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 [New User]
To help keep your account secure, you’ll be using Duo Mobile for multifactor authentication. Start by choosing the device or method you'd like to register as your primary way to authenticate. For help deciding, refer to our Choosing What Type to Register Guide. If you choose to use a mobile phone, follow the steps in this First Time User guide:
- Open a web browser on your computer and browse to https://accounts.pitt.edu/.
- Type your username and password in the appropriate fields, and click Submit.
- Click Get Started.
- On the "First, Add a device" selection screen, Select Duo Mobile.
- Type your phone number in the text box, area code first, like the example shows and click Continue.
- Verify that you've entered the correct phone number and click the Yes, it's correct button.
- 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. Select Next when you have done so.
- Open the Duo Mobile app on your mobile phone or device and tap the Set Up Account button, then tap Use a QR code. Point your device's camera at your computer screen to scan the QR code.
- On your phone, tap Save.
- Go back to your computer and click Continue.
- Click I don't want to add more devices to complete the process.
New Device for an Already Registered Number [Existing User]
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 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/ManageMyDevices.
- Type your username and password in the appropriate fields, and click Submit.
- Click the "I got a new phone" link.
- Click the "Text me a link" button.
- Check your phone's text messaging app and click the link sent from Duo.
- The link will open in Duo Mobile. Tap Save.
- Go back to your computer, and click Continue to complete the process.
New Device and a New Number [Existing User]
Do you have a new phone and a new phone number as well?
- Begin by installing the Duo Mobile app from your new 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/ManageMyDevices.
- Type your username and password in the appropriate fields, and click Submit.
- Click the "I got a new phone" link.
- Click the "I got a new number" button.
- On the "New number? That'll take a few more steps" screen, Click Continue.
- Enter your new phone number and click text me a link.
- Check your phone's text messaging app and click the link sent from Duo.
- The link will open in Duo Mobile. Tap Save.
- Go back to your computer, and click Continue to complete the process.
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!
Registering an Additional Device [Existing User]
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.
Fix Existing Device [Existing User]
One of the most common issues with the Duo Mobile app is the failure to receive push notifications. This typically occurs when the app and your device are not properly syncing. To resolve this, try the following steps:
- Log in to any University of Pittsburgh service that uses Duo and select Send me a Push
- If the notification does not appear immediately, manually open the Duo Mobile app. In most cases, the notification will be waiting within the app.
- This usually re-establishes proper communication between the app and your device. If the issue persists, restarting your device is recommended.
If the app indicates that your Duo account is "disconnected" or "disabled," follow the instructions for Registering a New Device for an Already Registered Number. During the Duo login process, select the Call Me option (you may need to tap Cancel first if a push is sent automatically).
If none of these steps resolve the issue, please contact the Technology Help Desk at 412-624-HELP (4357) for further assistance. We’re happy to help!
Remove a Registered Device [Existing User]
If you lose a device that you have registered with Duo Mobile, or if you no longer use it, you should remove it.
- Log in to the Manage My Account service via myPitt (my.pitt.edu).
- Type your username and password into the appropriate fields and click Submit. Multifactor authenticate (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 Login & Security then select Add/Manage Pitt Passport Devices from the drop-down menu.
- Multifactor authenticate via your preferred method.
- Click Edit next to the device you want to remove.
- Click Delete.
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.