Duo: Use Duo Security to Sign In

There are many ways to verify your identity using Duo Security. 

In this article: 

Using Duo to Sign In

Using Duo Push to Authenticate

  • Sign in using your UMN internet ID and password. In most cases, the authentication method will default to Duo Push, and a push notification will be sent to your device.
  • Duo remembers the last authentication option you chose for an application, and it will default to that option unless you change it by selecting another from the Other options menu.

Refer to Log In With the Duo Universal Prompt for more information. 

Using a Backup Device or Other Method to Authenticate 

You may wish to use a log in method other than your primary device, or you may need to use a backup device to verify your identity.

  • Duo remembers the last authentication option you chose for an application, and it will default to that option unless you change it by selecting another from the Other options menu.
    Duo prompt checking for a push with Other options link highlighted
  • To manage your devices, select Other options, then Manage devices.

Using a Duo Mobile Passcode to Authenticate

Duo passcodes are generated every 30 seconds. This means that you will simply need to wait 30 seconds for the passcode to refresh automatically.

Note: To authenticate using a passcode, the Duo Mobile app must be installed and activated on your Android or iOS device.

  1. Open the Duo Mobile app, locate University of Minnesota in the accounts list, and select it to generate a six-digit passcode.
  2. Sign in to the application you're accessing using your UMN internet ID and password.  
  3. Enter the passcode in the space provided, and Verify to complete your authentication to the application.
    • If your prompt does not ask for a passcode, select Other options, then Duo Mobile passcode. 

See Generating Passcodes for instructions. 

Using Duo Remembered Devices

Duo's remembered devices feature saves time while keeping your information safe, similar to "remember my computer" or "keep me logged in" options on other websites. Only remember devices you own or are assigned to you.

  1. When signing in using your UMN internet ID and password, authenticate with Duo.
  2. When asked Is this your device? select Yes, this is my device to enable trusting the browser for 7 days (or until browser cookies are cleared).
    • Only select Yes, this is my device if you are the only one using that device.
    • Selecting No, other people use this device will not enable trusting the browser for 7 days, and the browser will not ask the question again for 14 days (or until browser cookies are cleared).
      Duo prompt asking "Is this your device?" with options for "Yes, this is my device" or "No, other people use this device"

Note: If you do not receive the Is this your device? prompt, cancel authentication, clear your browser cookies, and retry authentication.

Generating Passcodes

You may need to use a passcode if you forget or lose your device, had your device stolen, or are in an area without cell service or Wi-Fi. There are many ways to generate passcodes:

Generating Duo Mobile App Passcodes

You can use the Duo Mobile app to generate passcodes. Choose your device to learn more on Duo's website:

Generating Hardware Token Passcodes

Press the button on your hardware token to generate a new passcode.

If your token is not working, it may be out of sync. Your token may get out of sync because: 

  • the button was pressed repeatedly over a short period of time
  • the token generated numbers that were not used
  • the token was not used for over a month
  • the battery is dying (token batteries generally last between 2-5 years)
  1. You may be able to re-sync the token by attempting to log in three times in a row, using a new code each time.
  2. If re-sync fails after the third attempt, request a new token.

Generating Bypass Codes

You can generate a number of single-use bypass codes for future use good for a period of 1 year (365 days) after they are generated. 

  1. Sign into my-account.umn.edu with your UMN internet ID and password.
  2. Authenticate with Duo.
  3. Expand Duo Security in the navigation menu on the left side of the page.
    1. Select Generate Duo Bypass Codes.
  4. Select Submit. 
    Generate Duo Bypass Codes Menu: Bypass codes displayed.

You will receive a copy of your bypass codes in your email. You can use each code one time when logging into a Duo-protected University application. If you are running low on codes, follow the steps above to generate another set of codes.

Note: Generating new bypass codes voids any previously-generated bypass codes.

Generating a Technology Help Generated Bypass Code

If you have not enrolled a backup device and/or have not generated bypass codes in advance, you can also get a temporary single-use security code by calling Technology Help or visiting a walk-in location with a valid ID. 

Additional Resources

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