Enrolling in Duo

To enable Duo on your UBITName account, begin by enrolling a device. The instructions below show how to enroll a smartphone with the Duo Mobile app—the recommended method. (An iPhone is shown, but the steps are the same for an Android device).

Faculty and Staff: Enrolling Your UB Phone?

Jabber requires authentication with Duo, so you will need an alternate method (e.g., Duo Mobile app or passcodes) in order to authenticate and log into Jabber when away from your UB phone, or else use Dual Mode with your mobile phone.

Supported Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Opera, and Internet Explorer 8 or later. Some browsers do not support all of Duo's authentication devices (for example, Security Keys won't work with Internet Explorer). For the widest compatibility with Duo's authentication methods, we recommend recent versions of Chrome and Firefox.

Supported Smartphone Platforms: See OS version support for iPhone (iOS) and Android on Duo Mobile's website.

Enroll now  in Duo Two-Step Verification

Video overview

Instructions for enrolling your smartphone and installing Duo Mobile app

1. Visit the Duo Two-Step Verification Manager on a desktop or laptop

Screenshot: Enable Two-Step Verification.

Your screen may appear slightly different depending on your status with the university.

Complete these steps on a laptop or desktop computer.

  1. On a desktop or laptop, go to twostep.buffalo.edu
  2. When prompted, login with your UBITName and password
  3. Make sure you have a reliable Internet connection and at least one of the following devices on hand before you start the process:
    • Mobile phone (mobile app highly recommended)
    • Tablet
    • Security key
    • Landline phone (faculty, staff, GAs and TAs only)
    • Touch ID (Mac laptop)
  4. Click I'm Ready!
  5. On the next screen click, Start setup if you are ready to enroll, or Cancel enrollment if you are not ready

2. Choose your verification device type

Note: Your device options will vary depending on your university affiliation.

Screenshot: What type of device are you adding? Choose from the options on the screen.

3. Type your phone number

Screenshot: Enter your phone number, including area code, in the field provided.

4. Choose device platform

Screenshot: What type of phone do you have? Select your phone type.

5. Download and install the Duo Mobile app on your device

Do not delete the Duo Mobile app

The Duo Mobile app must remain installed on your device in order for two-step verification to work on that device. Once you enroll your first device, deleting the app will not un-enroll you.

If you are installing on a smartphone or tablet, open the App store or Play store on your smartphone or tablet and search for Duo Mobile. It should resemble this:

Zoom image: Duo Mobile, as it appears in Google Play Store. Duo Mobile app in Play Store.

Duo Mobile, as it appears in Google Play Store.

Zoom image: Duo Mobile, as it appears in the App Store. Duo Mobile app in App Store.

Duo Mobile, as it appears in the App Store.

On your device, Get the software, then Install.

Go back to your laptop or desktop and click I have Duo Mobile installed.

Screenshot: Install Duo Mobile app. Open App Store or Play Store, search Duo Mobile, tap Get, then Install.

6. Launch Duo Mobile on your device and step through the introduction screens

Screenshot: Activate Duo Mobile using QR code.

7. Tap Use a QR code

Zoom image: Screenshot: My settings & devices - Tap use a QR code Screenshot: My settings & devices - Tap use a QR code.

8. Use your camera to scan the QR code shown by Duo Enrollment in your browser. If you're prompted to allow Duo Mobile permission to use your device camera, please grant it.

Screenshot: Name account. Use QR code, grant camera permission if requested.

9. Give the new account a name to complete adding it to Duo Mobile.

Screenshot: My settings & devices: Name account, e.g., UB.

10. Take a practice run

It's a good idea to take a few minutes to practice approving and denying Duo authentication requests if you haven't used Duo before. Tap Practice now to go through some training screens like this one. If you feel comfortable using Duo Mobile to log in to applications you can tap Skip.

Screenshot: Practice run: you are not trying to log in. Deny.

11. Allow notifications

Respond to Duo Mobile even faster by enabling notifications. You'll see new Duo Push requests when they arrive at your device, and can approve or deny from the notification without opening the app. Tap Allow notifications to permit notifications from Duo Mobile.

Screenshot: Allow notifications.

12. Return to the accounts list to exit the new account process.

Screenshot: Almost there, click OK.

13. Two-Step Verification Enabled!

Congratulations! Two-step verification is now enabled on your UBITName account. Whenever you log into a Duo-protected service, you will be contacted on the device of your choice to verify your identity. But don't stop there: now is a great time to enroll a second device.

Common Questions

I use Duo for video calls, so do I already have the app?

Google Duo is a different app. You will need to download the Duo Mobile app, created by Duo Security LLC, to your phone.

Is there a charge for downloading the Duo Mobile app?

Duo Mobile is a free app.

See also

Still need help?

Contact the UBIT Help Center.