Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Set up guides

If you have more than one device, you should install the app on multiple devices (e.g. smartphone and tablet, or two smartphones), in case you lose access to one. Both will notify you when a login needs approval.

  • This should not be installed on a device you share with anyone else, for example, a shared family device
  • If you are setting up MFA prior to travelling to the UK to study, be sure to bring the device that the app is set up on

I don't have the Authenticator app

First

The first time you try to log in, you'll be redirected to a Microsoft page with a window headed More information required.

If you don’t have a smartphone, select “I want to set up a different method” and follow the Set up your  phone instructions.

Click Next to follow the on-screen instructions.

You’ll be asked to install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone or tablet.
This should not be a device you share with anyone else for example a shared family device

Set up the mobile app 

This should not be on a device you share with anyone else, for example, on a shared family device

1. Get the app

Install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone or tablet via:

On your computer select Next 

2. Set up your account

Open the app and allow notifications if prompted. Add a Work or school account on the app. To do this:

  • Android: tap the three dots on the top right and select Add account, then Work or school account
  • iPhone/iPad: select Scan QR code

3. Scan the QR code

Use your phone or tablet to scan the QR code on your computer. Your account will be set up once your device detects the QR code.

On your computer select Next .

4. Check sign-in works

Your phone or tablet will prompt you to approve the sign-in. (You may be asked to provide the device’s PIN or your fingerprint - depending on how you have set the security of your device.)

You should then see a message on your computer telling you the notification is approved. Select Next on your computer.

You have set up multi-factor authentication. Select Done.

5. Set up a second sign-in method as back up

You will now be redirected to My Sign-ins to review your settings. We recommend adding your mobile number as an additional sign-in method in case you lose access to the app.

To do this:

  1. Select Add method
  2. Select Phone from the drop-down menu. (Do not choose Office phone as this will not work.)
  3. Select Add.
  4. Add your mobile number and select Text me a code. Select Next.
  5. Enter the code you received by text message and select Next.

You can now review your settings again on My Sign-Ins. Close the window to finish.

I already have the Authenticator app

You may have installed the app in the past and will have supplied Microsoft with your phone number.

When you try to log in, depending on how multi-factor authentication was set up, either:

  • you will be told that an authentications request was sent to your app, or;
  • a verification code will be sent to your phone.

If this does not happen:

  • Select Use a different verification option
  • Select Text me at xx xxxxxxxx1234 (The last 4 digits will be from your phone number)
  • Enter the code on the device you are trying to sign in to.
  • Once authenticated, for future ease of use, it is recommended that you add the UofG account to your Microsoft Authenticator app using the Change your setup instructions below

Didn't receive the code?

If you’ve changed your phone number since you originally set multi-factor authentication up and not updated the number with Microsoft, or don’t get the code through,  to have your multi-factor authentication setup reset for you.

I don't know if I have the Authenticator app

When you try to log in you will be presented with a screen which will say either:

  • "More information required" - this means you don't have the app
    or
  • "We have sent an authentication request to your app" -this means you do have the app

I can't use the Authenticator app on my smartphone or tablet

The first time you try to log in, you'll be redirected to a Microsoft page with a window headed More information required.

  1. Select Next then choose I want to set up a different method. 
  2. Choose Phone from the drop-down menu. (Do not choose Office phone as this will not work). Select Confirm.
  3. Select your country or region from the drop-down menu and enter your phone number.
  4. Pick whether you want to receive a text or call. Select Next.
  5. Microsoft will text or call you with a code.
  6. Enter the code, then select Next.
  7. Once the verification is successful, select Next.
  8. Your setup is complete. Review your settings and select Done.

You can now review your settings again on My Sign-Ins. Close the window to finish.

The options above are not suitable and I require an alternative

If you are unable to use either the Authenticator app or SMS using a mobile phone then please contact the UofG Helpdesk for advice.

Help and support

I receive a text message when I try to log in

You may have configured your phone to use multi-factor authentication with Microsoft in the past.

You can continue to use this method but we recommend you install the Authenticator app using the Change your setup instructions.

Change your setup

To switch to using the mobile app (recommended) or to get the code a different way:

  1. Log in to your my sign-ins Microsoft account
  2. Select Add method from the top of the list
  3. Change your preferred contact method in the drop-down list
  4. Follow the onscreen instructions

 You should also set your Default sign-in method.

I have a new phone

If you have a new phone and...

1.  You have access to your previous phone 

  • Log in to your my sign-ins Microsoft account
  • Select Security Info and change the number on the text messaging to your new number (if you are not keeping the same number)
  • Delete your old phones Microsoft Authenticator entry
  • To add Microsoft Authenticator to your new phone follow the  instructions

2. You don't have access to your previous phone

Support

>About

About MFA

MFA is a method of confirming your identity when accessing UofG systems using a combination of two different factors:

  • Something you know: your username and password
  • Something you have: your device(s) - smartphone and/or tablet

The second layer of security protects your account so that even if someone else obtains your password, they are unlikely to also have your second step, e.g. your smartphone.

Using MFA

MFA is required for all students and staff (including honorary/affiliate staff).

Once you have set up multi-factor authentication you will be asked to approve/deny access or input a code periodically. Factors such as the use of multiple devices and various web browser sessions could mean that you are prompted more often.

We strongly recommend using the Microsoft Authenticator app to enable authentication.