to slido.com in any web browser on any device. Enter the session code your instructor provides. You will be able to answer questions and submit responses the same way as the app. The only difference is that you have to type the code each time instead of opening an app icon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use Slido or can I skip it?

That depends on your instructor. Some use it for attendance or graded quizzes, which means you need to participate. Others use it only for optional polls. Check your syllabus or ask your instructor whether Slido is required for your grade.

Can my teacher see my name when I answer a question?

Yes, Slido knows which student gave which answer because you log in with your school account. Your classmates do not see your name on the results — they see only the overall chart — but your instructor can see individual responses if they choose to look.

What if I do not have a smartphone?

You can use Slido on any computer with a web browser. Go to slido.com, enter the session code, and answer from there. You do not need a phone or the app.

Does Slido work without internet?

No. Slido needs an active internet connection to send your answers to the instructor's screen. If your school's WiFi is down, you cannot use it. Ask your instructor if they have a backup plan for those situations.

Is Slido safe to install?

Slido is made by a real company and is widely used in schools and businesses. It is not malware. That said, like any app, it collects data about how you use it. Read the permission requests before installing and deny any you do not want to grant.