Duo MFA: Enroll your MHC Account and set up the Duo Mobile app

Overview

Duo MFA is one of MHC's multi-factor authentication tools that protects your MHC Account when you log into campus systems

This article explains the initial Duo MFA set up process using the Verified Duo Push notification method for users who haven't used Duo MFA at MHC before. LITS recommends this method because it provides the most flexibility.

Users who want to set up additional Duo MFA verification methods should do so after setting up Verified Duo Push notifications using the Duo Mobile app.

 

Will the instructions in this article work for me?

MY SITUATION IS THIS ARTICLE FOR ME?
I am a current student, faculty, or staff member that has NEVER set up Duo MFA at MHC. YES
The LITS Technology Help Desk told me that my Duo account was deleted so I could start fresh. YES
I CAN complete Duo on in some situations, but not everywhere I want to. NO, Review Duo MFA: Overview of authentication methods. Then Learn how to manage your devices for Duo.
No matter where I attempt to complete Duo MFA, I am getting stuck at a screen that asks for a bypass code from IT. NO, open an MHC Account access support ticket
I don't have a smart phone. NORequest an alternate Duo verification method that you can't set up on your own,
I don't know what Duo is or why I need it.  MAYBE, Read LITS's Duo MFA: Frequently asked questions for more info​​​.

 

Enroll in Duo MFA at MHC

This process requires a web browser and a smart phone on separate devices, and you will switch between the two devices during set up. 

It is important to follow the instructions exactly and finish them all in one sitting. If you deviate or stop partway through, you will hit a wall where Duo asks you for a Bypass code. If this happens for you, please create an MHC Account access support ticket.  

 

2. Create your MHC Duo account

  1. In a web browser on a computer, navigate to duo.mtholyoke.edu 
  2. Choose Log in to set up or verify Duo
  3. Enter your MHC username and password on the blue and white MHC login screen
  4. Choose Next on the welcome message from Duo
  5. Choose Next again after reading the informational prompts
  6. When the "Select an option" screen appears, choose Duo Mobile*

Duo enrollment select an option screen with Duo Mobile selected

  1. Enter your mobile phone number
  2. Confirm that it has been entered correctly (or make corrections) when prompted
  3. Your browser will now ask you to download the Duo Mobile app, which you've already done!
  4. Choose Next in your web browser
  5. Your browser will now show a QR code
    • The QR code you are shown is unique to you - Do not share it with others
  6. Leave this screen open and pick up your phone

 

3. Link your phone to your MHC Duo account for Duo Push

  1. Open the Duo Mobile app on your phone
  2. Choose Setup Account (Or, if you already use Duo for something else, choose Add )
  3. Choose Use QR Code
  4. Hold your phone up to the computer screen and scan the QR code displayed in your browser window
    • After scanning the code, it will disappear from your browser window
  5. On the “Name Account” screen in the Duo Mobile app, keep all the default settings and choose Save
  6. Next you may see a screen that says "Account Linked!" that will offer a practice activity, which you can do or skip
  7. If asked, agree to Allow push notifications
  8. ​​The next screen may show you a 6-digit passcode, which you can disregard because we don't have the Duo passcode verification method enabled for MHC Duo verification
    • The app will continue providing these 6-digit passcodes, but you will never need them; The Duo Mobile app will let you complete verification via push notifications instead.

 

4. Finish up by completing your first Duo verification

  1. Back in your browser on your computer, choose Continue 
  2. You may be prompted to set up additional verification methods, which is encouraged
  3. If prompted, choose Log in with Duo
  4. Choose Duo Push to use the Duo Mobile app
  5. The Duo screen will show a 3-digit one-time verification code like the example below
  6. Then you'll get a push notification from the Duo Mobile app on your phone will ask you to enter the verification code displayed in your browser 
  7. Type the code you are provided into Duo Mobile on your phone and choose Verify
Duo enrollment code screen on the browser - this is an example only Duo enrollment code entry screen on your phone

 

  1. Once you have typed the code into your phone and received a verification message, there are no more steps to complete on your mobile device; You may close the app and set your phone aside
  2. Your browser may ask you if you would like Duo to remember this device
    • If you are the only user of that computer, select “Yes, this is my device.”
    • If the device is shared (for example, a computer used by everyone in your family, or a shared work computer in your department) select “No, other people use this device.”

Duo enrollment "is this your device" screen that will show in the browser

  1. Finally, you will see a success message and will be redirected to the system you were logging into

 

Need help?

Create an MHC Account access support ticket to get support from the LITS Technology Help Desk.  

I need help logging in / completing MFA Request Duo hardware token / SMS codes Print Article

Related Articles (6)

Instructions for new members of the MHC Community getting set up with their MHC Account for the first time.
Answers to frequently asked questions about Duo multi-factor authentication at MHC.
Instructions for users who need to manage their Duo-enabled devices and configure additional verification methods.
What to do if you got a new phone and need to activate Duo Mobile on it.
There are lots of different verification methods that you can configure for your MHC Duo account. LITS recommends that everyone have at least 2 methods set up in order to minimize the likelihood that you need to reach out for support when your devices change.
An introduction to multi-factor authentication and the two systems that MHC uses to protect accounts: Google 2-step verification and Duo MFA.

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Users whose phones are not compatible with the Duo Mobile app may request to be able to complete Duo verification via a hardware token or by getting Duo codes via SMS text message.
Password resets, MHC Account setup, logging in, Google 2-step/Duo MFA support, etc.