STUDENTS: Use Duo/2FA to better protect your UW NetID

Last updated: November 4, 2022
Audience: Students

The UW requires 2FA for your UW NetID to protect your information and comply with federal regulations. 2FA is required with UW NetID sign-in, such as for Zoom, MyUW and Canvas. Once you have opted in, be sure to keep your Duo device with you.

Get started: Which of these is you?

Happy path

Great! Let’s link your Duo Mobile app to your NetID. Follow the steps in Set up a smartphone or tablet.

After linking the app to your NetID, refer to the Instructions in Opt in to use 2FA on the web to complete your 2FA setup.

Duo Mobile is an app for your smartphone or tablet if you want to use one of those devices to sign in with 2FA. To install it and link it to your NetID, take a look at Set up a smartphone or tablet.

After linking the app to your NetID, refer to the Instructions in Opt in to use 2FA on the web to complete your 2FA setup.

If you don’t want to use a smartphone for Duo, you can request and/or register a hardware token for Duo instead. Refer to the section below.

If you need hardware token from UW-IT, use the Hardware Token Request Form on the Hardware tokens page.

If you already have a hardware token and would like to add it to Duo, refer to the Personal hardware tokens section on the Hardware tokens page.

Once you have your hardware token added to Duo, you’re almost done! Refer to the Instructions in Opt in to use 2FA on the web to complete your 2FA setup.

Try signing in to a website that requires your NetID, like Canvas or your email inbox. If you see a prompt that says “Use your 2FA device,” you have successfully enabled 2FA!

Alternatively, sign in to Identity.UW. If your setup is complete, on the 2FA tab, you should see a green checkmark ✅ under the section “Opt in to use 2FA on the web”.

Not seeing the checkmark? Try following the instructions in one of the sections above to complete your 2FA setup.

2FA is an added layer of security for your NetID. It protects your information and defends you against phishing scams.

Go to one of the sections above to set it up, or learn more about 2FA at the Two-factor authentication (2FA) main page.

Don’t have your Duo device with you? Contact the UW-IT Service Center. Someone will verify your ID and get you a temporary bypass code so you can sign in. NOTE: You will need a way to use Zoom in order to verify your identity.

Have questions? That’s okay! Go to the frequently asked questions for students.

Still need help? Contact the UW-IT Service Center at (206) 221-5000 or at help@uw.edu.