Duo Frequently Asked Questions


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Table of Contents

I've entered my code into the Duo mobile app but it's not working.

If you are having trouble with entering a Duo mobile code into the app, first attempt to use Duo push instead.

If Duo push is not working ensure that:

If Duo push is still not working try updating your Duo mobile application to version 4.49 or later via these instructions. After updating you may again try inputting the code as well as Duo push.

You may also add another device and try using duo push on that device.

If you are still having trouble, contact OIT Help Desk at oit@uci.edu or give us a call at 949-824-2222.

I've replaced my phone or factory reset my phone. How do I get a new token?

Use our instructions "How to replace a phone in Duo". We have a tool that helps you create a new token.

My Duo account is locked.

The lockout will only last 30 minutes and will come off automatically. If it's been 30 minutes and you're still locked out, please open a ticket and make sure to provide your mobile number in your request. If you're unable to open a ticket, you can email us at oit@uci.edu or give us a call at 949-824-2222. For your security, we'll need to speak with you to verify your identity before we can assist.

I left my phone at home. Can you help me?

If you have previously generated and saved your Emergency Backup Codes, you can use one of your codes.

If you don't have an emergency backup code, we can still help. Please open a ticket and provide a phone number where you can be reached. If you're unable to open a ticket, you can email us at oit@uci.edu or give us a call at 949-824-2222. For your security, we'll need to speak with you to verify your identity before we can assist.

Auto-Login Cookie

Your login instance will be remembered for 24 hours after you initially authenticate. After 24 hours you will need to authenticate again.

What is an emergency backup code? When is it needed?

If you forget your MFA-enabled device, you can use one of your emergency backup codes to log in.

You've probably heard that you shouldn't write down your password, but these backup codes are an exception. You should definitely print these or write these down and keep them handy in a place where you can find them in an emergency, like your wallet, pocketbook, or purse. These are single-use codes, so after you use a code it cannot be used again.

To generate your backup codes:

  1. Visit this emergency backup codes page.
  2. Select the Generate button at the bottom of the page to receive 10 backup codes.
  3. Copy and paste the codes into a document, and then print the document.
    • Alternatively, you can store the backup codes in your password vault like 1Password, KeePass, etc.

How do I enter an emergency backup code?

In the event you misplace or replace your mobile device or hardware token (or if you just left it at home), you can use one of your emergency backup codes. Here's how:

  1. On the UCI Multifactor Login screen, select Enter a Passcode.
    • NOTE: If this button is greyed out, it means you've enabled the auto-push feature. Simply press Cancel in the blue bar at the bottom of the screen, and the Enter a Passcode button will now be selectable.
  2. Pull out your list of emergency backup codes and enter the 1st one on the list.
  3. Enter this code in the two-step authentication screen and select Log In.

Don't forget to cross this code off your list because each code can only be used once.

I got a new iPhone/iPad. Can I restore my Duo token using iCloud backup?

Yes. All users with iCloud Keychains enabled will automatically backup. When you activate a new iOS device, Duo Mobile will automatically connect to iCloud Keychain, iCloud Drive, and Duo’s cloud service to reactivate at first launch of the application.

Visit this Apple Support link to learn how to enable iCloud Keychain.

Why do I need multi-factor authentication? What are the benefits?

Passwords are becoming increasingly easy to compromise. They can be stolen, “phished”, guessed, and hacked. New technology and hacking techniques combined with the limited pool of passwords most people use for multiple accounts increase vulnerability.

What devices are supported?

UCI supports a range of electronic devices including:

What if I don't have a smartphone or mobile device?

For those of you who don't have a smartphone, the campus has funded independent Duo tokens for your use. Tokens will be distributed to your department's security coordinator.

How do I enter a passcode?

  1. Log in to a SSO-enabled service (such as ZotPortal or Canvas) as you normally would with your UCInetID and password.
  2. On the Duo Login screen, select Other options and click on Duo Mobile Passcode if you want to use the code generates by the duo app. If you want to use your hardware token, select Hardware token.
  3. Generate your 6 digit passcode.
  4.  Type the 6-digit code and then select Verify. That's it! You will be automatically taken to the website you were trying to visit on your computer (ZotPortal, Canvas, etc)

How do I enable auto-push for specific devices?

Duo will automatically send a push notification to your most recently authenticated device. If you would like to change the default device, simply prompt a Duo push and open the Duo app on the desired device. After you authenticate on that device, the next authentication will default to that device.

I'm not getting the Duo Push notifications.

Sometimes a Duo push might not be received in a timely manner (or at all) on a user’s phone for any of a number of reasons, namely a weak network connection or an upstream problem that is out of OIT’s and Duo’s control. The reasons include:

  1. You're somewhere that has poor or no network connectivity.
    • You can use the Enter a Passcode option. The Duo Mobile app generates a new 6-digit code every 60 seconds that you can use anywhere in the world.
    • See the instructions below on how to use this feature.
  2. You've inadvertently disabled your notifications on your mobile device.
  3. Occasionally the Duo push will not automatically pop up on your phone.
    • Simply open the Duo app and duo prompt notification will appear.

Poor Network Connectivity

  1. If you are somewhere that has poor or no network connectivity, use the Enter a Passcode option. If this button is greyed out, click the Cancel button in the lower right, then click the Enter a Passcode button. 
  2. On your mobile phone, open the Duo Mobile app and tap the “Duo-Protected” token. A 6-digit number will appear below it. This is the passcode.
  3. Type this 6-digit code that you see in the Duo Mobile app, and then select Log In.

The UCI Duo Screen is blank.

The UCI Multifactor Login screen (which is where you tell Duo to send you a push or to enter a passcode) will appear blank if you are running certain 'ad blocker' browser plugins, such as Adblocker Plus and uBlock Origin. The ad blockers are misinterpreting the Duo page as a 'pop up'.

There are a few ways to resolve this:

  1. Temporarily disable the ad blocker and refresh the page.
  2. Add the URL 'login.uci.edu' to your ad blocker's 'white list'.
  3. Permanently disable or uninstall the ad blocker.

I'm getting an "Access Denied" error.

If you're seeing the following error in red... "Access Denied. The username you have entered cannot authenticate with Duo Security. Please contact your system administrator.' ...it's because you've recently replaced your phone, or performed a factory reset on your phone. The old token is no longer valid and must be replaced. Please open a ticket and provide a phone number where you can be reached. If you're unable to open a ticket, you can email us at oit@uci.edu or give us a call at 949-824-2222. For your security, we'll need to speak with you to verify your identity before we can assist.

I received a login notification on my phone or computer but didn't prompt it

If you're seeing a push notification on your phone or computer browser and you did not prompt it, there could be a few reasons. Sometimes services like office 365 or background services can prompt it when booting up your device. You could also have another tab open that is prompting duo without your knowledge. If you believe there is suspicious activity related to a duo notification, please contact OIT Help Desk at oit@uci.edu or give us a call at 949-824-2222.

What if I'm somewhere with no telephone reception.

Open the Duo Mobile app and use the 6-digit passcode that appears on your screen.

My Duo hardware token (or fob) is not working.

Please open a ticket and make sure to provide your mobile number in your request. We'll need to speak with you during business hours to resync your token. If your hardware token needs to be replaced and you work for OIT, we can open a ticket with the Security team so they can furnish you with a new one. If you do not work for OIT, please partner with whoever in your department who provided you with the hardware token. Alternatively, you can ask your local IT Support.

How do I use my Yubikey with Duo?

If you don’t have a mobile device, the campus has funded independent Duo tokens for your use, free of charge.

Please email oit@uci.edu to request for a Duo hardware token. Please include your UCInetID in the email.

Alternatively, students and employees can purchase a third-party hardware token from vendors like Yubikey. If you have a Yubikey, enroll it now.

I received an email with the subject line "Fraudulent authentication report".

If you tap the "Deny" button on a push request, even if by accident, the system will send you and the Duo Admins an email. If you tapped the "Deny" button in error, you can safely disregard the email. If you did not, please forward the email to oit@uci.edu and include a note.

I'm a developer. Do I need to change any of my apps to use Duo?

No, if your application uses UCI Single Sign-on, it will automatically include Duo MFA for those who are enrolled.

I'm seeing the error "Please enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for your UCInetID".

You'll see this error if you were 'opted-in' to the UCI SSO service but you have not yet enrolled your mobile device in Duo. Please open a ticket with the Help Desk and ask us to opt you out.

I have both a phone and a hardware token added to Duo. How can I use the hardware token when attempting to RDB into my workstation?

When you attempt to RDP into a Windows workstation that requires Duo, you will receive a prompt to authenticate with Duo. However, this prompt may default to the using your mobile phone option.

In the case where you'd like to authenticate with your hardware token instead, you may simply enter the code it generates into the passcode field that is available. Despite this being labeled under the mobile phone, it will still accept a passcode generated from any of your active Duo devices.