We're committed to safeguarding your accounts and data through multi-factor authentication (MFA). This extra layer of protection ensures that only authorized users gain access to your sensitive information. Let's walk you through the simple steps of enrolling in Duo for the first time.
What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?
Multi-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security beyond your password. Instead of relying solely on something you know (like a password), MFA requires at least two forms of identification, such as something you know, something you have, or something you are. Duo incorporates this approach to enhance the security of your accounts.
Duo Mobile runs on iOS and Android phones and tablets. It is fast and easy to use, and doesn't require cell services. Duo pushes login requests to Duo Mobile when you have mobile data or wifi connectivity to the internet. When you have no data service, you can generate passcodes with Duo Mobile for logging in to applications.
Enroll
Step One: Download Duo Mobile App
Download and install Duo Mobile on your phone or tablet from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. You will be prompted to do this in the setup process but we find it easier to do this first!
Step Two: Login
On a computer or separate mobile device, login to duo.shsu.edu with your SHSU email and password.
Your SHSU Email is, username@shsu.edu, and your username is in the email that you received to activate your account.
If you are getting an error stating that your account does not exist, please wait 1 hour and try again. Your account may still be syncing on the back end. If after waiting an hour you are still having issues, please reach out to IT Service Desk.
Step Three: Start Setup
Select Next to begin the setup process.
Step Four: Choose Your Verification Method
Select Duo Mobile to approve Duo Push verification requests on iOS or Android devices, or generate a one-time passcode from the Duo Mobile app.
Step Five: Enter your phone number
Enter and confirm your phone number or select I have a tablet instead.
When adding a phone number, confirm that it is your phone number. This cannot be your parents/guardians number or any other persons number.
Step Six: Verify Duo Mobile App Install
Once you have Duo Mobile installed select Next.
Step Seven: Scan QR Code
If you are doing this from your mobile device, you won't need to scan a QR code. You will be directed to Duo mobile automatically.
If you are doing this process on your PC, open your Duo app on your mobile device and scan the QR code shown on the PC screen to add your account. When you receive confirmation that Duo Mobile was added, select Continue.
If you aren't able to scan the QR code, select Get an activation link instead and then enter your email address to send the activation link to yourself. Follow the instructions in the email to activate the new account in Duo Mobile.
Step Eight: Complete the Process
Follow the instructions on your mobile screen to complete the process.
Security Keys
You can contact our IT Service Desk to purchase and add a security key (hardware token). The hardware token is a physical device that provides the user with a code to sign into their computer. The hardware token does not require a subscription or any network connection to function. Learn more about security keys.
Activating a new device
When you receive a new phone, visit the Two-Factor Authentication (Duo) - Device Reactivation article before deactivating the old phone, and follow the directions in the Add New Phone with Existing Device (Using Laptop and Desktop) section. If you have already deactivated the old device, follow the directions in the Add a Phone Without Access to Existing Device section.