Overview
Are you new to Pitt and need to setup Duo for the first time? Have you been using Duo, but just got a new phone and need to re-register? Do you want to register an additional device to use with Duo? Or have you been using Duo and suddenly it stopped working? Follow this guide and you'll be using Duo in no time!
Multifactor authentication, provided by Duo Security, adds another layer of security to your online accounts when using Pitt Passport by requiring two “factors” to verify your identity when you log in to a service: something you know (such as your password) and something only you have (such as your mobile phone, on which you will receive a login confirmation notice).
Detailed Steps to Register Devices
First Time User
Welcome to Pitt! You'll be using Duo Mobile as the multifactor authentication tool to keep your account safe.
- Decide what type of device or method to register as your primary means to authenticate. Refer to our Multifactor Authentication Options Guide or check the guidelines below.
NOTE: Duo has ended mobile app support for iOS 11 and Android 7 (or older) operating systems, and the app cannot be downloaded onto these devices. The app will continue to work on devices that already have the app installed, but no support is available and new features may not work. We recommend that users upgrade their device to the latest OS.
- The first time you log into a Pitt site with your password, you'll be instructed to enroll in Duo Mobile. Click Start setup to begin.
- Select what type of device it is.
- If adding a phone, it will ask you for the phone number. Once you enter it, be sure to click the checkbox to verify the number entered then click Continue.
- Select whether you want to receive the verification code via Call or Text, input the code once received, and click Continue.
- Once done, it will take you to the My Settings & Devices screen where you will see your new number registered. Your phone is all set to receive Duo calls.
- If you'd like use the Send a push option (recommended) Click Device Options then Activate Duo Mobile.
- It will have you verify the number again for extra security. Once done, continue below.
- Select the type of device you'll be using.
- Download the Duo Mobile app on the device from it's app store (not Duo Lingo). Select I have Duo Mobile Installed once it's installed. The website will then generate a QR code for you.
- If you don't want to use the QR code, select to have the activation link emailed to you. Make sure to enter an email address you have access to on your phone. If you use the emailed link, skip the below steps.
- Open the Duo Mobile app on your phone/device and click the Set up account button, then select Use a QR Code.
- If you've used Duo Mobile before, it may take you to the screen that shows your existing accounts. Click the +Add at the top, then select to Use QR Code.
- Your device's camera app should open. Point it at the QR code to register the device.
- Add the name of the account - the default University of Pittsburgh will suffice. Click Save.
- You'll be directed back to the My Settings & Devices page. Click Back to Login to continue logging in.
- You can now log into the Duo screen using one of the options you setup.
- Note: if it takes you to an error window, don't fret. Pitt sites are set to time out during login if it takes a while, which sometimes setting up for the first time can cause. Just go back to the site you were trying to log in, go through the login process again, and your Duo should be all set.
- Enjoy.
Existing User - New Device for an Already Registered Number
Do you have a new phone that's using your old number, and need to get Duo working?
- Have the Duo Mobile app downloaded from the device's app store (not Duo Lingo).
- Log into https://accounts.pitt.edu/ManageMyDevices/ - you'll need to authenticate through Duo twice (once to login to the Accounts Administration page, the second time to access the device management).
- Note: If you bought a new phone and don't have access to the old phone any longer for a Push, you can use the Call Me option to ring through to the new phone (as long as calls are ringing through the new device).
- Note: Did you have Duo automatically send you a Push on the old device, and now you're stuck? When it's sending the push to your new device, click "Cancel" in the bottom right of the Duo window (you may need to scroll down on some devices)
- Once in My Settings & Devices, find your existing number and click Device Options. Then click Reactivate Duo Mobile.
- Select whether you want to receive the verification code via Call or Text, input the code once received, click Verify, then click Continue.
- Select what type of device the phone is.
- Select I have Duo Mobile Installed once it's installed. The website will then generate a QR code for you.
- If you don't want to use the QR code, select to have the activation link emailed to you. Make sure to enter an email address you have access to on your phone. If you use the emailed link, skip the below steps.
- Open the Duo Mobile app on your phone and click the +Add button, then select Use QR Code at the top.
- Your phone's camera app should open. Point it at the QR code to register the device.
- Add the name of the account - the default University of Pittsburgh will suffice. Click Save.
- Enjoy.
Existing User - New Device and a New Number
Do you have a new phone and a new phone number as well?
If you still have your old device you've used for Duo before, and it's connected to WiFi, you should be able to Send a Push to that device to complete the setup steps mentioned in Register Additional Device below. Then you should delete the entry for the old device by clicking Device Options then the Trash Can icon next to the old number.
If you don't have access to the old device and are stuck, please give our Technology Help Desk a call at 412-624-4357. We'll verify your account and assist with registering the new device!
Existing User - Registering an Additional Device
Looking to add another device you can use with Duo?
- Have the Duo Mobile app downloaded from the device's app store (not Duo Lingo).
- Log into https://accounts.pitt.edu/ManageMyDevices/ - you'll need to authenticate through Duo twice (once to login to the Accounts Administration page, the second time to access the device management).
- Click + Add another device.
- Select what type of device it is.
- If adding another phone, it will ask you for the phone number.
- Select I have Duo Mobile Installed once it's installed. The website will then generate a QR code for you.
- If you don't want to use the QR code, select to have the activation link emailed to you. Make sure to enter an email address you have access to on your phone. If you use the emailed link, skip the below steps.
- Open the Duo Mobile app on your phone/device and click the +Add button, then select Use QR Code at the top.
- Your device's camera app should open. Point it at the QR code to register the device.
- Add the name of the account - the default University of Pittsburgh will suffice. Click Save.
- Enjoy.
Existing User - Fix Existing Device
The most common problem with the Duo Mobile app is when the app stops sending you Push notifications. This is usually due to the device and the app not cooperating for whatever reason. The easiest way to fix this is:
- Log into a Pitt site and select Send me a Push
- If the push doesn't arrive immediately, manually open the Duo Mobile app on your device. The login push should be waiting for you.
- Generally this gets the device and app coordinating again, but if the issue continues it's recommended to restart the device.
If you open the app and it says the account is disconnected/disabled, please follow the steps for New Device for the Existing Number using the Call Me option when presented with the Duo login (you may need to hit Cancel if Duo automatically sends a Push).
If that doesn't help, please give the Technology Help Desk a call at 412-624-4357 so we can check your account and assist!
Remove a Device You Have Registered
If you lose a device that you have registered with Duo Mobile, or if you no longer use it, you should remove it.
Important: Be sure you have at least one other device registered for multifactor authentication before you remove a device (see "Register an Additional Device") for details.
- Log in to the Manage My Account service via My Pitt (my.pitt.edu).
- Click Login & Security then Add/Manage Pitt Passport Devices.
- Log in with multifactor authentication (If you have lost your primary device and have not registered a backup, you can call the Technology Help Desk for a bypass code).
- Click Device Options next to the device you want to remove.
- Click Remove Device (red trash can icon).
7. Click Remove to confirm you want to remove the device.
Additional Information
You can still use Duo even when you don't have wireless coverage or cell service. If you have Duo set to automatically send a push notification or call your device, just click Cancel at the bottom of the webpage. Next, click the green Enter a Passcode button on the webpage. Open the Duo app and tap University of Pittsburgh to generate a passcode, enter it on the webpage, and click the green Log In button.
When possible, we encourage you to use the “Push” option because it is the fastest, most efficient authentication method. In addition, it is also the most cost-efficient option for the University.