If you’ve been logging in with Duo the same way for awhile, now is a good time to review your options and consider whether there are other methods that might work better for you.
Duo Mobile app
Advantages:
- Offers multiple login-approval methods (passcode, push notification; phone call and text message when installed on a smartphone).
- Works with or without a WiFi or cellular connection.
- Likely always with you because it is stored on your smartphone or tablet.
- Works with Apple Watch and Android smartwatch.
- When traveling internationally, most people can use the Duo Mobile app to generate a passcode because it works without a WiFi or cellular connection.
Considerations:
- Requires a smart device.
Text message
Advantages:
- Each text message contains 10 passcodes that are good for 30 days.
Considerations:
- Requires a WiFi or cellular connection to receive a text message; standard text message rates apply.
Hardware token
Advantages:
- Key fob is small and easily attached to a keychain, backpack, and so on.
- Available at no cost to individuals from the Computer Showcase.
Considerations:
- May be lost or misplaced. You are responsible for the cost if you want a replacement.
YubiKey
Advantages:
- Fits in the USB port of your computer, so login is quick and easy. Just touch the YubiKey.
- Available at no cost to individuals from the Computer Showcase.
Considerations:
- Takes up USB slot.
- Not a good option if you use multiple computers.
Phone call
Advantages:
- You can use any or all of your phone numbers, including your U-M phone, personal home phone, and cell phone.
- Tip: Your university phone number is a good backup option if you forget a device at home.
Considerations:
- If you use a shared phone at work, you need to be at the phone to answer the call when you are logging in. Only you can verify your login.
- Requires a phone—landline or cellular; standard phone rates apply.
And remember, be sure to set up a backup option if you haven’t done so already! See Options for Two-Factor Authentication for descriptions of all the options with links to enrollment procedures.
