(SMS and Voice Call MFA Options will no longer be available starting in July 2025 - We encourage users to use one of the Apps or a USB Security Key for Multi-Factor Authentication)

When you login to the account settings site (https://account.wsu.edu). This will take you to where you can edit your profile settings and locate the Security Methods box.

Once you are on the editable profile screen:

  1. Look for the Security Methods box.
     
  2. Select at least one Security Method . (Note: If you set up more than one Security Method, you will have the option to choose your preferred verification method at every login.)


Okta Verify Mobile App


  1. Under "Security Methods - Okta Verify," click on the setup icon.
  2. On the "Setup Okta Verify" screen, click the device type icon.
  3. Click "Next." 
  4. Follow the instructions to install the Okta Verify Mobile App for your device.
  5. Launch the Okta Verify application and select "Add Account." (Note: You may be asked to allow Okta access to your camera for QR scanning).
  6. Scan the QR code on the screen to configure the application.
  7. Click "Done" to complete the process.
  8. You will then be prompted to sign in to Okta to complete the "Verify" factor.
  9. You will then be prompted to verify a factor. You can choose the factor in the pop-up menu attached to the right side of the circle in the window.
  10. During this process, you will have received emails confirming the setup.

We also have a YouTube Instructional Video: MFA Tutorial: Okta Verify

Google Authenticator Mobile App


  1. Under "Security Methods – Google Authenticator," click on the setup icon.
  2. On the "Setup Google Authenticator" screen, click the device type icon. 


Install the Google Authenticator App

  1. On your mobile device, open the application store: 
    • On an iOS device, open the "Apple App Store."
    • On an Android device, open the "Google Play Store."
  2. Search for and install "Google Authenticator." 

  3. Open the Google Authenticator app.

  4. Tap "Scan a barcode." (Note: You may need to additionally install the "Barcode Scanner" app). Follow the prompts, and then re-tap "Scan a barcode."
  5. Hold your device up to the computer screen and scan the barcode.
  6. Click "Next." 

    Complete the Okta login process 
  7. A Google Authenticator code will appear on your mobile device. Type the code into the "Setup Google Authenticator" screen on your computer, and click "Verify."

Text Messageode


  1. Under "Security Methods – Phone," click on the setup icon.
  2. On the "Set Up Text Message Verification" screen, type your phone number. 

  3. Click "Send Code." 

    Code Verification
  4. An SMS code will be sent to your mobile device. Type the code into the "Enter Code" field, and click "Verify." 

Voice Call


  1. Under "Security Methods – Phone," click on the setup icon.
  2. Enter your phone number and click "Call." 

  3. Answer the call, and listen for the code.
  4. Enter the code that is given.
  5. Click "Verify."
Authenticate using Security Key

Security Method Enrollment using Security Key (Note: Security keys are typically in the format of a USB, but are also available in other formats.)

  1. From your account screen, find the Security Methods box. (Note: Currently compatible web browser extensions include Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari.)

  2. Next, click the setup button next to the "Security Key or Biometric Authenticator" section.



  3. When you see the prompt to do so, insert your security key into your computer's USB port, and activate the security key.

Firefox browser


  1. In Firefox, you must click on the option to "Proceed," then plug the device in to finish registration. 


  2. Once this is complete, return to your account settings page.


Chrome browser

You should get the following boxes:


The FIRST TIME you plug in your Security Key, the system will request that you create a PIN Number for your Security Key.  YOU SHOULD TREAT THIS PIN IS A ONE-TIME SETUP SPECIFIC TO YOUR USB SECURITY KEY!  Pay Attention to this and keep your PIN as you cannot reset it, and the system will always ask for the PIN Number after you set it up, even if you remove and try to re-setup this USB Security Key again. (There may be a way to Reset Your USB Security Key PIN - but it isn't guaranteed to work with ALL keys.)

Once you touch your security key at the end, the system finishes the Setup.

When you go to use your Security Key for MFA later, the system WILL ASK for the PIN you set on the key as well as asking you to touch it again after you have plugged it in.



For Security Keys that WSU has tested, please see below:

Security Key Options for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)