What is Two-Step Login? Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
Two-step login protects your account by verifying your identity using a second device when you log in.
UMass Amherst currently uses Microsoft two-step login for most services.
Traveling? Check our tips here to avoid issues accessing UMass Amherst services while abroad.
Get the app for the easiest and most secure login experience.
Log in securely with a quick app notification.
- Install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device in your phone's app store.
Alternatively, scan the QR code below with your mobile device or click to download the app.
⚠️Note: If you search the app store, the first result may be an ad. - Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device.
- Tap Accept to continue on the Help us improve Microsoft Authenticator screen.
Note: You do not need to enable the Improve the app by sharing your app use data option. - Tap Add work or school account on your mobile device.
Tap the plus icon in the top-right corner if you don't see this option.
- Tap Sign in if prompted to Scan a QR code or sign in.
- Tap Ok to continue if you are prompted about App Lock.
- Enter your UMass Amherst NetID email [netID]@umass.edu, and tap Next.
- Enter your password and tap Sign in.
Note: You may be prompted to verify your identity using an existing two-step login option, such as a text message code, or an older authentication app. - Tap Continue, and then Register if prompted to set up phone sign-in.
Log In Faster: Choose a Default Two-Step Login Device
Setting your default two-step login device will speed up your sign-in process.
Before you start
Follow these steps on a laptop or desktop computer. If you do not have one, visit the Learning Commons on the W.E.B. Du Bois library lower level, visit your local library to use a shared computer, or contact it@umass.edu for further support.
- Go to mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info. On a laptop or desktop computer.
- Sign in with your UMass Amherst NetID email [netID]@umass.edu and password.
Note: If you are changing settings for a subsidiary account, make sure to sign in with that account's netID@umass.edu and password. - Select Set default sign-in method under Security Info.
(or Change next to the line displaying your current default sign-in method). - Select your preferred authentication method and select Confirm from the dropdown menu.
Add Two-Step Login Device: Cell or Landline Number
The Microsoft Authenticator app is the easiest and most secure way to log in, and is more likely to work even if you don't have phone service.
If you can't use the app, or want to add more devices as backup options, follow these steps.
Before you start
Follow these steps on a laptop or desktop computer. If you do not have one, visit the Learning Commons on the W.E.B. Du Bois library lower level, visit your local library to use a shared computer, or contact it@umass.edu for further support.
- Go to mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info. On a laptop or desktop computer.
- Sign in with your UMass Amherst NetID email [netID]@umass.edu and password.
Note: If you are changing settings for a subsidiary account sign in with that account's netID@umass.edu and password. - Select Add method under Security Info.
- Select Phone, Alternate phone, or Office phone and select Add in the Add a method dialog box.
- Enter your phone number in the Phone dialog box.
- Make sure Call me is checked when using a landline phone, select Next to continue. Text me a code is checked by default (as shown below).
- Enter the 6 digit code you receive either via text message or phone call and select Next.
- Press # on the phone to confirm if you are adding a phone via phone call as needed.
