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

Overview

This article explains how to set up Duo multi-factor authentication using the Duo Mobile app and Verified Duo Push notifications for NEW users. 

There are other Duo MFA verification methods that users can set up on their own, including biometric verification methods like Touch ID and Windows Hello, but LITS recommends starting with the Duo Mobile app. If you do not have a smart phone, or if you have questions about the compatibility of your device, please request an alternate Duo verification method.

How to enroll

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.  

1. 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*

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

2. 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 with push notifications instead

3. 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
   • To set up other methods follow the prompts on screen
   • Alternately, choose skip for now, and add other methods later by following these instructions
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

8. 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
9. 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.”

10. 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.