MS Authenticator App

How to enable 2FA on The Ohio State University

Protect your The Ohio State University account with two-factor authentication (2FA). Once enabled, signing in also requires a one-time code from your authenticator app — not just your password.

Step-by-step setup

  1. 1

    Sign in to The Ohio State University and open your The Ohio State University account security settings.

  2. 2

    Turn on two-factor authentication and choose the authenticator-app option.

    Look for "Authenticator app", "Authentication app", or "TOTP" rather than SMS.

  3. 3

    Scan the QR code with MS Authenticator App.

    Open MS Authenticator App, tap add, and point your camera at the QR code The Ohio State University displays. Can't scan? Enter the setup key manually instead.

  4. 4

    Enter the 6-digit code to confirm.

    Type the code MS Authenticator App generates to verify and link your The Ohio State University account.

  5. 5

    Save your backup codes.

    Store the recovery codes The Ohio State University gives you somewhere safe — you'll need them if you lose your phone.

Menu names on The Ohio State University can change — the official The Ohio State University 2FA documentation ↗ always has the exact, current path.

Frequently asked questions

Does The Ohio State University work with authenticator apps like MS Authenticator App?
Yes. The Ohio State University supports TOTP authenticator apps, so you can generate its two-factor codes in MS Authenticator App.
Is The Ohio State University two-factor authentication free?
Yes. Enabling authenticator-app 2FA on The Ohio State University is free — you only need the free MS Authenticator App.
What if I lose access to my The Ohio State University 2FA codes?
Use the backup or recovery codes you saved during setup. If you didn't save them, contact The Ohio State University support to regain access, then re-add the account to MS Authenticator App.
Should I use an authenticator app or a security key on The Ohio State University?
The Ohio State University supports both. An authenticator app like MS Authenticator App is free and works on any phone; a hardware security key adds phishing resistance. You can enable both.

Generate your The Ohio State University codes in MS Authenticator App

Free, offline, and encrypted. One tap for every 6-digit code.

Get the app

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