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Alternative devices

Important: This help article applies to the Single Sign-on service, which is being replaced by Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

If you prefer not to use your phone every time you sign in, you can use a different device to generate two-step codes. IT Services strongly recommend that you use a different, separate device from the one you normally use to sign in.

You should not use the same primary device that you sign in to Warwick web services with as a system to generate two-step codes.

Tablets

The Microsoft Authenticator app will run on Android and iOS based tablets and does not need a network/internet connection to generate two-step codes. The set-up process is the same as for a mobile phone.

Some alternatives are:

You do not need a camera on the device you are using. You can type in the secret that is displayed on the two-step set-up page after selecting I can't scan the code (see below).

Laptops and desktops

If you have a separate laptop that you are willing to use as a two-step device, you can install a desktop application or browser extension that is capable of generating two-step codes. Some examples are:

Image showing set-up process, with "I can't scan the code" link highlighted

During the set-up process, select I can't scan the code, then note down the code in the Secret box. You can then import this secret into your chosen application and use it to generate two-step codes.

Image showing chrome extension interface

UI showing generated code

It is also possible to use the Authy service mentioned in the previous section, provided you're able to sign up for an account. Simply add a new account and enter the secret you received in the step above:

Screenshot of Authy, showing how to add a new account by entering the secret in the "Enter Code" box.