Using the Duo MFA Prompt

Overview

After setting up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on a device, the Duo Prompt lets you choose how to verify your identity each time you log in.

In this article:

• What materials do I need?
• Authenticating with the Duo Prompt
  • Other Options
• Is there any additional information I should know about?
  • Add a New Device to Duo
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Need additional help or have issues

What materials do I need?

• Enrolled in MFA
• Active at the University of Alaska (UA) System
  • Students registered for at least 1 credit through UAOnline, or
  • Employees with an active job status
• UA username and current UA password.
  • If you forgot your UA username or password, please visit the ME.UAA account recovery website.
• Internet access
• Web browser (i.e. Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Apple Safari, etc)

Authenticating with the Duo Prompt

1. After completing Duo enrollment, the Duo Prompt will appear the next time you perform a browser-based login to a web service or application protected with Duo. Duo sets the default device to what Duo considers to be the most secure. If you have more than one device enrolled, like a mobile phone and a hardware token, the device selector will be available using the Other options link in the prompt.
   
    
   • Select the device from the list that you wish to use.
     
      
2. The first time you use Duo in a specific browser on a specific computer, you will be asked, "Is this your device?" Selecting Yes, this is my device, will remember you, and not prompt again for 5 days.
   
    

Other Options

• Duo Push
  1. In the prompt, click Other options.
  2. Click the Duo Push option. The Duo MFA service sends a request for approval to your phone or tablet.
  3. Enter the 3-digit code from the app.
• Duo Mobile passcode
  1. In the prompt, click Other options.
  2. Click the Duo Mobile passcode option.
  3. Open the Duo Mobile app on your phone or tablet to view the passcode generated by the app.
  4. Enter the passcode in the box provided on the login screen.
  5. Click Verify.
• Security Key
  1. In the prompt, click Other options.
  2. Click the Security Key option.
  3. Insert your security key into a USB port.
  4. Tap or press the button on it.
• Hardware Token
  1. In the prompt, click Other options.
  2. Click the Hardware token option.
  3. Press and release the button on your hardware token to display a passcode.
  4. Enter the passcode in the box provided on the login screen.
  5. Click Verify.
• Mobile Device Verification
  1. In the prompt, click Other options.
  2. Click the Device verification option.
  3. Authenticate through the device's authentication prompt.
• macOS TouchID
  1. In the prompt, click Other options.
  2. Click the Touch ID option.
  3. Place your finger on the Touch ID button on your device.
• Windows Hello
  1. In the prompt, click Other options.
  2. Click the Windows Hello option.
  3. Authenticate through the Windows Hello prompt.

Is there any additional information I should know about?

Add a New Device to Duo

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

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.