Setup Okta Verify on an additional device including an iPad and a Laptop to be used as a factor

Summary

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.

Body

Questions

  • How do I set up Okta Verify on an additional device?
  • Can I add Okta Verify to both my iPad and my laptop?
  • How do I add my Bowdoin-issued iPad as a second MFA device in Okta?
  • Can my laptop be used for Okta two-factor authentication?
  • How do I install Okta Verify on my MacBook or Windows laptop for Bowdoin sign-in?
  • I want a backup device for Bowdoin MFA — how do I add one to my Okta account?
  • What is the easiest way to add Okta Verify to a Bowdoin-issued iPad?
  • How do I add a second authentication device so I'm not locked out if my phone is unavailable?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff who already have Okta Verify set up on at least one device and want to add it to an additional device — such as a Bowdoin-issued iPad or a macOS or Windows laptop. Having Okta Verify on more than one device provides a backup for completing multi-factor authentication (MFA) when signing in to Bowdoin services.

  • Applies to: All Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff
  • Devices covered: Bowdoin-issued iPad (iPadOS) and macOS or Windows laptops
  • Prerequisite: Okta Verify must already be active and enrolled on at least one device (typically your phone) — you will use it to authorize the new device during setup
  • Not covered: First-time Okta Verify setup on a new phone — see the Related Articles section for that workflow

Resolution

Setting up Okta Verify on a Bowdoin-issued iPad

  1. On your iPad, open the App Store.
  2. Search for Okta Verify and download the app. On Bowdoin-issued iPads, Okta Verify may already be installed — check your home screen or the Self Service app before searching the App Store.
  3. Open the Okta Verify app.
  4. Tap Add Account.

    Screen shot of the Okta Verify step to add an account on an iPad. The Add Account button is outlined in red.

  5. Tap Organization.

    Screen shot of the Okta Verify step to choose an account type on an iPad. The Organization button is outlined in red.

  6. Tap Skip.

    Screen shot of the Okta Verify step to add an account from another device on an iPad. The Skip button is outlined in red.

  7. Tap No, Sign In Instead.

    Screen shot of the Okta Verify step asking "Do you have your QR code" on an iPad. The "No, Sign in instead" button is outlined in red.

  8. In the Organization's Sign-in URL field, enter login.bowdoin.edu and tap Next on the keyboard.

    Screen shot of the Okta Verify step to Enter your organization's sign-in URL on an iPad. The field to enter the sign in URL is outlined in red. Customers should enter "login.bowdoin.edu".

  9. Sign in with your Bowdoin username and password as you normally would.

    A screen shot of the Okta Verify app showing the Okta login page. The login page is outlined in red.

  10. On your existing authorized device (typically your phone), accept the Okta Verify push notification to approve the sign-in — just as you would for any other login.
  11. Once the sign-in is approved, your iPad is enrolled as an Okta Verify device. If prompted to enable Face ID or Touch ID on the iPad, you may set it up now or tap Not Now.

    Screen shot of the Okta Verify step to enable Touch ID Confirmation to Okta Verify. The Not Now button is outlined in red.

Tip: You can also add an additional iOS or macOS device to Okta Verify using Bluetooth if both devices are nearby. In the Okta Verify app on your existing device, look for the option to add another device via Bluetooth for a faster, code-free setup.

Setting up Okta Verify on a macOS or Windows laptop

  1. Install the Okta Verify app on your laptop:
    • macOS: Open the Self Service app, search for Okta Verify, and click Install.
    • Windows: Open the Company Portal app, search for Okta Verify, and install it from there.
  2. Open a web browser and go to https://login.bowdoin.edu to sign in to Okta.
  3. Click your name or initials in the upper-right corner of the Okta dashboard and select Settings.
  4. Under the Security Methods section, locate Okta Verify and click Set up another.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions. When prompted, open the Okta Verify app on your laptop and complete the steps shown to link your account.
  6. Once complete, your laptop will appear as an active Okta Verify device in your Security Methods settings.

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.

Details

Details

Article ID: 162511
Created
Tue 6/4/24 9:08 AM
Modified
Tue 4/28/26 3:27 PM

Related Articles

Related Articles (2)

Adding biometric (Touch ID) security access for your Bowdoin account to be used as a factor
How to add Touch ID, Face ID, or Windows Hello as a biometric authentication factor in Okta for faster and more secure sign-in to Bowdoin services. Covers device setup, Okta configuration, and using the biometric factor in a web browser.
Setup Okta Verify for Bowdoin accounts on a new device
Explains how to set up Okta Verify on a new or replacement phone after already having a Bowdoin account. Covers self-service options when another sign-in factor is available, Bluetooth transfer between devices, and how to get assisted re-enrollment from the Service Desk when no other factors are set up. Applies to iOS and Android devices.