This article outlines how to set up and use one of the options for multifactor authentication (MFA) at UMass Amherst. More about MFA and other authentication methods you can use 

About One-Time Password (OTP) Apps 

This method is recommended for password manager users. Type a one-time password (OTP) code generated by an app on your smartphone or mobile device to finish logging in. 

• Works with apps including Google Authenticator, Apple Passwords, etc.
• May not require a smartphone, depending upon the app.
• Does not require the second device to have an internet connection. 
• Works with Self-Service Password Reset if you use an OTP app other than Microsoft Authenticator, or if your second method is not Microsoft Authenticator push notification.

Set Up OTP Apps Such As Google Authenticator, Apple Passwords 

Use a trustworthy OTP app from your smartphone or mobile device’s app store. Examples include Google Authenticator, the Apple Passwords app on iPhone, Duo Mobile etc. 

1. On your computer, go to mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info 
2. Click Add sign-in method. 
3. Select Microsoft Authenticator.  
4. At the bottom of the Install Microsoft Authenticator screen, click Set up a different authentication app.  
5. On the Set up your account in app screen, click Next.  
6. In your mobile app, look for an option to add an account by scanning a QR code.  
   • In Google Authenticator, tap the plus icon in the lower right, then tap Scan a QR code.  
   • In the Apple Passwords app, tap Codes, tap the plus icon in the lower right, and then select Scan QR Code with Camera. On the Add Verification Code screen, select a saved password to associate this OTP code with, or tap the plus icon in the upper right to add a new one.  
   • In Duo Mobile, tap Add, then Use QR code.  
7. On your computer, on the Scan QR Code screen, click Next.  
8. Enter the 6-digit code displayed by your OTP app and click Next.  
9. On the Authenticator app added screen, click Done.  

 

Log In Using Your OTP App 

You can use the code generated by your one-time password token device while logging into UMass Amherst services. For example, while logging into SPIRE:  

1. Go to spire.umass.edu and click Log in to SPIRE. 
2. Enter your NetID email [NetID]@umass.edu and click Next. 
3. Enter your password and click Sign in. 
4. Click Use a verification code.  
   If you do not see this option, you may need to click I can’t use my Microsoft Authenticator App right now. 
5. Get the one-time password code from your OTP app: 
   • In the Microsoft Authenticator app, tap on your account, and look for the code displayed under One-time password code.  
   • In Google Authenticator, look for the code displayed under your netid@umass.edu email address.  
   • In the Apple Passwords app, tap your account name, and look for the code displayed in the Code field.  
   • In Duo Mobile, look for the code displayed under your netid@umass.edu email address. 
6. On your computer, on the Enter code screen, type the code into the Code field, and click Verify.  
7. If you are using a computer only you access, click Yes to Stay signed in. Do not use this option on public or shared computers. 

 

Log In Using OTP Codes in Microsoft Authenticator

Install the Microsoft Authenticator app and add your UMass Amherst account to use OTP codes as an offline authentication method. Follow our guide to set up the app, then follow the instructions below to log into services.  
For example, while logging into SPIRE:  

1. Go to spire.umass.edu and click Log in to SPIRE. 
2. Enter your NetID email [NetID]@umass.edu and click Next. 
3. Enter your password and click Sign in. 
4. Click Use a verification code.  
   If you do not see this option, you may need to click I can’t use my Microsoft Authenticator App right now. 
5. In the Microsoft Authenticator app, tap on your account, and look for the code displayed under One-time password code.  
6. On your computer, on the Enter code screen, type the code into the Code field, and click Verify. 
7. If you are using a computer only you access, click Yes to Stay signed in. Do not use this option on public or shared computers. 

 

Add, Change, or Remove Multifactor Authentication Options 

Go to mysignins.microsoft.com/security-info to add or delete authentication methods and to set a default option.