How do I configure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for my non "@virginia.edu" email address for my UVACanvas Connect account?
Note: If you log in with your UVA NetBadge account, this article does not apply. To log in with NetBadge, follow the steps in How do I access a UVACanvas Connect course I was added to with my UVA Computing ID?
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds security by verifying you are the user accessing your account. You configure your MFA the second time you log into UVACanvas Connect, not during the initial set up of your account.
You will need a mobile device for the authentication process. If possible, use a laptop or desktop computer when you log in to set up MFA. You will access your verification code from your mobile device and enter it on your laptop or desktop computer.
There are two ways to authenticate:
- Use the Duo Mobile authenticator app (recommended)
- Use SMS text messaging
Tip: If you need assistance with MFA configuration, reach out to your direct contact for the program hosting your course. If you are unsure who that is, contact the UVA Learning Technology Services (LTS) Team at [email protected].
Note: If you have already configured MFA, follow the steps in How do I log in with a non-UVA email address in UVACanvas Connect? to log in.
Duo Mobile is an authentication app licensed by the University of Virginia. By choosing this method, UVA staff can provide more comprehensive support if you run into a problem.
On a mobile device, download Duo Mobile.
To set up MFA, download the Duo Mobile authentication app for iOS or Android. It is available in the Google Play store (opens new window) for Android and the App Store (opens new window) for iOS.
Once downloaded, you can configure the Duo Mobile authentication app by following the steps below.
Open the Duo Mobile app on your mobile device.
Select the entry for your UVACanvas Connect account.
In Duo Mobile on your mobile device, select the Account name for your UVACanvas Connect account. The default name is "University of Virginia Connect Canvas - login ID," where the login ID is your email address. However, this can be customized.
On a computer, start to log in to UVACanvas Connect.
On a laptop or desktop computer, navigate to the UVACanvas Connect Other Login Page (opens new window), then:
- Enter your Login ID (typically, your email address) and Password.
- Select Log In.
On a mobile device, open Duo Mobile and select Add.
Open Duo Mobile (pictured above) on your mobile device and select the Add button on the Accounts dashboard.
Select Use QR code or Add other account.
If you would prefer to scan a QR code to set up this account in Duo Mobile, select Use QR code at the top of the list.
If you aren't able to use a camera to scan the QR code, scroll to the bottom of the list and select Add other account.
Scan the QR code or copy the Secret Key that appear on your computer.
Use your phone to scan the QR code on the Canvas login screen when prompted by Duo Mobile. Or, enter the Secret Key into the Activation code field in Duo Mobile.
In your Duo Mobile app, save your account.
- An Account name will be populated by default, for example, "University of Virginia Connect Canvas - login ID," where the login ID is your username/email address. You can edit this name if desired.
- Select Save.
Duo Restore (Optional).
At this point, you might be prompted to set a password for your Duo Mobile account so that you can restore third-party accounts in case of an issue with your device. This is optional, but recommended. For steps to set up Duo Restore, see the Guide to Duo Restore (opens new window).
Enter the 6-digit passcode on the Multi-factor Authentication page.
- Enter the Passcode from the Duo Mobile app in the Verification Code field on the Multi-factor Authentication page.
- Select Verify to log in to UVACanvas Connect.
On a computer, start to log in to UVACanvas Connect.
On a laptop or desktop computer, navigate to the UVACanvas Connect Other Login Page (opens new window), then:
- Enter your Login ID and Password.
- Select Log In.
Note: If you are accessing your course via the Get Started button in an invitation email, and you already have an account, you will be brought to the login screen.
Enter your phone number and send a code.
- Enter the phone number associated with the mobile device you would like to use to configure your MFA and receive a verification code.
- Select the Send button.
Tip: If you need assistance with MFA configuration, reach out to your direct contact for the program hosting your course. If you are unsure who that is, contact the UVA LTS Team.
Enter the code sent in a text message.
- Enter numeric code sent in an SMS text to your mobile device into the Verification Code field.
- Select the Verify button.
After selecting the Verify button, you should be logged into UVACanvas Connect.
Find and copy your back-up codes. (optional, but recommended.)
- Once logged in, select the Account icon in your global navigation menu.
- Select Settings from the drop-down menu.
Generate Codes.
Select Multi-Factor Authentication Backup Codes (usually located on the right side of the page.)
Copy Codes.
Copy the codes: You will receive ten codes (these are blurred out in the screenshot above) that can each be used one time. Copy those codes and keep them somewhere safe to be used as a back up in case you are not able to authenticate with one of the options above. Never share the codes with anyone. Note that the codes can not be recovered if you lose them.
If you need to enter a verification code but do not have access to a mobile device you can use one of those codes to log in. Keep track of the codes you have used. If you use all ten codes, you can go back and generate another set.
Need help finding your course? Open your Dashboard or your All Courses list in the Global Navigation Menu to find this course and others. You can customize which courses populate on your Dashboard by following the directions in the help article: How do I customize my Courses list? (opens in new window).