Technology

Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication

Last modified 7/22/2026

Once you have been informed of your eligibility, enable Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) on your account. Multi-Factor Authentication is enabled through the ULID Account Management page. Use the following steps to enable MFA:

  1. Go to ULID Account Management and log in with your ULID and Password.
  2. In the Multi-Factor Authentication section, click the Change MFA Devices button. Then, click the Manage Devices button (Figures 1 & 2).

    Figure 1:
    Change MFA Devices screenshot
    Figure 2:
    Manage Devices screenshot

  3. A website will open to the section titled "More Information required." Click the Next button (Figure 3):

    Figure 3:
    More information required screenshot
  4. Another page will open with the title Start by getting the App. To be called for verification, click I want to set up a different method. The options for verifying a sign-in are: receiving a prompt from the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone, receiving a text message, or receiving an automated call. (Figure 4).

    Figure 4:
    Start by getting the app screenshot

  5. After setting up your methods for verifying sign-ins, close the website and sign in to your Microsoft account using the method you chose.

    MFA has now been successfully enabled on your account. 


Methods for Verifying your Sign ins

  • Recommended method: Mobile App (Phone Notification and One-Time Passcode)

Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication using the Mobile App

  • This method allows you to receive verification notifications using an Authenticator app downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store. View the notification, and if it is legitimate (i.e., you are logging in), select Approve in the app prompt on your cellular device.
  • Alternatively, select the option to use a one-time passcode. Using this method will generate a verification code from the authenticator app, which updates every 30 seconds. Enter the most current verification code in the sign-in interface. *Note: To use this feature, MFA must already be set up before you can change to this method of authentication. This is because the phone notification is the default authenticator method when using the authenticator app.
  • For instructions on setting up mobile app authentication, visit the link above.
  • For instructions on how to set up the one-time password authentication method, see Setting Up the Time-Based One-Time Passcode Authentication Method
  • The mobile app is the most secure verification method and is recommended as the primary method.

  • Mobile Phone Call

Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication using your Phone Number - Phone Call Verification

  • This method places an automated voice call to the phone number you provide. After answering the call, the user will press the pound key (#) on their phone in order to authenticate. The number you will see on your device is (309) 438-3535.
  • For instructions on setting up authentication using your mobile phone, visit the link above for Phone Call Verification.

  • Text Message Verification (SMS)

Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication using your Phone Number - Text Message Verification

  • This method sends a verification code to your mobile device via a text message. Simply enter the code that was sent to you, and your login will be authenticated.
  • For instructions on setting up SMS as your authentication method, visit the link above for Text Message Verification.

  • FIDO2 Security Key

Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication using a FIDO2 Security Key

The use of a FIDO2 security key is now allowed as an option for Multi-Factor Authentication. These security keys provide the most secure form of authentication by replacing standard password-based authentication with hardware-based authentication and a unique PIN. To set up this method, you will need to purchase your own FIDO2 security key. Please see the following link for all compatible keys: Microsoft compatible security keys. 



Setting up multiple methods of multi-factor authentication is recommended to provide a backup option. 



For more information on setting up additional methods, please see "Adding Additional Verification Methods for Multi-Factor Authentication." 

Office phone not recommended

It is not recommended to use your office phone for multi-factor authentication. This is because MFA may be required when you are off-campus; you must have a phone with you (such as a mobile device) to use it. If you do not have a cellular phone, use your home landline phone.


Videos

View the following videos to learn more about MFA: 

What is Multi-Factor Authentication 

Using MFA to Log in to Illinois State University

How to Get Help

Technical assistance is available through the Illinois State University Technology Support Center at:



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