Effective June 24, 2024, you will see a new Duo multifactor authentication prompt when logging in to University services. The new prompt provides a simpler interface that is more accessible for those in our community with disabilities. For more information and example screenshots, please refer to the
Understanding the New Duo Universal Prompt article.
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
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 Multi-factor Authentication Options Guide. If you decide to use a Mobile phone, use the following guide.
- Install the Duo Mobile app from your device's app store. Be sure that the name of the app is Duo Mobile and not Duo Lingo.
- Open a web browser on your computer and browse to https://accounts.pitt.edu/.
- Type your username and password in the appropriate fields, and select Submit.
- Select Start setup.
- Select your device type and then Continue. If adding a mobile phone, type your phone number in the text box, area code first, like the example shows.
- Verify that you've entered the correct phone number by selecting the checkbox and then the Continue button.
- Select what type of device that your phone is and then select Continue.
- Select I have Duo Mobile Installed.
- Open the Duo Mobile app on your mobile phone or device and tap the Set Up Account button, then tap Use QR code. Point your device's camera at your computer screen to scan the QR code.
- On your phone, tap Next and then tap Save.
- Go back to your computer and select Continue. Optionally, select the When I Log in action you would like from the drop-down boxes.
- Select Save to complete the process.
Existing User - New Device for an Already Registered Number
Do you have a new phone that's using your old number and you need to reactivate the Duo Mobile app?
- Begin by installing the Duo Mobile app on your new phone from your device's app store. Be sure that the name of the app is Duo Mobile and not Duo Lingo.
- Open a web browser on your computer and log into https://accounts.pitt.edu/ManageMyDevices. You'll need to authenticate through Duo twice. Use the Call Me option. Once to login to the Accounts Administration page and a second time to access the device management page.
- Select Device Options, and then Activate Duo Mobile.
- Select your device type, and then Continue.
- Select I have Duo Mobile Installed. The website will generate a QR code for you. If you don't want to use the QR code, select Email me the activation link instead. Make sure to enter an email address that you have access to on your phone. If you use the emailed link, skip the steps below.
- Open the Duo Mobile app on your mobile phone or device, and tap the Set Up Account button, then tap Use QR code. Point your device's camera at your computer screen to scan the QR code.
- Tap Next, and then tap Save.
- Go back to your computer, and select Continue to complete the process.
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
Use the following steps to register an additional device with Duo.
- Begin by installing the Duo Mobile app from your device's app store. Be sure that the name of the app is Duo Mobile and not Duo Lingo.
- Open a web browser on your computer and log into https://accounts.pitt.edu/ManageMyDevices/. You'll need to authenticate through Duo twice. Once to login to the Accounts Administration page and a second time to access the device management page.
- Select Add a device to add an additional device.
- On the Select an Option screen, click Duo Mobile.
- Enter your phone number and click Continue. (If you are using a tablet, click "I have a tablet.")
- Verify that you've entered the correct phone number.
- You will be prompted to download Duo Mobile, which you completed in step 1. Click Next.
- Using your phone or tablet, scan the QR code that the website generates 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 steps below.
- You will be prompted to name your Duo account. Tap Next.
- Keep the default account name (University of Pittsburgh) or choose a different name, then tap Save.
- Go back to your computer and select Continue.
- You can now log in using the new device. When you log in to a service via Pitt Passport, the Duo prompt will appear. Click Other Options, then Send a Duo Push to the device that you added.
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.