Set up Okta Verify on an additional device

Questions or Issues

  • How do I set up Okta Verify on an additional device?
  • How do I install Okta Verify on my Mac or Windows laptop for Bowdoin sign-in?
  • How do I turn on Okta FastPass?
  • How do I use Touch ID or Windows Hello with my Bowdoin account?
  • I got a new computer. How do I set up Okta Verify again?
  • How do I add my Bowdoin-issued iPad as a second MFA device?
  • How do I add a backup device so I am not locked out if my phone is unavailable?

Environment

This article is for Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff who already use Okta Verify on one device, usually their phone, and want to add it to another. On a Mac or Windows computer, setting up Okta Verify turns on Okta FastPass. After you enter your password, you can confirm it’s you with Touch ID or Windows Hello instead of approving a push notification on your phone. Computers do not receive push notifications, but an iPad does, so it works as a backup for multi-factor authentication (MFA) if your phone is not available.

  • Mac: Bowdoin-issued Mac running macOS Sequoia (15) or later
  • Windows: Bowdoin-issued Windows 11 computer
  • iPad: Bowdoin-issued iPad
  • Personal computers: supported on a best-effort basis only
  • Not covered: setting up Okta Verify for the first time on your phone

Resolution

Before you start

  • Have the device that already has Okta Verify, usually your phone, nearby. You use it to approve the new device.
  • On a Mac, set up a fingerprint in System Settings > Touch ID & Password. On Windows, set up a PIN, fingerprint, or face sign-in in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
Important: Add Okta Verify only to a device that you alone use. Do not set it up on a lab, classroom, kiosk, or shared computer. Okta Verify links the device to your account.

Set up Okta Verify on a Mac or Windows computer

  1. Install Okta Verify if it is not already on your computer. On a Mac, open Self Service, search for Okta Verify, and click Install. On Windows, open Company Portal, search for Okta Verify, and install it.
  2. Open Okta Verify. On a Mac, press Command + Space and type Okta Verify. On Windows, select Start and search for Okta Verify.
  3. Select Get started. If Okta Verify already lists an account, select Add account instead.
  4. If you are asked for a sign-in URL, enter login.bowdoin.edu and select Next.
  5. Sign in with your Bowdoin email address and password.
  6. On your phone, approve the Okta Verify notification.
  7. When asked to use Touch ID or Windows Hello, select Enable, then confirm with your fingerprint, face, or PIN.
  8. When you see Account added, select Done.

Your computer is now set up for Okta Verify and Okta FastPass. To learn how to sign in with it, see Sign in with Okta FastPass.

Set up Okta Verify on a Bowdoin-issued iPad

  1. Open the Okta Verify app. If it is not on your home screen, install it from Self Service or the App Store.
  2. Tap Add Account.

    Okta Verify on an iPad with the Add Account button highlighted.

  3. Tap Organization.

    Okta Verify account type screen on an iPad with the Organization option highlighted.

  4. Tap Skip.

    Okta Verify screen offering to add an account from another device, with the Skip button highlighted.

  5. When asked whether you have a QR code, tap No, Sign In Instead.

    Okta Verify screen asking Do you have your QR code, with the No, Sign In Instead button highlighted.

  6. In the Organization's Sign-in URL field, enter login.bowdoin.edu, then tap Next.

    Okta Verify screen with the organization sign-in URL field, where you enter login.bowdoin.edu.

  7. Sign in with your Bowdoin username and password.

    The Bowdoin Okta sign-in page shown inside the Okta Verify app.

  8. On your phone, approve the Okta Verify notification.
  9. If asked to turn on Face ID or Touch ID, tap Enable to use it, or tap Not Now to skip.

    Okta Verify prompt to enable Touch ID confirmation, with the Not Now button highlighted.

Your Bowdoin account now appears in Okta Verify on your iPad.

Note: To check which devices have Okta Verify, sign in at the Bowdoin Okta dashboard, select your name, then select Settings and look under Security Methods. Adding a device does not remove Okta Verify from your other devices. If you get a new computer or reinstall Okta Verify, set it up again on that device.

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 Tech Hub business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.

Additional Resources

AI-assisted content: This article was created with AI. It was verified and edited by a human.
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