Enrolling in Okta Verify for New Accounts

Questions

  • How do I set up Okta Verify on my phone for the first time?
  • How do I enroll my new Bowdoin account in multi-factor authentication (MFA)?
  • What do I do with the QR code I received to set up Okta Verify?
  • Can I use Okta Verify on an iPhone or on an Android phone?
  • I just got a Bowdoin account — how do I complete the initial login setup?
  • I'm a class auditor — how do I set up Okta Verify with my temporary credentials?
  • What should I do if I have trouble scanning the QR code during setup?
  • How do I add a secondary (non-Bowdoin) email address to my Okta account?

Environment

This article applies to all incoming Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students activating a new Bowdoin account for the first time, as well as class auditors completing initial account setup. You will need a computer or iPad with a web browser, and a smartphone (iOS or Android) with the ability to install apps.

If your account is already active and you need to set up Okta Verify on a new or replacement device, see Set Up Okta Verify on a New or Replacement Device in the Related Articles section instead.

Resolution

Step 1: Download Okta Verify on your phone

Download and install the Okta Verify app for iOS/iPadOS or Android from your device's app store. Search for Okta Verify in the App Store or Google Play Store.                            

Once the app is downloaded, set your phone aside. The next steps are completed from a computer or iPad — return to your phone when prompted.

Step 2: Log in with your temporary credentials

  1. Open a web browser on your computer and go to login.bowdoin.edu. Enter the Bowdoin username you were provided in the Email Address field.
    Okta sign in window showing the email address field
  2. Enter your temporary password in the Password field. Class auditors should use the password retrieved from the 1Password link provided by the Registrar's Office.
    Okta login window showing the Password field
  3. Click Set up beneath the Okta Verify option.
    Security methods window with Set Up highlighted in read under the Okta Verify security method.

Step 3: Enroll your phone in Okta Verify

After clicking Set up, follow the on-screen instructions to enroll your phone using the Okta Verify app. When prompted, open Okta Verify on your phone and use it to scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen.

Okta Verify setup screen with instructions and a QR code for adding an account to the Okta Verify app.

Can't scan the QR code? If your phone's camera is broken or unavailable, see Set Up Okta Verify Without Scanning a QR Code in the Related Articles section for an alternative method.

Step 4: Set a security question

You will be prompted to choose or create a security question and answer. This can be used to reset your Bowdoin password if you forget it. Bowdoin IT staff do not have access to your answer, so choose something you will remember.

  1. Click Set up.
    Okta window asking customer to setup security questions and answers.
  2. Choose a pre-set security question or create your own, then provide an answer and click Verify.
    Okta window asking for a customer to setup an answer to a pre-canned question
  3. Additional multi-factor options may appear on the next screen. These are optional at this stage — click Set up later to continue.
Note: Depending on your account type and Okta configuration, the security question prompt may not appear during your enrollment. If you do not see it, proceed to Step 5.

Step 5: Add a recovery email address

You will be prompted to provide a secondary, non-Bowdoin email address. Although this may appear optional, completing it is strongly recommended. If you ever forget your password and cannot answer your security question, a password reset link will be sent to this address.

  1. Enter a personal (non-Bowdoin) email address and click Finish.
    Okta window asking for a secondary email address to be entered in the field provided.
  2. Check that email account for a verification message from Okta and follow its instructions to confirm the address.
No smartphone? If you do not have a smartphone or tablet, contact the Service Desk at (207) 725-3030. The Service Desk can discuss alternative options for completing multi-factor authentication setup.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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