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:

  1. Use the Duo Mobile authenticator app (recommended)
  2. Use SMS text

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.

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.

Expand or collapse content MFA Option: Duo Mobile App (recommended)

Duo Mobile is the licensed and authorized authentication app for the University of Virginia. By choosing this method, UVA staff can provide more comprensive support compared to Canvas's native authenticate should 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.

Screenshot of the Duo Mobile app.

Select the entry for your UVACanvas Connect account.

Screenshot example of accounts listed in the Duo Mobile app.

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 username/email address. However, this can be customized.

On a computer, start to log in to UVACanvas Connect.

Screenshot of the UVACanvas Connect login page.

On a laptop or desktop computer, navigate to the UVACanvas Connect Other Login Page (opens new window), then:

  1. Enter your Login ID and Password.
  2. Select Log In.

On a mobile device, open Duo Mobile and select Add.

Screenshot of the Duo Mobile app with the Add button outlined.

Open Duo Mobile (pictured above) on your mobile device and select the Add button on the Accounts dashboard.

Select Use QR code at the top of the list.

Screenshot of the User QR code option.

Scan the QR code that appears on your computer.

Screenshot example of a QR code.

 Use your phone to scan the QR code on the Canvas login screen when prompted by Duo.

In your Duo Mobile app, save your account.

Screenshot example of the default Account name in the Duo Mobile app.
  1. 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.
  2. Select Save.

Enter a Password.

  1. Enter a password int the Password field.
  2. Enter same password in the Confirm password field.
  3. Select Next.

Select Show Passcode.

Select Show passcode.

Enter the 6-digit passcode on the Multi-factor Authentication page.

Screenshot example of a passcode from the Duo Mobile app being entered into the Verification Field.
  1. Enter the Passcode from the Duo Mobile app in the Verification Code field on the Multi-factor Authentication page.
  2. Select Verify to log in to UVACanvas Connect.

Warning: If you use a different authenticator as noted on the MFA page, UVA staff may not be able to troubleshooting any issues you may encounter.

Expand or collapse content MFA Option: Canvas Native Authenticator.

On a computer, start to log in to UVACanvas Connect.

Screenshot of the UVACanvas Connect login page.

On a laptop or desktop computer, navigate to the UVACanvas Connect Other Login Page (opens new window), then:

  1. Enter your Login ID and Password.
  2. Select Log In.

If you are access your course via the Get Started button in an invitation email, if you already have an account, you will be brought to the login screen.

Screenshot demonstrating the three steps to setting up MFA using a mobile phone number.
  1. Enter the phone number associated with the mobile device you would like to use to configure your MFA and receive a verification code.
  2. Choose the carrier provider for the mobile device from the drop-down menu.
  3. 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.

Screenshot of Canvas code text message.
Screenshot demonstrating the three steps to setting up MFA using a mobile phone number.
  1. Enter numeric code sent in an SMS text to your mobile device into the Verification Code field.
  2. Select the Verify button.

After selecting the Verify button, you should be logged into UVACanvas Connect.

Enter the code sent in a text message.

Screenshot of Canvas code text message.

If you set up your MFA to text a code to your mobile device, check your device for that code.

Screenshot of Multi-Factor Authentication Verification code pop-up window.
  1. Enter the numeric code into the Verification Code field that appeared on device you are using to access the course. In the screenshot above, the numeric code is 659556, but your code will be different.
  2. Select the Verify button.
Screentshot of user account menu with Setting highlighted.
  1. Once logged in, select the Account icon in your global navigation menu.
  2. Select Settings from the drop-down menu.

Generate Codes.

Screenshot of user account with the Multi-Factor Authentication Backup Codes button highlighted.

Select Multi-Factor Authentication Backup Codes (usually located on the left side of the page.)

Copy Codes.

Screenshot of ten blurred out Canvas Multi-factor Authentication Bacjup Codes.

1. Copy the codes: You will receive ten codes (those code are blurred out in the screenshot example 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 there codes can not be recovered if you lose them.

2. Enter a code when needed: 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 and have not 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 (opens in new window) 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).