Setup Okta Verify for Bowdoin accounts on a new device

Issues

  • I got a new phone — how do I set up Okta Verify on it?
  • I have a new iPhone or iPad and need to add Okta Verify.
  • I have a new Android phone and can't sign in to my Bowdoin account.
  • My phone was lost, stolen, or broken — how do I get back into my Bowdoin account?
  • I deleted the Okta Verify app and now I can't sign in.
  • I got a new SIM card and now Okta Verify doesn't work.
  • Can I set up Okta Verify on my new phone without calling IT?
  • I can't sign in to Bowdoin email or Canvas because my Okta device changed.
  • How do I transfer Okta Verify to a new phone?

Environment

This article applies to all Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students who need to set up Okta Verify on a new or replacement device. Common triggers include:

  • Getting a new phone (iPhone, iPad, or Android device)
  • Replacing a lost, stolen, or broken phone
  • Installing a new SIM card in an existing phone
  • Accidentally deleting the Okta Verify app with no other sign-in factor set up

If you are setting up Okta Verify for the very first time on a brand new Bowdoin account, see Enrolling in Okta Verify for new accounts in the Related Articles section instead.

Resolution

Before you start: Whether you can fix this yourself depends entirely on whether you have another way to sign in to Okta right now. Read the two options below and identify which applies to you — the steps are completely different.

I have another way to sign in to Okta (self-service) I have no other way to sign in — I'm locked out (contact Service Desk)

I have another way to sign in to Okta (self-service)

You can add your new device yourself if you currently have at least one of the following available:

  • Your old phone, still working and with Okta Verify installed (not erased or reset)
  • Touch ID or Face ID configured as an Okta factor on your Bowdoin MacBook Pro
  • Okta Verify installed and active on another device (e.g., your Bowdoin iPad or a second phone)
  • Google Authenticator set up as an additional Okta factor
Not sure if you have another factor? Try signing in to bowdoin.okta.com. If you can get past the password screen using anything other than your new phone, you have a working factor and can proceed below.

Option A — Transfer from your old phone using Bluetooth (iOS)

If you have both your old iPhone and your new iPhone, you can transfer your Okta Verify account directly using a Bluetooth connection. This is the smoothest path when both phones are available.

  1. Install Okta Verify on your new iPhone from the App Store.
  2. Open Okta Verify on your new iPhone and follow the on-screen prompts to begin the account transfer.
  3. Keep your old iPhone nearby with Bluetooth enabled — Okta will use the Bluetooth connection to migrate your account and security settings.

For complete step-by-step instructions and screenshots, see Okta Help: Transfer your account to a new iOS device.

Android users: A similar Bluetooth transfer process is available for Android devices. See Okta Help: Transfer your account to a new Android device for instructions.

Option B — Add your new device via the Okta dashboard

If your old phone is not available but you can still sign in to Okta using another factor (Touch ID, another device, Google Authenticator), you can add your new phone directly from the Okta End-User Dashboard.

  1. Sign in to bowdoin.okta.com using your working sign-in factor.
  2. Go to your account settings and navigate to the Security Methods or Extra Verification section.
  3. Select Set up next to Okta Verify and follow the prompts to enroll your new device.

For full instructions with screenshots, see the Okta Help Center.

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I have no other way to sign in — I'm locked out

If your only Okta factor was the phone you no longer have access to, there is no self-service option. This is an intentional security requirement — Bowdoin cannot reset MFA without verifying your identity first.

Contact the Service Desk to be re-enrolled. Here's what to expect:

  • A Service Desk agent will set up a short video call with you to verify your identity before resetting your MFA.
  • Once your identity is confirmed, the agent will reset your Okta factor so you can enroll your new device.
  • The whole process typically takes 15–20 minutes.
Important: The Service Desk cannot reset MFA factors by email or chat — identity verification requires a video call or an in-person visit. This policy exists to protect your account from unauthorized access.

Contact options:

  • Phone: Call (207) 725-3030 during business hours
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours — no appointment needed

For current hours and all support options, see Technology Support Options and Hours in the Related Articles section.

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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

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