Setting up a Mobile Phone for 2FA

Owned by Ashley Mattingly
Last updated: Nov 09, 2023
3 min read

Faculty, staff, and students enrolling in the two-factor authentication (2FA) service can choose to designate a mobile phone as a second factor. A second factor is a device that you own that will be linked to your NetID. This article explains how to add a smartphone or cell phone to the 2FA service.

Currently, the Duo mobile app is supported on Android 10 and up, and on iOS/iPadOS versions 14 and up. If your device does not meet this requirement, you will need to use text message authentication.

These directions are for adding your first 2FA device. If you already have added a device to the service, see Add a Backup Device.

What information is collected on my device?
Installing the Duo app on your device sends information about the phone model, OS version, and phone number (for texts) back to the Duo service. No other information about your device is collected.

Adding a Phone

When you add a phone in the two factor device management portal, you will have the option to set it up in conjunction with the Duo Mobile, or if your phone is not capable of running apps, you can set it up to receive text messages.

Install and Authenticate by Duo Mobile App (Recommended)

If you are adding a phone that is capable of running the Duo Mobile app, follow these instructions. The Duo Mobile app allows you to authenticate with a push notification, which is the easiest and least disruptive way to log in.

  1. Begin by downloading the Duo Mobile app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android).

  2. Go to netid.uconn.edu/tools/duo/ and log in with your NetID and NetID password.

  3. You will be greeted with a “Welcome to Duo Security” screen. Click Next until you reach the “Select an option” screen.

  4. Select Duo Mobile.

  5. Select your country code (+1 for USA) from the dropdown and enter your 10-digit cellphone number and select Add phone number.

  6. Verify the phone number displayed is correct and select Yes, it’s correct.

  7. The next screen will prompt you to download the Duo Mobile app if you haven’t already. Click Next to continue.

  8. The next screen will appear differently if you are on a phone vs. a computer.
    a. If accessing from a computer, you will be presented with a QR code to scan. Open the Duo app on your phone, tap +Add, and select Use QR code. Hold the phone up to the computer screen to scan the QR code.
    b. If accessing from a phone, simply click the Continue button.

  9. The process is complete.

Authenticate by Text

  1. Go to netid.uconn.edu/tools/duo/ and log in with your NetID and NetID password.

  2. You will be greeted with a “Welcome to Duo Security” screen. Click Next until you reach the “Select an option” screen.

  3. Select Phone number.

  4. Select your country code (+1 for USA) from the dropdown and enter your 10-digit cellphone number and select Add phone number.

  5. Verify the phone number displayed is correct and select Yes, it’s correct.

  6. Done!