Set Up Multi Factor Authentication On Your UWSP Account

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) increases account security by requiring multiple forms of verification to prove your identity when signing into an application.

UWSP students, employees, and affiliates must set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) with Microsoft’s free Authenticator app as soon as they activate their UWSP account.

Microsoft is retiring SMS and voice authentication on February 1, 2027

Students, retirees/emeriti, and other affiliates using SMS and voice authentication should change their secondary authentication method to MFA with Microsoft’s free Authenticator app before this date to continue to access UWSP resources.

How to set up MFA on your mobile device

  1. You’ll need a computer and a mobile “smart” device.
Picture of a laptop and mobile phone.

On Your Computer

  1. Using a browser on your computer go to: myaccount.uwsp.edu.
Arrow pointing to, "myaccount.uwsp.edu."
  1. Sign in with your UWSP username and password.
Enter your UWSP username. At the bottom-left click Next. Enter your UWSP password and click Next again.

You will be greeted with the following prompt to set up multifactor authentication (“keep your account secure”).

  1. Click Next to continue.
At the bottom right, just click Next to continue.

You will receive the following prompt to install the Microsoft Authenticator app. 

Picture of the "Install Microsoft Authenticator" screen on yiur computer telling you to install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device before returning to this screen.

Do not click Next yet. In the next steps you will install the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device.

  1. Grab your phone or tablet. You will need your phone or tablet for the next few steps before returning to your computer. 

Do not click the “Next” button on your computer screen until you have followed the steps below to install and configure the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device.

On Your Mobile Device

  1. Search for the Microsoft Authenticator app in your device app store.

It looks like this.

Picture of the Microsoft Authenticator blue app icon in the shape of a lock.
  1. Install the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Picture of Authenticator app in App store, ready for you to tap "Install."

On Your Computer

  1. Return to your computer screen and click Next.
Return to your computer. On the "Install Microsoft Authenticator" screen you left earlier, click Next at the bottom right.

This takes you to the Set up your account in app screen.

  1. Click Next.
At the bottom-right of the "the Set up your account in app" screen click Next.

A QR code displays on your computer screen. Leave the QR code open on your computer and pick up your mobile device.

On Your Mobile Device

  1. On your mobile device, open the Authenticator app and allow notifications if prompted.

IMPORTANT: If you are prompted, tap “Allow notifications”.

Picture of mobile device screen with arrow pointing at the Authenticator app. The app displays a blue lock with a white background.
  1. Tap Accept on the Privacy Information screen.
  1. Tap Add account.
Tap the "Add account" button toward the bottom of your mobile device screen.
  1. Tap Work or school account then tap “Scan a QR code”.
Tap "Work or school account" below "Personal account" in the Add account list.

IMPORTANT: Allow camera access if requested!

  1. Tap to allow Authenticator to use the camera.
In the list of options that opens, tap the option to allow Authenticator to use the camera.
  1. With your phone, scan the QR code that you left on your computer screen from earlier.
If you are visually impaired, please select the "Can't scan image?" link or ask for help positioning your phone to scan the QR code.
  1. If prompted, tap OK to “App Lock enabled.” This is a security feature that requires you to enter your device pin if attempting to make changes to your Authenticator app.
  1. Tap Approve to connect your UWSP account to the Authenticator app.
The "Approve sign-in" box appears in the middle of your phone screen. Tap "Approve" at the lower-right of this box.

ALL DONE!

Your Microsoft Authenticator app is set up. See below for how to sign into a UWSP website using your mobile device with the Microsoft Authenticator app.

How to Sign In to your UWSP Resources

Your UWSP username and password is the first part of your secure UWSP sign. The Authenticator app on your mobile device is your second authentication form.

Make sure that you always have your mobile device with you so that you can sign in to your UWSP services and resources whenever needed.

To Sign in:

  1. Sign in with your UWSP username and password.
UWSP sign in screen where you enter your UWSP username and password.

A verification number displays.

The two-digit verification code displays at the bottom of the screen.
  1. On your mobile device, tap the “Approve sign-in” notification sent from your Authenticator app.
Tap the "Approve sign-in" notification on your phone.
  1. Enter the number you were sent into the “Are you trying to sign in?” box on your mobile device.
  1. Then tap Yes to complete your sign in.
Enter the two-digit code into the "Are you trying to sign in?" box in the middle of your phone screen, then tap "Yes" at the bottom-right of the box.

If you have questions or need help, please contact the Information Technology Service Desk!