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Okta - Initial Setup for Two-Factor Authentication

How to setup Okta (aak·tuh) on your device.

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Chief Human Resources Officer

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Vice Chancellor for Administration & Finance

 Policy Contact

Human Resources Associate Director

Why Two-Factor Authentication?

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring both your password and verification from your trusted device. This protects your personal information and university data even if someone obtains your password.

Important:

ITS recommends to have at least two security devices added to your account; (i.e. cell phone, laptop, iPad . . .) you may add as many devices as you like.

It is recommended to setup Okta on your cell phone first before adding other devices because you need to "verify" when adding other devices.  The easiest way is to use your cell phone for verification.

Getting a New Phone?

Before switching devices: See our guide on Okta - Authenticator Removal Before Getting a New Phone to avoid being locked out of your accounts.

Already switched and don't have your old phone? Contact the Eagle Help Desk for assistance.

Choose Your Device Type

iphone_icon

Personal iPhone/iPad

Set up Okta Verify on your personal iOS device

aaapadlock

Personal Android

Set up Okta Verify on your personal Android device

laptop_icon

Personal Desktop/Laptop

Set up Okta on your Windows or Mac computer

aaaphone

University owned iOS device

Set up Okta on your university issued iPhone or iPad


iphone_icon Personal iPhone/iPad

Okta Verify App Store 

  1. Download Okta Verify from the App Store
  2. Open Okta Verify on your phone
  3. Tap "Add Account" and choose "Organization"
  4. When prompted tap "No, Sign In Instead"
  5. Enter myapps.uwlax.edu
  6. Sign in using your UWL NetId and Password
  7. Setup Complete!

android_icon Personal Android Device

Okta Verify Google Play 

  1. Download the Okta Verify App from the Google Play Store
  2. Open Okta Verify on your phone
  3. Tap "Add Account" and choose "Organization"
  4. When prompted tap "No, Sign In Instead"
  5. Enter myapps.uwlax.edu
  6. Sign in using your UWL NetId and Password
  7. Setup Complete!

laptop_icon Personal Laptop or Desktop

Desktop Setup Guide 

iphone_icon University Issued iPhone Device

  1. Open Self Service 
  2. Sign In and Install Okta Verify from Self Service 
  3. Open Okta Verify 

    Install and Setup

    University Owned (iOS)

    Open Self Service

    Self Service Image

    Sign in

    Sign In

    Install

    Install Okta

    Open Okta Verify

    Open Okta

    Personally Owned

    Looking for Okta Verify App Setup (Windows and mac)

    Get Started

    Get Started

    Next

    How it works

    Received an SMS from Okta? Open the texted link again to complete setup.

    Add account

    Add Account

    Organization

    Organization

    Skip

    Skip

    No, Sign In Instead

    No, Sign In

    Enter myapps.uwlax.edu, Next. 

    Organization

    Sign in with your UWL credentials. If prompted regarding "Push Notifications" choose Allow.

    Allow

    Allow

    Allow

    Done

    Account Added

    Okta Code

    Disable Biometrics (Android)

    On the Account details page, go to the Options section and turn off Use biometrics.

    Disable Biometrics

    When prompted, verify your identity with biometrics.

     

    How to Use Okta Verify

    Push Notification

    Send Push

    Send Push

    Yes, It's Me

    Yes, Its Me

    Verification Code

    Verify with something else

    Verify With Something Else

    Enter a Code, Select

    Code

    Enter code from Okta Verify app, Verify

    Verify Code

     



    Keywords:
    Okta, Android, iOS 
    Doc ID:
    131548
    Owned by:
    Travis S. in UW-La Crosse
    Created:
    2023-09-19
    Updated:
    2025-07-16
    Sites:
    UW-La Crosse