Adding biometric (Touch ID) security access for your Bowdoin account to be used as a factor

Questions

  • How do I set up Touch ID for my Bowdoin account?
  • Can I use Touch ID instead of Okta Verify to sign in to Bowdoin services?
  • How do I add biometric authentication as a factor in Okta?
  • How do I use my fingerprint to log in to Bowdoin websites?
  • How do I set up Face ID as a Bowdoin login factor on my iPad?
  • What browsers support Touch ID for Bowdoin account sign-in?
  • How do I add a security key or biometric authenticator in Okta?
  • Can I use Windows Hello to sign in to Bowdoin services?
  • Touch ID is not showing as an option when I sign in — what do I do?
  • How do I remove or replace a saved biometric factor in Okta?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students using a device with biometric hardware. Supported methods by platform:

  • macOS (Sequoia / Tahoe): Touch ID on a Bowdoin-issued MacBook Pro
  • iOS / iPadOS: Face ID on a Bowdoin-issued iPad mini
  • Windows 11: Windows Hello on a Bowdoin-issued Windows computer

Adding a biometric factor is optional. Your existing Okta Verify method continues to work alongside it. Once configured, biometric sign-in can be used in Safari, Chrome, and Microsoft Edge. Firefox does not support biometric authentication factors.

Resolution

There are three steps to setting up biometrics as an Okta factor. Complete them in order.

Step 1 — Set up biometrics on your device

Before adding biometrics to Okta, the biometric feature must be enabled on the device itself.

  • macOS — Touch ID: See Set Up Touch ID on Your MacBook Pro for Faster Logins and Access to Okta SSO in the Related Articles section for full setup instructions.
  • iOS / iPadOS — Face ID: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and follow the on-screen prompts to enroll your face.
  • Windows 11 — Windows Hello: Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and set up fingerprint or facial recognition under the Windows Hello section.

Step 2 — Add biometrics as a factor in Okta

Once biometrics are set up on your device, register them in your Okta account.

  1. Open a web browser and sign in to your Okta account at login.bowdoin.edu.
  2. Click your name in the upper-right corner, then select Settings from the drop-down menu.
  3. Scroll down to the Extra Verification section.
    • If the fields are not editable, scroll back to the top of the page and click Edit Profile. You will be prompted to sign in again before changes can be made.
  4. Next to Security Key or Biometric Authenticator, click Set up (or Set up another if you are adding an additional biometric).
  5. Sign in again if prompted.
  6. On the Set up multifactor authentication screen, click Set up.
  7. On the Set up security key or biometric authenticator screen, click Enroll.
  8. When prompted, use your Touch ID, Face ID, or Windows Hello to save the passkey.
Done: When you return to your Okta profile, you will see an option to remove the biometric factor or add another. Your biometric factor is now active.

Step 3 — Sign in using your biometric factor

The next time you sign in to a Bowdoin service in a supported browser, you can use your biometric factor instead of Okta Verify.

  1. Open Safari, Chrome, or Microsoft Edge and navigate to a Bowdoin service.
  2. Enter your Bowdoin email address and password.
  3. If your biometric factor is not automatically offered, click the drop-down arrow next to the factor name and select Security Key or Biometric Authenticator.
  4. Click Verify.
  5. Use your Touch ID, Face ID, or Windows Hello to complete sign-in.
Important: Biometric sign-in is not supported in Firefox. If you use Firefox as your primary browser, continue using Okta Verify as your authentication factor.

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.

Additional Resources

Print Article

Related Articles (4)

Bowdoin password requirements and choosing a strong password
Bowdoin's password requirements plus strategies for creating strong, memorable passwords — including passphrases, password managers, and common patterns to avoid. Applies to all students, faculty, staff, and emeritus accounts.
Resetting your Bowdoin account password
Explains how to reset or change your Bowdoin account password through the Okta portal, covering three scenarios: changing a known password, resetting a forgotten password using self-service recovery options, and requesting an assisted reset through the Service Desk.
Set Up Touch ID on Your MacBook Pro for Faster Logins and Access to Okta SSO
Bowdoin College faculty, staff, and students using a MacBook Pro can enable Touch ID and register up to three fingerprints. Touch ID can then be used for unlocking the Mac, using Touch ID for Okta SSO, accessing settings, and autofill features.
Setup Okta Verify on an additional device including an iPad and a Laptop to be used as a factor
Instructions for adding Okta Verify to an additional device — including a Bowdoin-issued iPad or a macOS or Windows laptop — so you have a backup option for completing Bowdoin's multi-factor authentication (MFA) requirement when signing in to Bowdoin services.