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IT Services

Turn on two-step authentication

Two-step authentication makes your account more secure by requiring something you have (a numeric code on your phone) and something you know (your username and password) to sign in.

In this article:

Set up an authenticator app to generate verification codes

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

  1. Go to https://websignon.warwick.ac.uk/origin/account/twostep/setup?method=app

  2. Install an authenticator app, such as Microsoft Authenticator, on your device.

  3. Open the authenticator app and create a new account – choose the Scan barcode method.

  4. Scan the barcode displayed on the IT Services Account screen.

  5. A six-digit verification code is generated in the authenticator app. Under Enter a code, type the code displayed on your phone.

  6. Click Turn on two-step authentication. You receive an email confirming that two-step authentication is now enabled for your ITS Account.

    Tip: Print a copy of your backup verification codes and keep them with you – for example, in your wallet. You can use these to sign in if you don't have your phone with you. Note that backup codes are not a feature of Microsoft MFA.

Set up verification codes by text message

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

  1. Go to https://websignon.warwick.ac.uk/origin/account/twostep/setup?method=sms
  2. Enter your mobile phone number, then click Continue.
  3. Check your phone for a text message containing a six-digit verification code. In the UK, the message is sent from WarwickUni. Internationally, the message is sent from +1 262-586-4639.

  4. Enter the verification code, then click Turn on two-step-authentication:

    Enter verification code

  5. Two-step authentication is now enabled for your ITS Account.

    Tip: Print a copy of your backup verification codes and keep them with you – for example, in your wallet. You can use these to sign in if you don't have your phone with you. Note that backup codes are not a feature of Microsoft MFA.
Quick guide: two-step authentication with Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Two-step authentication help

Temporarily without a phone or unable to use a phone, for some reason? Your options are:

  1. Use backup codes to verify, you'll need to print these in advance
  2. Use an alternative device to authenticate, this must be a secondary device