Add My New Smartphone for Duo Mobile

Overview

This article will guide you through the process of replacing your old smartphone with a new one for Duo multi-factor authentication.

In this article:

 

What materials do I need?

 

How do I use this technology?

  1. Launch any UA web service that requires Duo. For example, UAOnline, Blackboard, UA Google Workspace, me.UAA, etc.
  2. Log into that service with your UA username and current password.
  3. In the Duo Prompt, click the Other options link.
    Other options link in the Duo prompt
     
  4. Click Manage Devices at the bottom of the prompt.
    Other options to log in prompt
     
  5. On your old smartphone with Duo already set up, choose Duo Push.
    Verify your identity prompt
     
  6. Once authenticated, the page will redirect you to the Manage Devices page.
  7. Under your old smartphone, click the I have a new phone link.
    The "I have a new phone" link for the existing smartphone device entry.
     
  8. If you have not downloaded the Duo Mobile app yet on your new smartphone, download it by clicking the links in the prompt, visiting the links below, or searching it through your device's app store.
    1. Apple App Store
    2. Google Play Store
      Download Duo Mobile prompt
       
  9. Click the Next button once you have Duo Mobile installed.
  10. A QR code will appear on your computer's screen.
    Scan this code in Duo Mobile prompt with QR code
     
  11. On your new smartphone, open the Duo Mobile app.
  12. Tap the blue Continue button at the bottom of the screen.
    Welcome to Duo Security page
     
  13. In the Add account page, tap the blue Use QR code button.
    Add your account page
     
  14. Scan the barcode on your computer's screen using your mobile device's camera
    Scan the QR code on your computer's screen
     
  15. If you cannot scan the barcode, click the Get an activation link on your computer.
    1. Open the link from the email on your mobile device.
    2. The link should switch you back to the Duo Mobile app automatically on your mobile device.
  16. Once scanned or activated, it will take you to the Name account page. Naming your account is optional. Click the Save text at the bottom of the prompt to continue.
    Name account page
     
  17. Congratulations, your Duo MFA device is set up and ready to use.
    Duo Mobile home page with a U.A. account
     
  18. Back on your computer's screen, you will receive an Added Duo Mobile prompt. Click the Continue button to proceed.
    Added Duo Mobile prompt
     
  19. We recommend setting up an additional Duo MFA device as a backup, but you can click Skip for now to add one later.
    Add another way to log in? prompt
     
  20. Success, Duo is now fully set up on your account. Click the Log in with Duo button to test Duo Mobile.
    Setup completed! prompt
     
  21. On your mobile device, you should have received a Duo Push notification. Enter the 3-digit code from the app to confirm your login attempt.
    Check for a Duo Push prompt
     
  22. When you approve the Duo Push, your screen should look like this:
    Success prompt
     
  23. MFA setup is complete.
    Note
    Once the Duo Mobile app is activated on your new smartphone, you will not be able to use the app on your old smartphone. Future authentication attempts will now go to your new smartphone.

Next Steps

We recommend setting up an additional Duo MFA device as a backup. To add another compatible Duo MFA device, please visit the Add a New Device to Duo article.

To learn how to use Duo MFA, please visit the Using the Duo MFA Prompt article.

 

Is there any additional information I should know about?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Multi-Factor Authentication FAQs article provides answers to the following FAQs and more:

  • Why does Duo prompt for an IT Bypass Code when I already set up my device?
  • Why did UA remove SMS and Phone Call MFA methods in 2025?
  • How long will MFA remain active on my account?
  • What if I'm getting an MFA prompt (e.g., Duo Push notification) but I didn't try to log in?
  • I get an error on my phone: Account Error Something unexpected happened. Please contact your helpdesk. NSURLErrorDomain -999/-1200

For more information and resources about MFA, please visit our Knowledge Base catalog, Multi-factor Authentication.

 

Need additional help or have issues

For support, requests may be submitted anytime using the appropriate Questions or Assistance with Multi-Factor Authentication form. Requests generate a Ticket which will be worked in order received and urgency by UAA Employees with the knowledge and permissions to assist with the request.

For immediate assistance, please review the Contact Us page for the appropriate support group.

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