Duo Two-Factor Authentication: FAQs


Getting started, troubleshooting and other sources of help.

In this guide

What is Duo?

What is two-factor authentication?

Why is Duo necessary?

What services use Duo?

How do I set up Duo?

I’m unable to use the Duo Mobile app, what other options are available?

Can I register more than one device for Duo?

I’ve deleted/reinstalled the Duo Mobile app, how do I get it working again?

I’ve changed my phone but kept the same number, how do I use the Duo Mobile app again?

I’ve changed my phone and have a different number, how do I use the Duo Mobile app again?

What do I do if my phone is lost or stolen?

Can I disable Duo?

Do I still need to use Duo on campus?

I'm travelling/studying outside the UK, will Duo still work?

What is Duo?

Duo is the two-factor authentication system that protects your University of Leeds account from unauthorised access. It offers different methods of adding extra security to your account, but we recommend using the free Duo Mobile app, which is available from both the Apple and Android app stores.

What is two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, adds a second method of identity verification to secure your University of Leeds account and the devices, files and systems associated with it.

It’s commonly used for online services, like banking, and works by combining something you know, your password, with something you have, like your mobile phone.

This ensures that even if someone has your password, they still won’t have enough information to access your account.

Why is Duo necessary?

Passwords are increasingly easy to compromise. They are often stolen, guessed or hacked - you might not even know if someone is accessing your account.

Duo provides an additional layer of security to keep your account secure, even if your password is compromised. 

What services use Duo?

Many University services are protected by Duo, including:

How do I set up Duo?

Duo will prompt you to enrol the first time you log in to a protected service. Simply, follow the instructions on screen to register your smartphone, tablet or other device and install the free Duo Mobile app.

The Duo Mobile app is available from both the Apple and Android app stores and is the easiest and fasted way to securely log in to your account.

For step-by-step set up instructions, see our guide to enrolling for Duo.

We recommend that you set up Duo on more than one device in case your primary device is lost or stolen. See our guide or the Duo website for help adding multiple devices.

I’m unable to use the Duo Mobile app, what other options are available

If you can’t use the Duo Mobile app, there are two other ways to authenticate:

See our guide to choosing and using your authentication device for more information. 

Can I register more than one device for Duo?

We recommend that you set up Duo on more than one device in case your primary device is lost or stolen.

You can add additional devices when you first enrol or at any time by clicking 'Add a new device' whenever you're asked to authenticate. 

See our guide or the Duo website for help adding multiple devices.

You can also see what devices you've registered and edit or delete them by clicking 'My Settings & Devices' whenever you're asked to authenticate.

I’ve deleted/reinstalled the Duo Mobile app, how do I get it working again?

You'll need to reactive the Duo Mobile app. See our guide for step-by-step instructions on how to do this. 

I’ve changed my phone but kept the same number, how do I use the Duo Mobile app again?

You'll need to reactive the Duo Mobile app. See our guide for step-by-step instructions on how to do this. 

I’ve changed my phone and have a different number, how do I use the Duo Mobile app again?

If you still have access to your original phone, you can follow the steps in this guide or on the Duo website to add your new phone as a new device before removing your original phone as a device.

If you no longer have access to your original phone, please contact the IT Service Desk for assistance.

What do I do if my phone is lost or stolen?

Follow the steps in this guide or on the Duo website to remove your phone as a device.

If you've registered another device with Duo, you can use it instead by selecting it from the drop-down box at the top of the authentication window. 

If you haven't registered another device with Duo, contact the IT Service Desk as soon as possible.

Can I disable Duo?

You are always required to use Duo to protect your account and the University’s IT infrastructure, unless you’ve been granted a specific exemption.

Do I still need to use Duo on campus?

You need to use Duo to access protected University services wherever you are.

I'm travelling/studying outside the UK, will Duo still work?

Duo will continue to work as normal over Wi-Fi or mobile data. If you don't have Wi-Fi or mobile data, you can still generate a passcode within the Duo Mobile app by clicking 'Show'. See our guide for more information on using passcodes.

Using the Duo Mobile app in China - If you're travelling to China, we recommend that you download the app before you leave the UK. If you're in China, you can download the app directly from the Duo website. While in China, you may find that you need to use passcodes as your authentication method, rather than receiving push notifications. See our guide for more information on using passcodes.